WarwickTECH: May 2021 Update
WarwickTECH: May 2021 Update
WarwickTECH is a student-led angel fund backing founders from Warwick University.
Welcome to WarwickTECH's May newsletter! Every month, we will be sharing our top tech stories — including the most exciting things going on in tech, startups, and innovation at Warwick and beyond.
Curated and edited by Cyrus Ma
What’s new at WarwickTECH?
After a year of being partner of WarwickTECH, Tim Moose will be stepping down from the role of partner as he graduates from Warwick University. We would like to thank Tim for his stellar contributions he has made to the running of WarwickTECH, and look forward to building upon our ties as he joins the board as an alumni member. We would also like to welcome Tom Bushell as our new partner for the 2021-22 academic year, and are excited what he has in store for the future of WarwickTECH.
From this month onwards, our newsletter will include exciting updates from our portfolio companies, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the latest news!
What’s happening at our portfolio startups?
Flow Bio: We are recruiting!
Flow Bio is a startup that looks to revolutionize the sports wearables space through its innovation, the flowPATCH. They are currently looking for a Hardware Electrical Engineer and Test Engineer, who is experienced with PCB design experience and automated testing infrastructure. If you have a degree in electrical engineering, have some years of industrial experience, and are interested in working with a dynamic company creating shocks in the wearables space, feel free to apply to the position here!
Theme of the month: Manufacturing
Semiconductor shortage strikes global supply chains
Semiconductors are currently in shortage across the globe, causing delays and disruptions in industries ranging from consumer retail, automobiles, to even the production of the semiconductors themselves. Semiconductors are crucial components of everyday technology, and nations such as the US and China are currently rushing to build up their chip-building capacities. To read more about the challenges faced by the chip making industry, click here.
WHO establishes technology transfer hub to increase vaccine manufacturing in developing countries
As countries face vaccine shortages across the globe, and news of a potential patent waiver being disclosed in the US, the WHO has established a technology transfer hub that will provide local manufacturers with technology transfer packages and production training in developing countries. Interested firms may gain access to these provisions through expressing interest directly to the WHO. Whilst this hub will initially prioritize vaccines, it is expected to spread to other forms of technology as the scheme gains traction.
New technology Tecla capable of 3D printing house from clay
In a demonstration of the capabilities of 3D technology, WASP and Maria Cucinella Architects from Italy has successfully constructed a house from clay using 3D printing technology. Named Tecla, house prototypes can be created within 200 hours, and can utilize different types of material in response to environmental conditions. This innovation not only presents a viable solution for sustainable housing, but also for other sectors which require adaptable manufacturing capabilities.
What’s happening at Warwick University?
Warwick Esports retains Esports title for a third consecutive year
The Warwick University Esports society has been named UK Esports University of the Year following a first-place performance by its members at the British University Esports Championships. Sending teams that competed in popular games such as DOTA 2, Valorant, and League of Legends, their combined score of 3027 was 1021 points higher than the runners up. With Esports being a £111.5 million sector in the UK, the increased prevalence of Esports events across the UK presents a prime opportunity for investment and innovation within this space.
Two year programme with Transport for West Midlands to reduce carbon emissions
The University of Warwick is partnering with Transport for West Midlands to reduce personal car use on campus through a two-year programme. By introducing e-scooters, buses on demand, and the Betterpoints sustainable travel app, this initiative aims to not only reduce emissions on campus, but also serve as a testbed for future e-scooter and green levy legislation in the UK.
Warwick Researchers receive grant to improve hospice care in West Midlands
Researchers at Warwick have received £250,000 in grants from the Economic and Social Research Council to refine clinical practices in the West Midlands. In cooperation with Marie Curie, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals facing terminal illnesses, the research aims to explore the impact Covid-19 has had on the care provided by local hospitals, and design solutions based on evidence gathered from these hospices.
That's all for May, let us know what you thought and if we missed any stories or topics worth including going forward — see you next month!
