These projects are funded by SEEKIT and ERDF.

Call for companies to present – First Announcement

Date of the event: March 20^th 2012, 10h00 – 16h00

Location: Stirling Management Centre, Stirling, United Kingdom

At the event a number of major companies from the Food & Drink manufacturing industry will present their latest technology demands. This is a unique opportunity to meet with senior staff from this growth sector and hear firsthand the technology they will be buying in the near future.

There is also the opportunity to present your products to these companies and pitch your solution. In addition to the presentation slots we are offering an area for pop-up displays and some table top adverts in the break out areas.

This is an ideal opportunity to network with a number of potential customers in one day, and for the large companies to see a broad range of solutions companies in one day.

Contact Gerry Watt for more information or read the event flyer.

Set to take place in Derby on November 23, the event ‘Improving Aircraft Engine Health Management: Future Technologies, Today’ is scheduled to focus on driving continued improvements in aircraft energy efficiency and reducing flying costs through technology. Joining a host of high profile speakers, Dr Begbie will deliver a detailed presentation on the benefits of wireless data gathering systems for condition monitoring in the highly complex aerospace environments, drawing from experience developing such systems alongside some of the aviation world’s biggest companies.

“This event is shaping up to be an exciting opportunity for all those involved. Having worked within the field of intelligent systems for many years, we’ve watched as the potential for such devices has become increasingly evident to the sector,” said Dr Begbie.

The event will centre on engine health monitoring and its vital role in delivering environmentally responsible aircraft and how the potential of these techniques can be fully realised. Industry experts will explore the latest advances in health management and the application of techniques to aircraft components, with speakers due to discuss the potential cost savings and increased efficiency they provide for fleet management.

Key features of assessing aircraft engine performance will be brought together offering an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences across different sectors. Providing an overview of the use cases and technology landscape, Dr Mark Begbie will deliver an outline of the analysis identifying technology development candidates, the current system status, capabilities, limitations and routes to mitigation of these, and the forward looking opportunities for further development and deployment of derivative systems.

Having joined ISLI in September 2003 to extend the reach of the Institute into the field of silicon MEMS, including integration with CMOS electronics, Dr Begbie has since managed the integration of the physical layer electronics, embedded systems and MEMS technology interests of the Institute into a single integrated systems activity. Passionate about the role of new and emerging technologies and applications in economic development, Dr Begbie has led ISLI in becoming one of the leading institutes to bridge the technological gap between the academic and commercial engineering worlds. The result of which has led to an increase in the value and extent of company engagements in high level R&D, which is particularly evident in their work on a number of high profile projects with brands including engineering giant Rolls Royce, Airbus UK, and AgustaWestland.

Attracting attendees from industries including research & technology customers, end users, technology integrators, technology manufacturers, research students and recent graduates, the event looks to be an exciting opportunity for those interested in understanding the health management challenges from a civil and military perspective, finding out recent technological advances in health management and discovering what operators need and want from future systems. Offering a number of technological advantages including ensuring you are meeting the needs of your customers, debating future technology drivers and gaining a fuller understanding of the latest research and its applications, this event looks to be a valuable opportunity for companies concerned with these sectors.

This one day seminar will take place on Wednesday 23 November 2011, at the Derby Conference Centre, and can be booked here.

Current aircraft instrumentation and test systems are linked by heavy and complex wiring harnesses which limit the amount of data which can be collected. Using wireless (radio) technology instead of fixed wiring gives the potential to measure more parameters, save cost and weight and lead to lighter, more efficient future aircraft designs and quicker time-to-market.

Although wireless devices are already common in the computer, video game and mobile phone sectors using technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth, these are not designed to operate reliably in the harsh physical and electromagnetic environment found on an aircraft. The project will therefore find solutions to the challenges which currently prevent deployment on aircraft and, through a phased testing and demonstration programme, will prove the performance of the new wireless systems developed.

ISLI is delivering expertise in wireless systems architecture, design and implementation to meet the needs of complex, often competing, requirements and constraints in a highly challenging and regulated environment. We will be delivering platform independent embedded network software which will provide coordination of widely differing data streams over the underlying ultra-wideband MAC and PHY. We will be taking these elements forward to exploitation in further system implementations and are actively seeking partners for further application development.

Delegates to the prestigious aviation event will be shown how ISLI’s development of new radio networking technology is supporting the emergence of a new generation of solutions to some age-old industry problems. Members of the research team will show how the institute is working with several key players from the UK aerospace industry within the WiTNESSS (Wireless Technologies for Novel Enhancement of Systems and structures Serviceability) collaborative project, founded to research and de-risk wireless data transmission technology for key testing and structural health monitoring applications in aero engines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Current aircraft instrumentation and test systems are linked by heavy and complex wiring harnesses which limit the locations and overall amount of data which can be collected. Using wireless (radio) technology instead of fixed wiring gives the potential to measure more parameters, save cost and weight and lead to lighter, more efficient future aircraft designs and quicker time-to-market.

Launched in August 2009, the WiTNESSS project is joint funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board and some of the aerospace industry’s leading companies. With iSLI playing a key technical role alongside other SMEs, OEMs and end users (Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, TRW Conekt, QinetiQ Ltd, QM Systems Limited, GE Aviation Systems Ltd, Bombardier Aerospace Belfast, HW Communications, AgustaWestland and Airbus), the consortium intends to deliver a range of commercial application demonstrators based on the new system by the end of 2011.

Although wireless devices are already common in the computer, industrial automation and mobile phone sectors using technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth, these are not designed to operate reliably in the harsh physical and electromagnetic environment found on an aircraft. The project will therefore find solutions to the challenges which currently prevent deployment on aircraft and, through a phased testing and demonstration programme, will prove the performance of the new wireless systems developed.

ISLI is delivering expertise in wireless systems architecture, design and implementation to meet the needs of complex, often competing, requirements and constraints in a highly challenging and regulated environment. ISLI will be delivering platform independent embedded network software which will provide coordination of widely differing data streams over the underlying ultra-wideband MAC and PHY. This will support the needs for improved Quality of Service, support efficient use of the data pipe and lay the groundwork for advanced synchronisation across the network.

Dr Mark Begbie, director of ISLI added: “This is a tremendously exciting project and we’re looking forward to discussing its implications with people from across the aerospace sector as this is just the beginning. Moving ahead we will be taking these elements forward to exploitation in further system implementations and are already actively seeking partners for further application development.”

ISLI will be at the WiTNESSS STAND NO10 at the 2011 Aerospace, Aviation & Defence KTN Conference, Magna Science Park, Rotherham on 20-21 September 2011.

The WiTNESSS project consortium is supported by a grant of £1.6M from the Technology Strategy Board, tackling the thematic area of capturing data in complex environments.

Hosted by the Centre for Health Science and Interface, engineers from Scotland’s Institute for System Level Integration (ISLI) will show a free seminar audience how any organisation can draw upon the latest technologies to create new products and services irrespective of their level of technical expertise. Institute Director Dr Mark Begbie will show how his team have worked with a raft of businesses ranging from household names like Rolls Royce to home based start-ups in order to help them develop new offerings for a dynamic, constantly shifting marketplace.

“Scotland’s businesses are famed for their innovative, hard-working approach, but every year there are thousands of bright ideas that don’t go anywhere because the people behind them aren’t sure how to turn their dream into a reality. We’re here to help with that, and have years of experience helping organisations take those little flashes of inspiration through the process that will eventually see them become actual products,” said Dr Begbie.

“If you have a great idea for a new product or service and don’t know where to start, this could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.”

Set to take place on Tuesday June 28, the free lunchtime seminar will help organisations operating in dynamic marketplaces understand the multitude of capabilities Scotland’s technology transfer organisations can offer their business. Demonstrating how companies can approach the challenge of knowing what technology is best for their needs, what skills they require, how much it will all cost and how long it will take, the seminar will include two presentations followed by a networking lunch offering the opportunity for 1:1 meetings for anyone who wishes to discuss specific needs or ideas.

Experienced in helping enterprises profit from emerging technologies, Dr Begbie will discuss how the plummeting cost and sky-rocketing capability of electronics, sensors and wireless communications can deliver critical market advantage for any organisation. Exploring how harnessing the power of electronic enabling technologies can take products to the next level, the presentation will also examine the trends involved and how the commoditisation of technology has delivered, and continues to trigger, disruptive market change.

Representatives of Interface will also provide a diversity of expertise both small and large companies can make productive use of, exploiting the expertise and research facilities of all of Scotland’s Universities and Research Institutions. The organisation’s David Chapman will show attendees how companies can benefit from tapping into the world-class expertise, technology and facilitates whilst also offering free and impartial face-to-face advice to help businesses increase their competitiveness, develop new products and exploit new market opportunities by connecting them with academia. Regardless of the size or sector of the organisation, there is the potential to vastly gain from utilising the services of Interface, including guidance on funding opportunities and support to potentially access these.

The seminar will be of particular interest to companies or individuals with an interest in electronics and for those with ideas that could benefit from more ‘smart’ or ‘integrated’ technology, whilst also relevant to those wishing to access or discover more about cutting edge technologies in the research base.

If you would like to attend this lunchtime seminar – Enabling Better Products Through Technology – on Tuesday 28th June at 12pm – 13.30pm (lunch provided) at the Centre for Health Science, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH, please email thecompany@cfhs.eu.

The Edinburgh-based Institute for System Level Integration, which works with Scottish and international businesses to create innovative new products for a variety of sectors including consumer electronics, energy and healthcare, unveiled the new sites ahead of the high-tech business and networking event, which took place in the Glasgow SECC on Tuesday, June 7. Designed to provide a refreshed and updated platform demonstrating the Institute’s capabilities and experience, the sites’ launch emphasises a range of recent activities that have seen the organisation develop and sharpen the range of services it offers.

“The Scottish Technology Showcase has become one of the high points of the business year, and as such provides the perfect platform to formally launch our new online presence. We believe that this country still has the capacity to be recognised as a global centre of innovation and technical excellence, and are looking forward to working alongside a new generation of exciting young companies with the ambition and drive to make their visions a reality,” said Institute Director Dr Mark Begbie.

Earlier this year ISLI launched the ‘DoRIES’ project to provide businesses across the Scottish lowlands and uplands with the technical support required to develop a raft of high value high-tech new products and services. Backed by a £666K investment from the Scottish Government SEEKIT programme and the European Regional Development Fund, together with financial and technical backing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde universities, the Development of Research and Innovation in Electronic System project is designed to support Scottish SMEs seeking to develop marketable products, services or processes using electronics based enabling technologies.

With extensive experience developing integrated system technologies for sectors including energy, smart home, health, aerospace and electronics, ISLI is ideally positioned to provide client companies with the technology and supporting guidance required to generate engagement and impact across almost all business markets and sectors. Firms taking advantage of the project can receive assistance with both the technology review and technology feasibility study phases of product development.

The relaunched academic site, meanwhile, focuses on ISLI’s role in producing future generations of great engineering talent. Already renowned for its EngD programme, which offers a PhD-level qualification in advanced engineering, the Institute’s educational programme has recently been embellished by the addition of a new postgraduate MSc in in Sensor Networks has been designed to give students the key skills and knowledge required to develop industrial solutions at the cutting edge of this rapidly growing field. this rapidly growing field. A uniquely structured and flexible course, as with all ISLI qualifications the new degree will be awarded jointly with the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde.

Co-ordinated by ISLI, DoRIES is an intiative to provide businesses across the Scottish lowlands and uplands with the technical support required to develop a raft of high value high-tech new products and services.

Backed by a £832K investment from the Scottish Government SEEKIT programme and the European Regional Development Fund, together with financial and technical backing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde universities, DoRIES launched in January 2011.  The DoRIES (Development of Research and Innovation in Electronic Systems) project is designed to support Scottish SMEs seeking to develop marketable products, services or processes using electronics based enabling technologies. With the aid of financially supported access, the programme’s technical support team will help participating companies develop and adopt the high-tech product solutions demanded by the modern marketplace.

Delivered by the technology transfer institute’s team of industrially experienced engineers, businesses will be helped through the process of integrating and mastering the technologies – such as wireless interconnection, embedded computing, advanced sensing, signal processing and energy efficiency – that they need to deliver the high degrees of automation, intelligence, mobility and usability required by today’s markets.  Backing this up, is the world-class expertise of the four university partners in the areas of electronic engineering and computer science.  Where the client application needs new technology to provide a solution, the university engagement and the Institute’s established links will enable pull-through of research capability to implementation in client solutions.

With extensive experience developing integrated system technologies for sectors including energy, smart home, health, aerospace and electronics, ISLI is ideally positioned to provide client companies with the technology and supporting guidance required to generate engagement and impact across almost all business markets and sectors. Project staff will work with companies to create the new technological concepts they need to take their product to the next level. They will then provide focused support to develop those concepts into robust technology solutions satisfying the needs and roadmap of the client companies.  Firms taking advantage of the project can receive assistance with both the technology review and technology feasibility study phases of product development. SMEs will be eligible for a package of support – up to a maximum value of £5,000 – to undertake the collaborative feasibility studies and proof-of-concept work with the institute.

The SEEKIT programme is a Scottish Government scheme which aims to encourage new and improved productive knowledge transfer activities between small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the Scottish public sector science base.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is an instrument of the EC which aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions.  The DoRIES project is funded under Priority 1 – ‘Research and Innovation’ within the fund for ‘Regional Competitiveness and Employment’.

DoRIES offers two stages of assistance:

Stage 1 – Technology Review

Clients can obtain impartial FREE 1:1 advice on electronics and embedded software technologies and techniques from the DoRIES team. This is in the form of a technology review and typically as part of the client’s development plans for a new product or service or the redevelopment or improvement of an existing product. Support to identify and apply for additional funding can also be provided as part of the service.

Stage 2 – Technology Feasibility Study

Pre-start-ups and SMEs may apply for support up to the value of £5000 or 50% of total project costs (whichever is the least). The applicant is expected to provide a 50% match in funds or demonstrable in-kind support. The purpose of this support is to assess the technical feasibility of a project by leveraging the expertise of the ISLI Technology Group staff and, where appropriate, the partner universities of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde and Glasgow.

Typical outcomes from feasibility studies include feasibility reports, proof of concepts, technology demonstrators or combinations of the three.

Example technology support available:

Embedded software implementation on microcontrollers and microprocessors
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
Analog and mixed-signal Printed Circuit Board Design (PCB) design
Sensor-Electronics integration
Wireless and wired communications/networking
High-speed data acquisition
Signal processing/image processing/machine vision
Low-power electronics implementation

To discuss how DoRIES can assist your company, please contact:

Dr. Cade Wells
Project Manager
T: 0131 510 0670
E: dories@isli.co.uk

DoRIES is funded by the Scottish Government’s SEEKIT programme, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ISLI’s partner universities of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde and Glasgow.

ISLI can increase a spin-out company’s chances of success by creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs during the formation of their company and the crucial early stages of business. Practical help includes facilities, support from the in-house design team including advice on design flows and creating design flows, and reviews of business plans or outline proposals.

Spin-out companies assisted include:

• A2E: Platforms, IP and services to accelerate the convergence of storage and high bandwidth networks. A2E sponsors an ISLI EngD research engineer.
• Verilab: Specialises in the functional verification of complex SoCs, ASICs and FPGAs, supplying verification services, methodology consultancy and training in the UK, Europe and the USA.
• CriticalBlue: Delivers a complete embedded systems solution offering a new implementation capability that fits within existing design flows and is based on existing languages. CriticalBlue sponsors an ISLI EngD research engineer.

ISLI also acts as the host organisation for Scottish Enterprise Fellows.

This programme, funded by SE and delivered by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, helps academic researchers develop spin-out companies, by providing a route to translating the excellence in Scottish research into new businesses and products. So far, 75% of Fellows involved in the programme have gone on to be involved in new ventures.

Fellows supported by ISLI include:

• Elonics: Semiconductor design consultancy specialising in developing AMS ICs to client requirements, either as standalone devices or as building blocks for further integration as part of an SoC methodology. Offers clients access to value-add IP in a range of applications, from precision low-power analogue power management and sensor interface technologies to high speed/RF for wireless, wired and optical communications systems. The technology is used in a range of products including portable consumer devices and optical networks.
• Dynamic Innovations: medical device company

ISLI will be there to provide advice and suggestions as to how your innovative idea can be taken to the next stage of development. Please come along to our stand on the day and we will be more than happy to discuss your idea further.

The event will see key note presentations from the likes of Dr Peter Donnelly, CEO Bio Business, Connecting Health with Technologies – does it provide solutions? Others will include:

Telehealth in Scotland - Eunice E Muir, Executive Nurse Director NHS 24 Developing World Class Facilities – Margaret Duffy, COO, NHS Forth Valley

Four breakout sessions will follow the keynote addresses, of which attendees will attend only 3 of the 4 breakout sessions:

Remote Management of Long Term Conditions – Ian Flynn, Independent Living Scotland and Elaine Gemmell, Scottish Health Innovations Ltd

Technology for Living at Home – Dr Thilo Kroll, Alliance for Self Care Research, Colin Black, Tunstall and Kevin Wilson, Innova Partnerships

Introducing New Technologies to the NHS – Dr Colin Morton, NHS, Scott Johnstone, Scottish Life Sciences Association and Allyson Bailey, NHS Forth Valley

Population Health – Preventative Medicine – Murdo Black, Axis-Sheild and Thea Ni Loinnain, Sporting Chance Initiative

Exhibitors fee is £100 + vat which includes two free delegate passes, an exhibition stand with one 6 foot trestle table and two chairs, an entry in the showcase exhibitors booklet and all refreshments. Whilst the delegate cost is £35 + vat per person. NHS delegates can attend free of charge but you must provide a valid NHS email address to enable a FOC place when registering online.

Due to limited exhibition space at the event, in the first instance all exhibitor enquiries should be made to Judy Rudd on 0141 330 5381 or email j.rudd@nexxusscotland.com.

For general enquiries regarding this event, please contact Jacqueline McCafferty on 01506 532460 or email jacqueline@edtc.org.uk.

Registration is being taken via the Edinburgh Napier University Online Store.  You must have a credit/debit card to make payment, if you do not have a credit card please contact Jacqueline McCafferty on 01506 532460 to discuss alternative payment options.  Please note only one registration can be made at any one time. You must create a login and password to register using the Online Store.

This event is brought to you by EDTC Technology Gateway, Scottish Health Innovations Ltd, Wellness & Health Innovation, NEXXUS, SUIPand Sporting Chance Initiative.