Tag: KTP

UWE Bristol announce new Accelerated Knowledge Transfer with Bristol Drugs Project

Author Rima Khatun | Posted on

UWE Bristol is delighted to announce a new Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) partnership with Bristol Drugs Project, co-funded by Innovate UK. This collaboration aims to develop and trial a digital communications campaign to facilitate engagement with early intervention in ketamine dependency. The development of the campaign will involve:

  • Researching barriers to users’ engagement with the night/festival programmes.
  • Developing effective messaging.
  • Identifying media and influencers through which the campaign may be delivered

Ketamine use has risen dramatically among young people across the UK in the past few years. There is very little research around the methods and messages we use to engage people around their drug use. This campaign will bring together the expert support that BDP offer people who use drugs in Bristol with the expert researchers at UWE Bristol to develop a body of evidence around what messages connect with people who use ketamine with the aim of engaging them in treatment  earlier to prevent long term physical health issues.

About Bristol Drugs Project Limited

Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) is a charity providing harm reduction and treatment for people who are experiencing a negative relationship with drugs and/or alcohol. With 39 years of experience, their goal is to support people towards the changes they want to see in their lives no matter what they may be.

BDP strives to support all members of Bristol in an open and inclusive service and are passionate about challenging the stigma faced by people who use drugs and alcohol wherever BDP see it.

The Project

With specialist support from the academic team based in the Bristol Business School at UWE Bristol, the project aims to increase engagement with the Bristol Drugs Project’s ketamine harm reduction interventions, via the application of social marketing (behaviour change) principles and digital marketing techniques.

“BDP are proud to deliver evidence-based interventions for people in Bristol around their drug and alcohol use. This project offers us an amazing opportunity to develop a body of evidence that will improve people’s engagement and experiences in treatment around their ketamine use. We are very proud to partner with researchers from UWE Bristol on this project.”

Lydia Plant – CEO of Bristol Drugs Project

Co-Funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency. Innovate UK drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. For more information visit www.innovateuk.ukri.org 

Find out more about KTPs.

UWE Bristol wins at the 2025 Innovate UK KTP Awards for pioneering digital agriculture project in Nigeria

Author Rima Khatun | Posted on

UWE Bristol has been recognised at the 2025 Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards, marking the 50th anniversary of the UK’s longest-running innovation programme.

The partnership between UWE Bristol, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria, and Taro Agric Farm (TAF) was named winner of the African Agriculture KTP Award for its work applying data-enabled innovation to transform poultry farming in Nigeria.

Led by Professor Kamran Munir, Professor of Data Science at UWE Bristol, and Professor Saidu Oseni, Professor of Animal Sciences at OAU, the collaboration has transformed poultry production through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, dashboards, and predictive analytics.

About Taro Agric Farm

Taro Agric Farm (TAF) is a broiler-chicken production company based in southwest Nigeria with more than a decade of experience in commercial poultry farming. Operating concurrent batches of 2,000 birds per cycle, TAF runs multiple production centres across Osun and Oyo States.

Beyond production, the company provides consulting services, training, and capacity building for poultry farmers, supporting every stage of the broiler-chicken value chain-from input supply and production to processing, distribution, and marketing.

Through the African Agriculture KTP (AAKTP), TAF integrated smart technologies such as IoT-enabled sensors, real-time data storage systems, and predictive analytics, positioning itself as one of the leaders in digital and sustainable poultry farming in Nigeria.

Tackling sector-wide challenges through innovation

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between TAF, OAU, and UWE Bristol set out to apply data-enabled innovations (DEI) to commercial chicken production and to optimise business operations.

Nigeria’s poultry industry faces long-standing challenges such as high mortality rates, inefficient management practices, limited data use, and poor environmental conditions affecting bird welfare and productivity. Previously, farms relied on manual data collection and intuition rather than real-time monitoring, which often led to delayed interventions and losses.

To address these issues, the project introduced IoT technology, smart sensors, and a cloud-based dashboard for continuous monitoring of key welfare and environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, air quality, and toxic gases.

Project activities included setting up and testing the IoT platform, configuring sensor nodes, creating a real-time database, developing dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs), and holding a stakeholder engagement workshop with around 100 participants to promote adoption across the sector.

Transformative results

The KTP has delivered measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and profitability at Taro Agric Farm.

  • Staff gained hands-on expertise in deploying sensor nodes to monitor broiler health and welfare.
  • A smart-farm infrastructure was installed, combining Wi-Fi, inverters, smart cameras, and sensor clusters for remote monitoring and improved decision-making.
  • A MySQL database now tracks and analyses data on performance, costs, and returns, supporting evidence-based planning.
  • A real-time decision-support dashboard enables proactive management of poultry welfare and performance.
  • Staff training in KPI tracking has enhanced consistency and forecasting accuracy.

As a result, sales turnover is expected to grow by 30 – 40% within three years, and profit before tax by 20%, driven by improved efficiency and scalability.

The collaboration also led to the creation of a Data-Enabled Innovation (DEI) Lab within OAU’s Department of Animal Sciences, and integration of digital agriculture into the university’s curriculum – embedding long-term change in teaching and research.

Group of students and academics from Obafemi Awolowo University pose together outdoors, smiling during the KTP project’s training and engagement activities.

Wider industry impact

The project’s influence extends across Nigeria’s poultry sector:

  • 100+ poultry farmers and industry professionals trained in data-driven farming.
  • 19 undergraduate and 2 MSc research projects launched on digital poultry innovation.
  • Findings presented at the Nigerian Poultry Show 2024, positioning TAF as a leader in smart farming.
  • Increased demand for TAF’s consultancy services from farms keen to adopt similar digital systems.
  • Continuous, solar-powered IoT system operation achieved through inverter installation.

Voices from the partnership

“The KTP experience was truly transformative for me. It provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world business applications. Through hands-on engagement with IoT sensors and data analytics, I have gained invaluable expertise in optimising broiler production through data-driven decision-making. The mentorship and collaboration have strengthened my skills in AI, machine learning, and predictive modelling—all crucial for the future of precision livestock farming.”

– Rasheed Lawal, KTP Associate

“This KTP was a game-changer for our business. Before the partnership, we relied on manual processes with limited real-time insight. Now, IoT-driven smart farming technologies allow us to monitor flock health, predict performance trends, and optimise efficiency. Productivity has increased, mortality reduced, and costs cut. We’re now recognised as one of Nigeria’s leading smart poultry farms and plan to expand AI-driven automation for disease detection, weight prediction, and feed optimisation.”

– Olamide Akintaro, Managing Director, Taro Agric Farm

“The KTP was an excellent opportunity to blend academic research with industry application. At OAU, we’ve long been committed to advancing precision livestock farming, and this project allowed us to demonstrate the power of digital transformation in practice. The training delivered to students is already inspiring new courses in AI, computer vision, and smart farming.”

– Professor Saidu Oseni, Professor of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

“This has been a transformative collaboration between TAF, OAU, and UWE Bristol. By applying data-enabled innovations, we’ve tackled challenges such as high mortality and inefficient farm management. TAF staff have gained advanced digital-farming skills, and OAU has enhanced its curriculum and research capacity. This partnership exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can drive sustainable agricultural development.”

– Professor Kamran Munir, Professor of Data Science, University of the West of England, Bristol

Delegates from Taro Agric Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, UWE Bristol and partner institutions stand together inside a hall at OAU following a stakeholder workshop on smart poultry farming.

A model for global collaboration

As Innovate UK marks 50 years of KTP, this award highlights how international partnerships can combine academic expertise, business insight, and innovation to create lasting social and economic impact.

From real-time environmental monitoring to AI-driven productivity gains, the Taro Agric Farm partnership demonstrates how research can be turned into practical solutions – improving livelihoods, strengthening industry resilience, and setting a new benchmark for digital agriculture across Africa.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership case study – True to Nature

Author ripleywk | Posted on

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and True to Nature was established to develop a high-performance underwater drone (ROV) called Mako for capturing cinematic footage of fast-moving marine animals like sharks and dolphins. The project aimed to enhance True to Nature’s innovation capabilities and establish in-house R&D capacity while addressing technical challenges in underwater filming through advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise. Professor Carinna Parraman led the multidisciplinary academic team from UWE Bristol’s Centre for Print Research, with Matt Dumbrill serving as the KTP Associate who developed expertise in prototyping, design, and systems integration.

The Company

True to Nature is a Bristol-based independent production company founded by Dr Wendy Darke, former Head of the BBC Natural History Unit. True To Nature specialises in creating innovative natural history content that connects people with the natural world. With nature at its core, the company invests in advanced filming technologies to deliver immersive visuals and serve as a voice for the planet. True To Nature has produced content for major broadcasters and streaming platforms including BBC, Sky and Netflix and is currently expanding its reach through YouTube.

The Challenge

The KTP project addressed two core challenges: designing a high-performance underwater drone from scratch and embedding a research and development (R&D) capability within True to Nature. The technical challenge involved developing a bespoke Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capable of capturing immersive wildlife footage, including air-to-underwater transitions. This required expertise across fluid dynamics, system control, power management, communications, digital film, material selection, and 3D printing. A major hurdle was overcoming underwater leakage caused by pressure and seawater erosion. The team had to carefully design and integrate power systems, control mechanisms, and communications to ensure reliable operation during filming.
For True to Nature, the project was a strategic opportunity to enhance its innovation credentials and strengthen in-house R&D capacity. The successful development of the ROV will enable the capture of unique footage of sharks and dolphins, hopefully contributing to winning a landmark series with a major streaming platform and generating significant commercial value.

“The effect of the KTP for True To Nature has been motivating and transformational and will provide the company with a competitive advantage that is difficult to copy i.e. a 20mph capable ROV that will keep pace with and film a shark. This capability has allowed True To Nature to bid for underwater film production opportunities with big broadcasters and streamers that will hopefully underpin future growth in turnover and profitability.” Stephen Batty (Commercial Director, True To Nature)

To address True to Nature’s ambition of capturing cinematic underwater footage featuring fast-moving marine animals such as sharks or dolphins, the KTP project developed a bespoke ROV named Mako (after the world’s fastest shark). Designed for speed and agility, the ROV underwent iterative prototyping and testing, achieving watertight integrity and operational readiness. The film and TV industry—especially the natural history genre—is currently facing significant challenges, with fewer commissioning opportunities. However, the KTP and ROV solution has given True To Nature a competitive edge, enabling the capture of never-seen-before underwater content and increasing the potential to secure new, profitable production projects.

Beyond its original purpose, the ROV also shows promise for wider applications such as search and rescue and rapid coral bleaching surveillance. The multidisciplinary expertise provided by UWE Bristol—spanning engineering, design, and software—was critical to the project’s success. These skills have been embedded within True To Nature, establishing a lasting in-house R&D capability and enhancing the company’s competitive edge

Benefits and Changes

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between True to Nature, the UWE Bristol, and Innovate UK has led to significant advancements in underwater filming technology, innovative R&D capabilities, and competitive positioning within the natural history production industry at True to Nature. As a result of the KTP, True to Nature and its staff have acquired several new knowledge areas and capabilities. These include (but not limited to):

  • The KTP delivered significant benefits across all partners. For True to Nature, it enabled innovative filming techniques with commercial and scientific potential, while establishing inhouse R&D capacity to support future productions and product commercialisation.
  • For UWE Bristol, the project opened opportunities to publish academic papers in areas such as underwater drone innovation. The paper will add valuable weighting to support the development of an impact case study for participation in REF2028, strengthening the university’s research profile in advanced manufacturing and creative technologies.
  • The KTP Associate gained hands-on experience in prototyping, design, and systems integration through the development of the ROV. This was complemented by formal training, including a commercial drone pilot licence and a professional project management qualification, enhancing technical and leadership skills.
  • On the business side, several proposals have been developed to hopefully secure an opportunity to win a new commission and deploy the Mako ROV which provides a unique competitive advance in underwater capture techniques. This would support the company to increase revenue and profit in a time of contraction and uncertainty in the factual TV industry.
  • The project also delivers broader societal impact—bringing audiences closer to wildlife through immersive storytelling and supporting the wider sustainability agenda.

What the Knowledge Base partner has to say

At UWE Bristol, the academic team applied specialist expertise to guide the KTP Associate through the full design and development cycle of the Mako underwater drone. This included, aerodynamic assessment of underwater vehicle body to minimise the drag effect on drone speed using theoretical calculation and numerical simulation like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) (Dr Jun Yao), propulsion and control to power and manoeuvre underwater vehicle operation with designed speed (Dr Budi Chandra), optical knowledge on camera selection for film and whole vehicles manufacture using 3D printing technology, etc (Dr Fabio D’Agnano and Prof. Carinna Parraman).


Strong communication across all partners helped identify challenges early and supported smooth project delivery. Encouraging the Associate to explore new ideas fostered confidence and growth. In the long run, this project enhances UWE’s reputation in technology and innovation, enabling it to better support businesses through UKRI-funded KTPs.

“I have truly appreciated my experience with this KTP. Although it has required considerable effort, it has provided me with numerous
benefits. I have acquired extensive knowledge in prototyping—a field I was eager to explore—and have learned a great deal about business, management, and finances from Ashorne Hill. Additionally, completing APM Project Management training has solidified this knowledge for future application, as I aspire to start a business that may continue to collaborate with True to Nature” Matt Dumbrill (KTP Associate)

Copy of Knowledge Transfer Partnership – Case Study – True to Nature (960 x 540 px)-compressedDownload

Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate Spotlight: Abdulrazaq Sanni

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Abdulrazaq is a Software Engineer as part of our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with WASE and UWE Bristol. A KTP is a UK-wide, 3-way partnership between a business, a university and talented graduate, and aims to help businesses improve competitiveness and productivity, whilst also boosting the career prospects of the graduate.   

WASE and the College of Arts, Technology and Environment (CATE) at UWE Bristol began their KTP together in April 2025. The KTP will create a machine learning-based soft sensing platform. This platform will be integrated within WASE’s Electro-Methanogenesis Reactor (EMR) to remotely optimise system performance. The system will help expand EMR technology, allowing customers to treat wastewater on-site while generating energy, reducing carbon emissions, and producing cleaner water and nutrients for use as fertilizers.

The project aim is to develop game-changing improvements to the EMR technology by enhancing the system’s monitoring and adaptability. This will ensure minimal downtime and maximum value from the waste. The improvements will involve optimizing WASE’s industrial-scale system and improving predictive analytics in anaerobic digestion (AD). We will use feedback from microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) modules to enhance sensor accuracy.

The KTP team caught up with Abdulrazaq to hear about their experience of the KTP so far:

What attracted you to the position?

I’m drawn to the role for several reasons. Primarily, it’s the excitement around the project’s potential — what we can achieve and the path to getting there. I enjoy challenges and solving problems, and this feels like the perfect project for someone like me. I’m especially excited about helping position WASE at the forefront of innovation in the anaerobic digestion (AD) sector through the application of AI and operational automation.

Another reason is the role’s position at the intersection of academia and industry. Having previously worked in academia, I’ve been considering a transition into the industry. This opportunity allows me to bridge both worlds. Finally, the sustainability aspect is very important to me. I’ve worked on a project that was somewhat related to sustainability, and being part of an initiative that contributes to a healthier climate is truly rewarding.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to realising the project’s objectives. I say “realising” because I genuinely believe they’re achievable, even though the journey might be challenging. Reaching those goals will be a testament to the work, support, and growth that come along the way. It will also reflect the level WASE will have reached — and I’m excited to be a key contributor to that progress.

How is the partnership between UWE Bristol and the company working?

It’s only my third week so far, but the partnership has been fantastic. Everyone at both the company and the university has been incredibly supportive and engaged, which is great because it shows that everyone is equally invested in the project. One thing that stands out to me is how they’ve managed to involve the right people — experts who understand exactly what we need to do. That alignment is crucial to the project’s success, and I think they’ve nailed it.

What are the major benefits/support available from UWE Bristol?

The major sources of support from UWE have been the academic team and the KTP team. The KTP team has been actively involved from the start, guiding me through key steps and helping me understand the important elements of the partnership. The academic team has also been very supportive and clearly committed to mentoring and guiding me throughout the project.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Although it’s only my third week, it already feels like an environment where I’ll get to learn a lot — especially about anaerobic digestion, a field I hadn’t worked in before. The learning curve is steep, but that only makes it more exciting. The people here have also been amazing. They could probably list “Family” as one of their core values, because that’s exactly how they operate — with a strong sense of unity and belonging. That culture really helps drive a shared sense of purpose.

Find out more about KTPs at UWE Bristol. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnership Case Study – Taro Agric Farm

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between University of the West of England (UWE), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the Taro Agric Farm (TAF) was established to harness data-enabled innovations (DEI) for the commercial poultry industry in Nigeria. The project aimed to enhance chicken production efficiency and optimise overall business operations through the strategic application of data-driven technologies and academic expertise. Kamran Munir (Professor of Data Science) led the collaborative relationship with the Nigerian partners and the project from UWE. Saidu Oseni (Professor of Animal Sciences) led the project from OAU.

The Company

Taro Agric Farm (TAF), is a broiler chicken production company based in Southwest Nigeria. With over a decade of experience, TAF specialises in commercial broiler farming, operating concurrent batches of 2,000 birds per cycle. The company has multiple production centres, including its main base in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and outgrower units in Ilesa (Osun State) and Ibadan (Oyo State). Beyond production, TAF is actively engaged in consulting services, capacity building, and training for poultry farmers, offering expertise across the entire broiler chicken value chain—including input supply, production, processing, distribution, and marketing. A defining characteristic of TAF is its forward-thinking approach to poultry farming. Through the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP), TAF successfully integrated smart technologies such as IoT-enabled sensors, a data storage for real-time data management, and predictive analytics to enhance decision-making in poultry production. This has positioned TAF as one of the leaders in leveraging data-driven solutions for sustainable poultry farming in Nigeria.

7 people from UWE Bristol and Taro Agric Farm stood together smiling at the camera

The Challenge

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Taro Agric Farm (TAF), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the University of the West of England (UWE) was initiated to apply data-enabled innovations (DEI) to commercial chicken production in Nigeria and to improve and optimise business operations. A key focus was developing a strategy for embedding DEI to create sustainable broiler chicken operations over the long term. The poultry industry in Nigeria faces multiple constraints, including high mortality rates, inefficient farm management practices, limited use of data in decision-making, and poor environmental conditions affecting broiler chicken welfare and productivity. In the past, TAF like many others in the industry, relied on conventional methods of managing poultry production, which lacked the real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities needed to optimise productivity and farm environment. Farmers and farm managers had to rely on manual data collection and experience-based intuition, making it difficult to identify early warning signs of health risks or performance inefficiencies. Without data-driven insights, farm operations were reactive rather than proactive, often leading to delayed interventions and losses. In addition, one of the biggest challenges TAF faced in the past was high mortality and morbidity rates in broiler production. Various environmental factors, such as poor ventilation, excessive heat, high humidity, and exposure to noxious gases, particularly ammonia, significantly affected bird health. Without a robust system to monitor and control these environmental conditions, broiler chickens were at risk of disease outbreaks, respiratory problems, and stress, which ultimately led to economic losses.

Tackling these constraints required innovation in both poultry management and business practices to enhance the viability and profitability of operations. The KTP project activities included setting up an IoT platform, configuring sensor nodes, and establishing a database to record and store data on various parameters such as chicken welfare, input supplies, production, processing, distribution, and marketing. The project also involved the development of dashboards for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), the use of predictive analytics, and conducting performance comparisons across production batches. Additional activities included stakeholder engagement through workshops to build and embed capacity. The key accomplishments of KTP project include the successful setup, testing, and deployment of a IoT platform in a broiler chicken unit in southwest Nigeria, where key variables related to chicken welfare and performance were captured and monitored. Company data was archived in a database, and a dashboard was developed to track temperature, relative humidity, air quality and noxious gas parameters. An end of project Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop aiming towards widening participation and sustainability with approximately ~100 participants, including poultry farmers and industry professionals, was also successfully conducted.

“This project equipped TAF staff with advanced digital farming skills, enhanced OAU’s research capacity and curriculum, and strengthened international collaboration—demonstrating how innovation and partnership can drive sustainable agricultural development.”

Prof. Kamran Munir (Professor of Data Science, University of the West of England, UWE Bristol)

Benefits and Changes

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Taro Agric Farm (TAF), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the University of the West of England (UWE) has led to significant improvements in broiler chicken production, farm efficiency, and data-driven decision-making at TAF. As a result of the KTP, Taro Agric Farm and its staff have acquired several new knowledge areas and capabilities. These include (but not limited to):

  1. The staff gained expertise in deploying sensor nodes to monitor key health and welfare indicators of broiler chickens. This application of digital technology is directly contributing to improved productivity and profit margins by enabling real-time data collection and analysis of poultry welfare to guide operations at the unit.
  2. TAF implemented a smart farm infrastructure, incorporating WiFi, inverters, and clusters of sensor nodes, along with smart cameras to monitor the comfort, welfare, and performance of chickens. This integration allows for continuous, remote monitoring, improving operational control and decision-making.
  3. The business acquired the capability to track, manage, and analyse its data assets—spanning performance, ambient conditions, costs, and returns—via a MySQL database. This centralised data storage allows for enhanced data organisation, retrieval, and long-term analysis.
  4. A key capability gained was the deployment of a real-time dashboard that tracks health and welfare indicators of broiler chickens. This dashboard offers a user-friendly interface for staff to monitor key variables and make informed decisions regarding poultry welfare and management.
  5. The staff were trained to track and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across production batches and historical data. This has allowed TAF to benchmark performance, identify trends, and adjust improve the consistency and quality of production, while also enabling more accurate forecasting and strategic planning
  6. TAF’s adoption of data-enabled innovations (DEI) and IoT technologies positioned it as a leader in digital poultry farming in Nigeria. Sales turnover is expected to increase by 30%-40% within three years, due to improved efficiency and scalability. Profit before tax is projected to grow by 20%, within the next three years. Increased demand for TAF’s consulting services, as other poultry farms seek to implement similar digital solutions.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) updated its Animal Sciences curriculum to incorporate digital technologies. The project also strengthened ties between OAU and UWE, fostering international collaboration in poultry technology research. The project research outcomes are being published as open access where possible which cover the use of digital technologies and data-enabled innovations for the enhancement of the welfare and performance of broiler chickens – as a case study in Nigeria.

“The KTP was an excellent opportunity to blend academic research with industry application. At OAU, we have always been committed to advancing precision livestock farming, and this project allowed us to practically demonstrate the power of digital transformation in poultry production.”

Prof. Saidu Oseni (Professor of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Nigeria)

Key Facts

  • To best of our knowledge, TAF is the first poultry farm in Nigeria to integrate IoT and digital technologies into broiler production to this scale.
  • IoT-enabled sensors deployed to monitor temperature, humidity, air quality, and toxic gases in real-time.
  • A database established for real-time data collection and performance tracking
  • Decision Support Dashboard developed, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions
  • Sales turnover expected to grow by 30 – 40%within three years
  • Profit before tax projected to increase by 20%
  • 100+ poultry farmers and industry professionals trained on smart poultry farming
  • 19 undergraduate & 2 MSc projects initiated on digital poultry farming at OAU
  • Presented findings at the Nigerian Poultry Show (NPS) 2024, reinforcing industry leadership
  • OAU integrated digital technologies into its Animal Sciences curriculum, influencing future research.

Find out more about the Knowledge Transfer Partnership in the Case Study below.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership – Case Study – TaroDownload

This partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme (KTP).  KTP aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.  This successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership project, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, is part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate Spotlight: Taabish Khan 

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Taabish is a Commercialisation Manager for Duku as part of our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Duku and UWE Bristol. A KTP is a UK-wide, 3-way partnership between a business, a university and talented graduate, and aims to help businesses improve competitiveness and productivity, whilst also boosting the career prospects of the graduate.  

Duku is an innovative and entrepreneurial engineering design consultancy that take client ideas and develop them into full marketable designs. They have recently added an in-house EV charging technology division, developing new and unique electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, which has considerable potential as the only fully-accessible charging tech available, which conforms to the new BSI standard for accessible EV charging products.

The project aim is to embed a full commercialisation capability within the business and to exploit innovative in-house designed products. This will enable Duku to directly market their own products and offer a full-service idea-to-market capability for new and existing design consultancy clients. 

The KTP team caught up with Taabish to hear about their experiences of the KTP so far:  

What attracted you to the position? 

There are a few reasons why I was drawn to this role. First, it offered the opportunity to develop the commercialisation strategy for a product within the UK’s sophisticated automotive sector, which has been a medium-term career goal of mine. The second is the unique nature of the role. Being a management KTP, the role has allowed me to upskill as an industry consultant while collaborating with an academic institution like UWE Bristol. This partnership provided an added layer of research-driven insight and strategy formulation. Thirdly – working with Duku, a company innovating in the EV charging space and enabling users from all walks of life to access electric vehicles, also gives me a sense of purpose – knowing that my commercialisation efforts have a direct, positive impact on both the community and the planet. 

What are you most looking forward to? 

Six months into the KTP, we are transitioning from the planning into the action phase, which is something I’m particularly excited about. I’m looking forward to collaborating with industry leaders, academic researchers, and automotive OEMs to further advance our accessible charging solution. The goal is to make Duku’s products the gold standard for EV charging infrastructure while cementing our position as a thought leader in the space. The chance to see this project evolve from strategy formulation to commercial success is something I look most forward to. 

How is the partnership between UWE Bristol and the company working? 

The partnership between UWE and Duku has been highly synergistic. The academic team at UWE brings a strong research foundation, combining both academic and industry perspectives, which has accelerated the strategy development process. This collaboration has also created a feedback loop that allows for continuous validation of my deliverables, making the entire process more dynamic, accurate, and responsive. This partnership has also opened new doors for Duku, offering potential collaborations and expanding our contacts in areas such as accessibility and sustainability in EV infrastructure. 

What are the major benefits/support available from UWE Bristol ? 

The major benefits for me personally have been access to UWE’s resources, research capabilities, and academic expertise. Positioned in the middle, I bridge the gap between academia and industry, benefiting from both perspectives. This has allowed me to develop a holistic commercialisation strategy that considers both academic rigor and practical, real-world insights. Beyond the scope of the project, this experience has been transformative. Having recently completed my MBA, I am transitioning from execution roles to more strategic, planning-focused positions. The variety of perspectives I’ve been exposed to through this partnership is helping me upskill rapidly, and I’m confident I’ll emerge a more capable professional by the end of this KTP project. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

What I enjoy most about my role is the tangible impact my work has on Duku’s overall strategy. Taking complex data, reports, and insights and distilling them into actionable strategies is something I find highly fulfilling. Being in a management KTP role, I frequently get the opportunity to engage in activities like design thinking, competitive analysis, branding, marketing, and even sales leadership. These are skills that will serve me well throughout my career, and the diversity of the work keeps me constantly challenged and engaged. 

Find out more about KTPs at UWE Bristol.  

UWE Bristol announce new Knowledge Transfer Partnership with WASE Limited

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

UWE Bristol is excited to announce a new three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with WASE Limited, funded by Innovate UK. A KTP is a unique collaboration between a business, a university, and an associate. It aims to create a positive commercial impact, enable transformational improvements, and drive innovation.

WASE provides their customers with decentralised, next-generation technology that converts wastewater and organic waste into energy (methane-rich biogas). Their services help clients reduce energy costs, shielding themselves from market volatility and lowering waste treatment costs. This is all achieved, whilst decreasing carbon impact through an enhanced local circular economy.

They currently support SMEs in food and beverage manufacturing and agriculture. Their direct sales team offers a Waste and Sustainable Energy as a Service (WASEaaS) model that requires no CAPEX for instant low-cost renewable energy. They also provide an ownership model with remote operation and maintenance support.

The KTP will create a machine learning-based soft sensing platform. This platform will be integrated within WASE’s Electro-Methanogenesis Reactor (EMR) to remotely optimise system performance. The system will help expand EMR technology, allowing customers to treat wastewater on-site while generating energy, reducing carbon emissions, and producing cleaner water and nutrients for use as fertilizers.

The project aims to develop game-changing improvements to the EMR technology by enhancing the system’s monitoring and adaptability. This will ensure minimal downtime and maximum value from the waste. The improvements will involve optimizing WASE’s industrial-scale system and improving predictive analytics in anaerobic digestion (AD). We will use feedback from microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) modules to enhance sensor accuracy.

If you would like to find out more about WASE’s next generation anaerobic digestion system and the novel machine learning biosensing, reach out to the team at WASE: Get in touch – WASE.

Will Gambier, Head of Science from WASE commented:

“We’re delighted to partner with UWE Bristol on this exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership. This collaboration is an important opportunity to take our waste-to-energy solutions to the next level, combining our industry expertise with the University’s innovative research capabilities. 

We see great potential in using data-driven insights to help our customers treat wastewater more effectively, generate clean energy, and support sustainability goals.”

KTPs integrate academic research into companies, to promote innovation and growth. The unique three-way collaboration between a business, a university and a graduate help businesses  improve competitiveness and productivity.

Find out more about KTPs.

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Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate Spotlight: Louis Aberdeen

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

In the below spotlight, we meet Louis Aberdeen, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate for Metrea.

Metrea Mission Data Limited and the Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) at UWE Bristol began their KTP together in October 2023. The KTP is developing unique software solutions that process telescopic images of objects in Low Earth Orbit to detect, track, image and categorise Resident Space Objects. The KTP will embed machine learning principles to allow autonomous detection and categorisation of space objects to provide essential data to clients. Metrea sought a partnership with CMV in order to utilise their extensive experience and expertise in employing state-of-the-art machine learning for complex image processing and feature recognition.

 What attracted you to the position?

At the time I was searching for Data Analysis roles and was immediately drawn in by the title “Space Data Analyst” because what’s cooler than space. Initially I assumed I would be underqualified as I had only done a degree in mathematics. However, as I read the job description, I could see how I matched more and more of the requirements and this really excited me. Because of the nature of work the details of the job description were vague which just made me more interested. Space debris is a very serious problem and there aren’t enough cost-effective approaches to dealing with this, this project will take a step forward in this regard.

“I’m looking forward to when the work I have done makes a real impact on the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) system and contributes to the field of SDA”

How is the partnership between UWE Bristol and the company working?

The partnership between UWE Bristol and Metrea is really productive for both parties. The guidance and technical background of UWE Bristol and specifically the Centre for Machine Vision has been critical to the progress of the project and I’d especially give credit to Lyndon and Mark for their mentorship as I follow down this pathway.  Metrea have the unique capability to capture imagery of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the opportunity to work on this project is only possible because of the hard work Metrea has done to develop this system. In particular I would like to highlight Chris and Ryan for their stewardship of the project and for giving me invaluable direction as I develop professionally.

“The benefits are that UWE Bristol are able to produce novel research in an area of study new to the CMV and that Metrea have access to the resources and expertise at the CMV to develop their SDA system.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really love the variety of the work. The project encompasses so many different areas, machine learning, optical systems, signal processing, workflow optimisation, customer engagement, project management. The research is really enjoyable, the processes of working through a problem and experimenting with different approaches is very rewarding. I have a lot of work ahead of me but I’m excited to tackle it head on.

What do you think about the support available from UWE and the Company – give examples if you can

Thanks to Metrea and UWE Bristol’s support I have been able to take a course in video and image processing which has been instrumental in the progress of the project, inspiring a promising direction of study. I have attended serval conferences including the Farnborough air show and SPAICE hosted by ESA on using AI in space. These gave me a really great insight into the wider Space Domain Awareness business as well as modern reinforcement learning, and AI techniques being applied in the space domain. I learned how these trends will only continue to grow which is why it is so important to become knowledgeable.

I have also had many discussions with the academics at UWE Bristol in the CMV guiding me towards writing my first paper. The process of writing a good literature or abstract were very new to me and their expertise was really helpful.

Additionally, I am working with UWE Bristol and Metrea to use the KTP budget on a machine learning/development computer. As a part of this I consulted with many stake holders at UWE and within Metrea to determine the correct allocation of the money. UWE have a lot of experience with purchasing workstations for researchers, so their input was invaluable. Metrea’s IT department were very knowledgeable and knew how they wanted the workstation to be integrated within the wider IT system.

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KTPs integrate academic research into companies, to promote innovation and growth. The unique three-way collaboration between a business, a university and a graduate help businesses  improve competitiveness and productivity.

Find out more about KTPs.

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