BEST PRACTICE CASE STUDY
DACONI LTD
About INDEX
INDEX (Innovation Delivers Expansion) is a unique demand-led innovation voucher scheme led that invites Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to apply for a voucher to purchase academic support from one of the 13 Higher Education Institutions in the West Midlands. The project is funded by Advantage West Midlands (AWM), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Innovation Vouchers allow SMEs to purchase academic expertise knowledge to develop their innovation and enhance their business.
The Innovation Voucher scheme aims to build links between Universities and SMEs to create a demand led approach to innovation.ABOUT THE BUSINESS: Daconi Ltd
The Technocentre
Puma Way
Coventry
CV1 2TT
Telephone: 02476 236690
Email: keith@daconi.co.uk
Website: www.daconi.co.uk
Main Contact: Keith Jones
Daconi are based at the TechnoCentre in Coventry. Formed in 2002, Daconi have 5+ years of experience in wireless broadband deployment, from wireless surveys, design, integration and support for midlands based companies. From WiMAX leased line replacement, to WiFi Zones for conference centres, MESH networks for communities, to school campus WiFi; Daconi has the experience to provide an economic quality solution.
INNOVATION
Energy & Power
THE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Daconi were developing a prototype Solar Power-over-Ethernet Injector under an Innovations Networks grant (project ref. AWM042). The product had applications in remote powering of IT equipment, such as wireless access point (for broadband access), CCTV cameras, etc. In order to move this prototype to a manufacturable product Daconi required a product physical (mechanical) design and manufacturing expertise.
The tasks required academic input are: advice on product physical design particularly waterproofing of RJ45 ports and solar/battery connectors; advice on material selection for an outdoor weather-proof product; advice on manufacturability, i.e. techniques to enable easy and cost effective manufacture; advice on data format required by manufacturing companies and signposting to local companies that can manufacture small quantities.
WORK UNDERTAKEN
Create design concepts for the Solar Power-over-Ethernet Injector
- Initial concept proposals
- Development of CAD model for selected concept suitable for rapid prototyping
- Design to suit IP66 enclosure
ABOUT THE HEI: University of Wolverhampton
University of Wolverhampton
Wulfruna Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1SB
ABOUT THE ACADEMIC
Professor Andrew Pollard, Caparo Innovation Centre
Prof Andrew Pollard was appointed Caparo Industrial Professor in 2003 with responsibility for establishing the Caparo Innovation Centre. This is a collaborative venture between Caparo plc and the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, located at Wolverhampton Science Park.
The Caparo Innovation Centre specialize in the early stage development of new products; with expertise in design concept development, CAD modeling, prototyping, market research, competitor and patent analysis and business plan development.
Prof Pollard and his team have worked for a very wide range of clients, from plc’s through SME’s to new business startups. The Caparo Innovation Centre have a unique offer, in that as an alternative to working on a straightforward consultancy basis, they are also able to take on some projects on a contingent-on-success basis. The way this works is that their expertise in engineering, design and business plan development can be provided in return for an agreed share in the intellectual property rights to the idea and paid back through a royalty on sales for the product. This can be a very effective route to commercialisation for inventors of new products and the Caparo Innovation Centre have now got a track record of successful product licences and new company start-ups where the inventors and the University hold shares. Prof Pollard has been appointed Director of one such company, Unibyte Ltd, and is widely regarded for his specialist knowledge and direct experience of new product commercialisation.
Jonathan Lester, Product Design Associate, Caparo Innovation Centre
Jonathan completed a BSc in Product Design at the University of Wolverhampton in 2001, obtaining 1st Class honours. During his studies he covered a diverse range of subjects including CAD Modelling, Engineering, Mathematics, Business, and Design amongst others. After graduating, Jon joined Aga-Rayburn where he took up the post of Product Designer. He subsequently returned to the University, joining the Caparo Innovation Centre within the School of Engineering and the Built Environment in 2003 and completing an MSc in Advanced Technology Management in 2007.