The Precision Optical Systems Group based in St Asaph, North Wales, is the Technology arm of Glyndwr Innovations Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wrexham Glyndwr University.
The Precision Optical Systems Group submitted a proposal to the DGP‘s Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE)’s Innovation Challenge: “Persistent Surveillance from the Air”.
The UK DSC, jointly funded and resourced by the government and industry, is designed to identify innovative and world-beating products and services that meet the needs of customers around the globe. Collaborating with industry to develop game-changing strategic capability road maps that will guide future investment decisions and improve the UK’s competitive advantage
The UK DSC also manages the DGP Innovation Challenge, helping to develop the next generation of technology to respond to the military challenges we face, with companies of all sizes across the UK value chain benefiting through the first round of this £10 million investment. The Innovation Challenge is delivered through the CDE in partnership with the UK DSC.
The Precision Optical Systems Group’s expertise in optics stimulated an idea based around an ultra-lightweight camera system, which was selected by the panel at Phase 1, securing a funding contract to develop their proposed innovation project. At the end of Phase 1, the group’s working demonstrator was showcased at various UK DSC marketplace events and at Farnborough International Airshow 2016. The UK DSC has also supported the group by introducing them to industry contacts and new project opportunities.
As this case study is published, the Precision Optical Systems Group is mid-way through Phase 2 of the project, working to deliver a flight capable working unit.
Receiving CDE funding and taking part in the competition enabled the creation of a new product stream resulting in a new customer base for the company. Working with the UK DSC, Glyndŵr Innovations has seen increasing levels of business activity due to a rise in enquiries.
Richard Hazelwood, Commercial Lead at The Precision Optical Systems Group said:
“Working with UK DSC has been a very rewarding experience in many ways. In working on our project we received solid ongoing support from our technical partner, but it was the support from the commercial team that has really paid dividends.
The Marketplace events helped us to present the outcome of the project to a relevant interested audience as well as showcasing the wider capabilities of the team. UK DSC members have helped us make contacts and develop relationships with other SMEs and larger organisations.
The support of UK DSC has helped us grow this idea from a concept to one of our ongoing product streams that has already attracted business to our company.”
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