Quotec

Your technology partner

Case Studies

1. Biometric - market and technology evaluation

Quotec was commissioned by a global electronics company to carry out an assessment of the nature and size of the European market for biometric identification technologies. The client, who operated in a wide range of sectors, wished to identify specific market opportunities in Europe for its extensive technology portfolio. Quotec provided the client with a comprehensive picture of the European environment in terms of market demand, technical challenges and competitor capabilities.

The client is now implementing a targeted product development programme to exploit the market opportunities identified in the study.

2. Survey of nanotechnology for lighting applications

A longstanding client wished to review recent developments in nanotechnology research to identify new technical opportunities. Quotec quickly assembled a project team with significant technical and commercial experience relevant to the client's sectors of interest (electronics and materials) to identify and evaluate industry and academic research groups with novel nanotechnology in these areas.

By evaluating the activities of each company and research group against structured criteria we were able to quickly and effectively help our client to identify and assess a number of promising technologies.

3. Developing a strategy for automotive technology in Wales

Quotec was asked by the Welsh Development Agency to evaluate the viability and requirements for an automotive incubator and R&D facility in Wales. The client wanted to ensure that there was real industrial demand for a new Technology Centre and that it would add significant value to the innovation processes in the region. We conducted an in-depth study of industrial needs and research challenges in parallel with an audit of current facilities and an analysis of effective automotive clusters in other regions across Europe. We then worked closely with the client to develop a technology strategy and business model for the Technology Centre based on our findings.

4. Evaluation of knowledge transfer proposals (HEIF and PSRE)

Quotec was commissioned by the UK's Office of Science and Technology to assess proposals submitted to all three rounds of the Public Sector Research Establishment Fund (2001, 2003 and 2005) and the Higher Education Innovation Fund in 2001. The proposals were from UK research institutes seeking significant levels of funding for building knowledge transfer capabilities or to establish seed funds. By assembling a team with experience of developing and monitoring knowledge transfer activities across a wide-range of disciplines and sectors, Quotec was able to develop an assessment framework against which the proposals were assessed within a very short timeframe.

5. Evaluation of Sensor Technologies

Quotec was commissioned by a multi-national electronics company to review the expertise of six European research groups identified by the client. The client, who operated in a wide range of sectors, wished to identify potential sources of innovation in micropower generation and wireless sensor systems and specific partnering opportunities in Europe to develop its extensive technology portfolio. Drawing on its networks of technical experts, Quotec provided the client with a comprehensive review of the six target research groups and identified other leading European researchers who had not been identified by the client.

The client subsequently approached one of the research groups to develop a collaborative R&D programme.

6. Market Evaluation of Mechanical Handling Equipment

Quotec reviewed the competitiveness of the mechanical handling equipment sector of UK's manufacturing industry, as part of a series of manufacturing sector competitiveness studies undertaken by DTI. We assessed the sector's use of technology for warehousing and logistics and benchmarked their effectiveness in applying new logistics technology against international best practice. The project culminated in a workshop, attended by representatives from industry and government, which identified recommendations and specific actions to strengthen the sector.

7. Assessing capital infrastructure requirements for technology exploitation

Quotec was commissioned by the UK's Department of Trade and Industry to conduct a study of business demand for technology demonstration facilities to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Capital investment in large-scale equipment and service facilities to enable business to trial and experiment with new technology requires a robust business case and rationale for public expenditure. Quotec conducted a wide reaching assessment of business requirements across a number of sectors to support public sector decision making.

8. Knowledge Transfer Networks - Best Practice Advice

Under contract to the UK's Department of Trade and Industry, Quotec has provided advice and support to the Knowledge Transfer Networks (formerly the Faraday Partnerships) since 2000. These virtual innovation networks, linking businesses, academia and public sector stakeholders, are a key element of the DTI Technology Strategy. Quotec applies its extensive experience in knowledge transfer to assist individual Networks, establish activities across Networks and advise DTI on broader policy issues. In 2005 we facilitated the successful transition of the former Faraday Partnerships into Knowledge Transfer Networks, ensuring that the requirements of all stakeholders were accommodated and that maximum value was added to the UK innovation environment.

9. Health Technology Devices Programme Management

In 2002 Quotec was awarded a 9 year contract by the UK's Department of Health to manage the Health Technology Devices Programme, a £30 million collaborative R&D programme for new healthcare technologies. This follows on from the successful MedLINK programme which was also managed by Quotec.

We mange the full cycle of the R&D funding process - promotion of the programme to researchers and business, working with applicants to develop proposals, through peer review, project selection and project monitoring, to technology commercialisation advice and guidance.

10. Technology Exploitation Programme

Quotec was commissioned by the Welsh Development Agency (now the Welsh Assembly Government Department for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks) to evaluate the Technology Exploitation Programme (TEP). TEP supports small companies to develop their technology capacity, by providing small grants for equipment and consultancy support.

The client wanted to assess the impact of the programme against their key strategic aims (including growth in employment and GDP), and to consider options for its future development. In order to achieve this, Quotec undertook a questionnaire survey and an extensive interview programme with the delivery team, grant recipients and other key stakeholders.

11. R&D Infrastructure in Estonia

Quotec was invited to a panel of European experts reviewing the R&D and innovation infrastructure in the evolving economy of Estonia. The clients in the Estonian government and the European Commission wanted to gain a deeper understanding of scientific and developmental activities, to assess their quality at an institutional level of collaboration, and the impact upon on educational degrees and innovation. Quotec's healthcare expert participated in the panel, bringing knowledge of cutting edge technology in this field and best practice for technology development. The panel produced recommendations for key areas for investment in science and technology in Estonia.

12. e-Business acceleration fund in Ireland

Quotec was commissioned by Enterprise Ireland to evaluate its eBusiness Acceleration Fund which provided Irish SMEs with a grant to develop IT capabilities such as management information systems to on-line sales capabilities. The evaluation involved extensive consultation with SMEs receiving grants and officials administering the fund. In addition to assessing the impact made by the fund, the evaluation identified best practice associated with undertaking eBusiness projects. This was published in an handbook which was circulated to all Irish SMEs to assist with the implementation of future eBusiness projects.

13. Structural composites programme

Quotec undertook an evaluation of the impact of a LINK collaborative R&D programme in structural composites. The evaluation entailed tracking outcomes of R&D projects and examined high-quality projects to identify best practice. The evaluation highlighted examples of successful exploitation and identified a number of new advanced products and processes and those which had been developed. Our evaluation included a number of recommendations for the design of future R&D programmes which would assist DTI to repeat the success of this programme.

14. Coatings technology for high temperature metals

A global materials company approached Quotec to find solutions to a process plant problem that was having a severe impact on their capabilities to manufacture high quality materials. The manufacturing process operated in a hostile environment and contaminants from the process stirrer were being incorporated into the product with detrimental effects. Drawing upon our extensive materials expertise, Quotec conducted a structured search to identify and evaluate potential solutions. The most promising solution - use of a tungsten-coated stirrer - was researched, tested and found to be effective. In addition to solving the company's process problems, Quotec's solution also increased the lifetime of the stirrers to provide a long-term, reliable solution which has also reduced the production process maintenance costs.

15. Deposition technology for electronic materials

A multi-national electronics company approached Quotec with a technical problem - one of their new products required a thick layer of conducting material. Deposition of this material traditionally required a multi-stage process but a faster process was essential to the successful commercialisation of their new product. We brought together experts with relevant knowledge of the materials and processes involved and facilitated in-company discussions to identify potential solutions. We then worked with the client to define a collaborative R&D programme to meet their needs.

16. Advice on materials metrology programmes

Quotec has been providing advice on materials metrology to the UK Department of Trade and Industry since 1990. The DTI funds several multi-million pound R&D programmes at national laboratories, such as the National Physical Laboratory, to carry out research which underpins the development, testing and characterisation of both traditional and new materials across the UK industrial and academic base. Quotec provides advice and support to DTI and to the R&D project managers throughout the lifecycle of programme and projects, on topics such as gathering industry input to programme development, industrial engagement, project appraisal, selection and monitoring, technology exploitation and post-project evaluation.

17. Developing a strategy and business case for a materials R&D Centre

Quotec was asked by the Welsh Development Agency to evaluate the viability and requirements for establishing a centre providing incubator and R&D facilities for materials and manufacturing companies in Wales. The client wanted to ensure that there was real industrial demand for a new Technology Centre and that it would add significant value to the innovation processes in the region. We conducted an in-depth study of industrial needs and research challenges in parallel with an audit of current facilities and an analysis of opportunities for establishing collaborative R&D projects. We then worked closely with the client to develop a technology strategy and business model for the Technology Centre based on our findings.

18. MedLINK Exploitation - commercialisation of medical devices

Quotec won a 5 year contract from the UK Department of Health to support the exploitation of technologies developed under the MedLINK Programme. We provided advice and support to small companies and academics that had developed technology under the programme but who had no, or little, experience of technology exploitation in the medical devices market. We helped over 50 companies to raise finance, protect their intellectual property, evaluate markets and find industrial partners for product and market development.

19. Due diligence - healthcare start-up company

Quotec conducted market due diligence for an investment group considering a technology based investment proposition in the healthcare sector. Using a project team of technology and market experts, Quotec assessed the market size and growth and consulted leading medical experts as to the viability, functionality and benefits of the technology in the healthcare sector.

20. Management of the MedLINK Programme

Quotec successfully managed the £15 million 9 year MedLINK programme for the Department of Health. The programme supports collaborative R&D between universities and business in the healthcare sector. Quotec managed the full cycle of the R&D funding process, from proposal development, peer review and project selection to project monitoring and technology commercialisation support and advice. Quotec went on to win the contract to manage the successor Health Technology Devices Programme from the Department of Health.

21. Site Options for NHS

Quotec was part of a consortium led by AMEC, an international construction project management company, which was commissioned by a NHS Trust to develop a strategy for the future development of their site and associated service provision.

The NHS Trust works closely with their local university in providing a centre of excellence in cancer research. Quotec's role was to characterise their joint research strategy and the infrastructure needed to deliver it. Quotec conducted interviews with relevant stakeholders and worked closely with healthcare planners and architects to develop a range of site development options.

22. Gateway 2 Investment

Quotec and partners deliver a comprehensive investment readiness programme for London's new technology companies. Technology start-ups across London are identified and supported on their route to venture capital and business angel investment. Quotec provides technology, market and commercialisation advice and works closely with its network of investors to match companies with their investment interests. The programme is funded by the London Development Agency.

23. Technology Frontiers

A global FMCG company commissioned Quotec to review the effectiveness of its frontier technology processes for capturing innovative ideas and turning them into new products. Quotec consulted the company's R&D staff to understand the methods that they used to identify, acquire and develop technology including their global links with academic researchers. Comparing these methods with innovation best practice led to a number of recommendations for strengthening the client's innovation.

As a result of this project, the client has commissioned Quotec to develop a technology roadmap to strengthen its links between marketing and R&D functions and to identify gaps in its technology portfolio.

24. Evaluation of photovoltaic technologies

A longstanding client wished to evaluate the use of organic semi-conductors for plastic photovoltaic cells. Quotec quickly assembled a project team of leading technical experts to summarise the potential capabilities and challenges associated with the three main technology types and assess leading researchers in the field. By evaluating the capabilities of each technology type against the performance targets set by our client we were able to effectively help our client identify the most attractive opportunities for investment in technology development. As a result, the client has established a collaborative research project with a leading European university aimed at developing plastic photovoltaic cells with efficiency to match that of silicon-based photovoltaics.

25. Market trends in medical plants, functional food and flavour industries

A client sought to identify specific opportunities for their portfolio of botanical extracts and associated processing technology products and to identify collaborations required to successfully exploit these opportunities. Using a project team of technical and commercial experts in the field, Quotec undertook an extensive consultation exercise to provide a comprehensive picture of the client's target markets of pharmaceuticals, food-processing and flavours and fragrances. Well-defined market opportunities were identified, along with strategies for acquiring and developing the technology and partnerships that the client required to exploit these opportunities.