2014 Fast Forward competition opens today
Entries for a competition to turn innovative ideas into reality have opened today for eligible universities and research establishments.
Entries for a competition to turn innovative ideas into reality have opened today (16 October 2013) for eligible universities and research establishments. As part of the 2014 Fast Forward competition they are now able to compete for a pot of the £750,000 funding available.
Since 2010, the competition has provided £2 million worth of funding and inspired 35 innovative UK projects.
Universities and public sector research establishments are encouraged to work collaboratively with businesses and local communities on projects that best use innovation and Intellectual Property (IP). Last year’s projects were in the areas of healthcare and social enterprises, clean technology construction and aerospace.
Minister for Intellectual Property Lord Younger said:
"I am pleased to support the fourth year of the Fast Forward competition which rewards projects that display innovative approaches to Intellectual Property.
"Our world class universities and industry should always look to find new ways of working together and help support economic growth.
"The Fast Forward competition allows just this. It means our innovative creative industries can produce new and interesting products and services that meet global demand and I urge those interested to submit an entry."
Recent competition winners have included:
- the Bloodhound@University project which is involved in the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car (SSC) world land speed record project. Based at the University of the West of England, Bloodhound@University secured £80,000 in funding
- the ITALIA project from Buckinghamshire New University. The project was awarded £70,000 to bring together a variety of medical experts, university academics and Buckinghamshire County Council to develop new telehealth solutions to connect patients and doctors
The closing date for entries in the competition is Friday 13 December 2013.