British business will be able to tap into 130,000 academics to collaborate on development of new products and services through a new online tool known as Konfer.
Business groups representing digital media, technology and cyber security are among those to have joined the Konfer Trusted User Group. Founder members include Capgemini, The Oil & Gas Technology Centre, Unilever and Wired Sussex.
They’re looking towards the £1.1 billion income gained by UK universities every year from working with business.
David Docherty, Chief Executive at the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said: “Konfer makes it easier than ever for business to take full advantage of the incredible expertise that exists in universities. With Brexit on the horizon there’s never been a greater need for collaborative research projects that will drive future growth and productivity. We want Konfer to help make Britain the best place in the world for innovators.”
Konfer is a free online match-making tool for connecting business with research expertise and funding opportunities. It is backed by 132 UK universities and includes profiles of 130,000 academics who can collaborate on research projects. Trusted User Group members will use Konfer to identify partnerships that will bring new products to market and drive job creation.
Launched in beta in November 2017, it has already helped a diverse range of organisations including Jaguar Land Rover. Current live research projects include certification techniques for autonomous systems from Thales UK, integrated design for resilience from the University of Bath, and developing advanced sewage waste treatment processes from Severn Trent Water.
