This project is one of two from Kingston University; it aims to foster WestFocus group enterprise in new materials design, production and processing.

A booklet will be produced, publicising research-based activities at Kingston relevant to innovation, technology transfer, consultancy and education in Materials, and this will be available on our website.

Our most suitable activities for enterprise are based on expertise and developments in polymer electronics/microelectronics, prosthetic/ophthalmic biomaterials and antistatic rubbers/fibres. There are similar interests and complementary expertise at the partner institutions, especially at Brunel and RHUL, and we are collaborating with them.

Patent applications will be filed, embodying IP emerging from the above areas. In order to produce materials samples and demonstrator devices and to enable future developments, our facilities for polymer thin-film production and microlithography will be upgraded.

We shall be approaching and visiting companies with a view to forming partnerships. Opportunities for marketing enterprise in patent licensing, consultancy or production of educational materials will be energetically pursued. At an appropriate time and level of interest, funds and advice from PARK may be sought.

A one-day conference highlighting WestFocus expertise in advanced materials at KU will be held in the spring of 2006, targeting the bio/pharmaceutical, speciality polymer and organic electronics industries. This will be used to consolidate and expand our network of commercial partners. Participants will be invited from other WestFocus institutions and industry as well as Kingston (and possibly SGHMS).