Our next funding call is now open for applications!
This call is themed around infrastructure for the production of digital devices. Currently, creators of electronics encounter challenges as they refine and scale prototypes, a process that multiplies their interactions with external stakeholders like specialist designers, manufacturers, and end users. Maintaining these interactions across many stakeholders in various disciplines requires tools, techniques, standards, and platforms that facilitate success.
The new funding call seeks exemplars that demonstrate how infrastructure beyond traditional production manufacturing can play a role in overcoming barriers to refining and scaling device prototypes. This may include asynchronous or synchronous technologies, advances in ubiquitous computing, XR/AR/VR, the Internet of Things, data aggregation and AI, and computer-supported collaborative work.
Key Dates:
Funding call Q&A webinar: 13th March 2024 10:00-11:00 GMT
Deadline for applications: 5th April 2024 by midnight GMT
Final decisions: May 2024
Projects start: September 2024
5th February Online Workshop: Exploring Challenges in Prototyping with Emerging Materials and Technologies
Organised by professors Anne Roudaut and Jason Alexander of the pro² Steering Group, our recent online workshop featured insightful talks by expert panellists, a wide-ranging discussion of challenges in this area, and an exciting brainstorming session around potential solutions.
Many thanks to everyone who attended, especially our panellists: Marianna Obrist (OW Smell Made Digital, UCL), Marc Teyssier (Pôle Léonard de Vinci), Paul Worgan (University of the West of England) and John Rudin (Folium Optics Limited). We’re also very grateful to all the pro² members who provided their invaluable feedback and experiences with us during this workshop.
The ideas, feedback and proposals that emerged from these conversations will lead us as we plan our next steps. They will be summarised in a publication and will be used to shape a future pro² funding call.
Read more about the event on the pro² blog.
If you attended this workshop, please take a minute to respond to our feedback survey.
Opportunity to engage with University of Bristol students and researchers
The Industrial Liaison Office (ILO) is part of the University of Bristol’s Faculty of Engineering. It manages research projects as well as coordinating student mentorship and placement schemes.
To find out about upcoming engagement opportunities, sign up for the ILO mailing list via the link below. The quarterly newsletter includes information about research, students, events and opportunities to work together.
Featured member: Tim Banks of Kinneir Dufort
Health tech is an exciting and fast-moving field that is revolutionising healthcare and improving the quality of life for people living with illness and disability. We recently spoke with Tim Banks, Head of Digital Product Design at Kinneir Dufort about the future of health tech. In this interview, he shared what he’s learned about producing digital devices in low volumes and designing for scalability.
In their own words, Kinneir Dufort is a ‘user-centred innovation and product development consultancy’ striving to design a better world. You can connect with them and others in the member’s area of the pro² website.
Community
Upcoming events:
– Innovate UK KTN: Materials Research Exchange (23-24 April, London)
– IEEE COINS: IEEE International Conference on Omni-Layer Intelligent Systems (29-31 July, London)
– Digital Economy Next Stage Symposium (10 June, London)
News:
– Applications open to join University of Bristol Faculty of Engineering External Advisory Board (closing 10 March at 10am GMT)
Share your news or event with us!
Got an upcoming event or an exciting news item you’d like to see featured in our next newsletter? Send it to us at admin@prosquared.org to reach our growing membership base of entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators.
Follow pro² on social media
Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all things pro², including events, funding calls, and networking opportunities.
Recent news from our social media:
– What’s coming up for pro² in 2024? (LinkedIn article)
– Three pro² funded research projects kick-off (pro² blog post)