Turning academic research into a commercial product

Challenges

Commercialising the intellectual property (IP) created by universities is a long process. The collaboration between City, University of London and UK-based construction engineering specialist Keltbray is the latest step in a project that has been running for more than a decade.

Dr Andrew McNamara’s research into the creation of a hollow construction pile for the foundations of buildings could represent a breakthrough for modern construction methods. With Keltbray’s involvement, the university is working to bring this innovation to market.

There is a lot of know-how that’s embedded in research. This can take the form of designs, laboratory books, data, or collective knowledge within a research team. Commercialising this soft IP is just as important as commercialising the invention itself.

One of the main challenges is demonstrating that an idea or product is commercially viable. In this case, Dr McNamara had a proof of concept to show that hollow piles work. City also carried out market research to reinforce the value of the idea to Keltbray.

Background

Keltbray was unsure about the market opportunity for the hollow construction piles. To overcome this, the university agreed a licence option. This allowed the company to have a full licence if they decided they wanted to progress with the project.

The market research looked very promising. This led to a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and a follow-on project funded by Innovate UK. These projects all arose from Keltbray’s interest in the university’s IP.

Currently, City is working with Keltbray to create a liner or a former, which allows for the creation of this hollow pile. The aim is to find the most efficient way of constructing the pile.

Keltbray is providing funding for the ongoing research, as well as paying the university under the licence agreement.

Solution

The hollow construction piles developed by City will be used to replace the solid piles currently used in the foundations of buildings. There are multiple benefits to this approach:

• Lower volumes of concrete are needed
• The void can be used for other technologies, such as water storage or integrating new types of heating systems
• Onsite traffic is reduced
• Build time is quicker
• They’re potentially reusable should a building be demolished.

These have a positive impact across a whole construction project. It reduces costs for the construction firm. It makes a project more environmentally friendly.

It’s a mutually beneficial partnership. Keltbray directly benefits from the university’s R&D work and the academics have a secure stream of funding from their work.

It’s also an opportunity for the university to generate income from an important piece of academic research. When Keltbray starts installing these piles they will be generating revenue and the university will receive royalty payments. Projects like this also demonstrate the real-world impact of City’s research.

Future plans and benefits

This particular project is a work in progress. It will take time to develop the methodology for using the former for the piles and further testing of the hollow piles is required.

Another future challenge is convincing the insurance industry that this innovation is safe. Conducting trials and demonstrations that show it’s robust will help with its adoption and use in the construction sector.

The potential is immense. City has been conducting research to identify other locations around the world that have suitable geophysical conditions to use these hollow construction piles.

This could lead to further licensing agreements with other partners in overseas territories.

Partnerships such as this have many benefits for wider society. They promote growth within industry, make the country more competitive and create jobs.

Commercialisation at City, University of London

• Commercialisation at City