- Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) focused on improving the calibration processes used by the is830, a unique state-of-the-art instrument created to measure contact lenses during the first KTP
- Future product sales of the is830 product range projected to top £1m as a direct result of KTP
- Results from the project will directly constitute material for the University’s Biomedical Engineering undergraduate degrees
Aston University is delighted to announce the successful completion of its second Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Optimec Systems Ltd (Optimec), which has used image process techniques to deliver an innovative range of devices for use in both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic manufacturing sectors. The results of the project will enable the company to extend its product range and generate projected sales of £1 million.
Optimec is a company that provides measurement and inspection technology for the world's best contact and intraocular lens manufacturers. This exciting partnership follows the company’s successful completion of its first collaboration with Aston University, which resulted in Optimec launching its unique-to-market ‘is830’ instrument for measuring contact lenses and curved objects, positioning them as industry leaders.
The project saw KTP associate Dr Izzati Ibrahim lead innovation in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) calibration techniques and image processing of OCT scans, with new methods providing enhanced measurement capability in Optimec’s software.
The academic team from Aston University was led by Dr Antonio Fratini, whose key research interests lie in biomedical instrumentation and data processing and specialist experience in OCT technology. Dr Fratini was joined by Dr Patrick Geoghegan, senior lecturer in Biomedical Engineering.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a graduate, called a KTP Associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is the leading KTP provider within the Midlands.
Matthew Cleere, director of Optimec Systems Ltd, said: “Despite challenging circumstances presented by a global pandemic and a management buyout, this second KTP with Aston University has built on the success of the first, helping to secure the future of our company as leaders in our field.”
Dr Antonio Fratini, senior lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at Aston University, said: “KTP programmes fill the gap between research and industry, bringing the theoretical and applied research to a practical and impactful real-life application contributing to the welfare of the society.”
- Notes to editor
This project is co-funded by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.
Watch our short film to see how it works and visit our website for examples of KTP in action at Aston.
To find out more about how your business can benefit from working with Aston University, please email rke@aston.ac.uk or call 0121 204 4242
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7557 745416 or email: r.hume@aston.ac.uk
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