University of Bath: Institute to help specialist engineering design consultancy Tensys
The University of Bath will help specialist engineering analysis consultancy Tensys develop its in-house software suite inTENS following the award of an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) grant.
University experts will work alongside Tensys in a 30-month programme, which will expand and modernise the company’s business-critical software suite, allowing Tensy to extend its specialist structural analysis services and knowledge. The company offers design and analysis services, working in the fields of architecture, art and aerospace, from its offices in Bath and Melbourne, Australia.
The program will require the recruitment of a new associate who will lead the re-development from the Tensys office, with extensive, expert supervision and support from Dr Paul Shepherd of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Dr Tom Haines of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath.
“This is an exciting collaboration for both the University and for the company. Tensys have cutting edge in-house software that provides a huge competitive advantage. But it has been developed on a project-by-project basis over many years, and there are now some new opportunities provided by the latest technology that it could use to its advantage,” Dr Shepherd said.
“The KTP is the perfect solution. It will provide leveraged funding to develop a new platform from the ground up, keeping the company’s existing innovation, but using the University‘s knowledge of the latest research and development, to ensure it is future-proof and can provide real innovation to Tensys clients. At the same time, I look forward to learning a lot from Tensys, which will help ensure my research is industry relevant, and that my students can benefit from access to real-world specialists,” he added.
Adam Bown, Director of Tensys Ltd, said: “Tensys are thrilled to have been awarded this grant, but also excited to have the backing and support of a renowned academic institution such as the University of Bath. This award will hopefully herald a new era for Tensys, not only allowing the Company to expand its current capabilities into new and exciting areas, but also to enhance the services that Tensys are able to offer.”
The University of Bath, under its Enterprise and Entrepreneurship programme, offers a range of development and collaboration opportunities including support for start-ups, consultancy, access to expert research networks, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
KTPs are funded by Innovate UK. The programme aims to stimulate innovation, by providing industry-based training and development of talented university graduates, including postgraduates. Around 70% of associates are offered a post with the company on a permanent basis, following project completion. Companies are eligible for a grant of up to 67% as an SME or up to 50% for a larger organisation
Typically, the KTP associate works on a strategic project at a company, varying in length from 2 to 3 years. An academic supervisor at the University, with relevant expertise to the programme, maintains close involvement with the associate and organisation throughout.