Computer scientists get a funding boost
COMPUTER Science academics at Edge Hill University have secured over £180,000 in government-backed funding to drive new product development and the business performance of a leadingedge business IT solutions provider.
The Computer Science Department at the university has partnered with Preston based Synergy Technology to use artificial intelligence to improve order specification and quotation software in highly complex manufacturing operations and supply chains
The partnership has received a £188,525 grant via Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme.
The data-driven technology development project will build and embed new leading edge artificial intelligence machine learning knowledge and capabilities within the company which will vastly enhance the performance of the technology products that they produce.
The partnership will also employ a new computer science graduate-level Associate who will work for Synergy during the 30-month project.
The new full-time graduate KTP Associate will play an integral part in supporting the development of the new cloud-based application and its successful implementation within the organisation.
Professor in Computer Science Marcello Trovati is the knowledge base supervisor on the project.
He said: “This is a very innovative project focusing on cutting-edge cloud technology, data science and artificial intelligence.
“Its implications will be significant, not only for Synergy and the University but also for the national and international research communities.
“We will work together to introduce novel technology, and commercial value, as well as create new shareable knowledge.”
Synergy initially engaged with the
University’s SME Productivity & Innovation Centre to assess the technological feasibility and commercial viability of the product, in the context of the company’s strategy for growth.
Professor Simon Bolton, Associate Dean and Director of the SME PIC at the University said, “We are delighted to continue to support Synergy with their scale-up strategy through the KTP programme.
“The grant will not only enrich the company’s technical expertise and capabilities but develop a product to drive a significant competitive advantage.
“Valuable insights from the project will also inform the University’s research and teaching priorities.”
Synergy’s Managing Director, Tony Poole began working with the University in 2021 when the company engaged in the SME Productivity & Innovation Centre’s (PIC) leading scale-up Innovation Sprint Programme.
“The KTP is a continuation of the execution of the scale-up strategy developed during the programme.
Tony said, “The KTP with Edge Hill is a vital partnership to help support the strategic growth of our business.
“Alongside new areas of technological innovation, the KTP will provide the opportunity for us to upskill staff, create highly skilled jobs and open new routes to market.
“Working alongside the academic team in the Computer Science department, we are looking forward to starting the next phase in our scaleup journey.”
The project is due to commence on the appointment of the partnerships Associate. Details of the new technical Associate opportunity and how to apply are now available on our website.