Solent advances research collaboration with 'Bridging the Gap' project

The aim of the project was to advance research commercialisation and aimed to establish a shared, virtual Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which would allow institutions to pool resources, expertise, and opportunities to help academics bring their research to market.

The Vision and Innovation Showcase on 23 April brought together academics, researchers, and industry professionals to celebrate their research achievements and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The morning sessions focused on reflections from project partners, highlighting successes and identifying areas for further development. In the afternoon, an innovation pitch competition took centre stage, where shortlisted researchers presented their ideas to industry judges, who assessed their commercial viability.

Nine pitches were delivered—seven in person and two pre-recorded—each lasting three minutes, followed by a Q&A session. Judges evaluated the projects based on their investment potential.

Dr Laurie Wright, Associate Professor at Warsash Maritime School, won first prize for his wind propulsion project, reinforcing its promise in sustainable maritime innovation. This achievement further highlights Solent University’s commitment to cutting-edge research and commercialisation.

The project’s success underscores the power of knowledge exchange, spinouts, and collaboration in higher education, demonstrating how universities can work together to translate academic research into real-world impact.

Special thanks to Skillsfluence, Oxentia, Anderson Law, and OpenShaw & Co., as well as judges Dominic Clacy, Zak Sorrells, Paul Maclennan, and Steve Cleverley, whose expertise helped shape this initiative.

The Bridging the Gap project was funded by Research England (£487,664), this project is a collaboration between universities across the Greater Hampshire and Wessex Area (University of Portsmouth, Chichester, Southampton Solent, Health Sciences University and Arts University Bournemouth) along with industry partners (Skillfluence, Anderson Law, Mazars, Oxentia and Abel& Imray).

Images

Hero - From left to right, Pamela Baker (UoC), Katarzyna Gleadell (Southampton Solent), Dr Francesca Pieropan (Southampton Solent), Prof Mike Lauder (UoC), Dr Julie Northam (HSU), Dr Louise Farrand (UoP), Dr Afsoon Azadi (UoP), Suzi Edwards (UoP), Daniel Cox (AUB).

Top - From left to right, Zachary Sorrells (Skillsfluence), Dr Steve Cleverley (Oxentia), Dr Laurie Wright (Southampton Solent), Dr Hamaira Khan (HSU), Dominic Clacy (Openshaw and Co.) and Paul Maclennan (Anderson Law).

Bottom - the event conference room