Unique glamping pods, spectacular skyscraper lighting displays, and technology that helps eradicate invasive plants and weeds, are just three of many products developed by Cumbria businesses with help from a universities-led support project.

More than 50 businesses across the county have so far benefitted from the £4.1 million Cumbria Innovations Platform, which accelerates the research and development of new products and services.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, and delivered by Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria, the project offers targeted technical and management expertise to assist in the commercialisation of new ideas to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The family-run Pennine Pods Ltd, based at High Hesket, benefitted from the expertise of Lancaster University Engineering students who scientifically tested the thermal insulation properties of the building materials used in the glamping pods.

Ian Hunter, Managing Director at Pennine Pods Ltd, said: “This work helped the company to produce and qualify a truly unique product in the form of a glamping pod that can go into different environments and temperature extremes across the planet.

“The student team were friendly, helpful and competent and we had a thoroughly positive experience working with the Engineering Department at Lancaster University.”

Cumbria Innovations Platform also helped Kendal-based NJO Technology Ltd to develop a bespoke LED lighting system to provide a unique visual effect on a Dubai skyscraper. Lancaster University engineers undertook an extended research and development project, providing innovative ideas and manufacturing solutions that contributed towards realising the display – which involved using 300 LEDs to create an illusion of twinkling stars on the night sky across the building.

Annie Rawlinson, Managing Director at NJO Technology Ltd, said: “The Engineering team at Lancaster approached our project in a truly professional and enthusiastic manner, working across a wide range of disciplines including electronic, mechanical, thermal and optical design.

“We were delighted that their hard work resulted in an excellent product proposal, demonstrating their thorough understanding of all the design considerations.”

Open to SMEs across Cumbria, the project takes advantage of a broad range of expertise available at the universities, meaning that companies from all sectors can benefit.

Cumbria Innovations Platform provides access to a range of cutting-edge science and technology equipment worth over £40 million, and bespoke consultancy to support the pursuit of innovative ideas.

Lancaster University Management School is offering a six-month Innovation Development Programme for Cumbria SMEs. This programme creates a supportive environment for peer networking. This enables business leaders to generate new ideas, explore and test new opportunities, and learn the tools and knowledge to accelerate innovative business ideas.

The University of Cumbria offers a complimentary programme of workshops exploring different elements of the innovation cycle, including innovation infrastructure, ideas generation, market analysis and opportunities. The workshops also look at concept development, product development, commercialisation, funding, IP and barriers.

Stewart Kember, Cumbria Innovations Platform Programme manager at Lancaster University, said: “Cumbria Innovations Platform provides Cumbrian businesses with opportunities to explore new product and service ideas with minimal financial risk. Small businesses can tap into cutting-edge equipment and research and development expertise to assess an idea and make informed decisions about whether to invest in new ventures. Essentially it allows risk-free exploration of new product ideas.”

Sarah Allison, Senior Project Officer at University of Cumbria, said: "This project provides amazing opportunities for local companies to work with academics and high calibre students from both universities. It's a privilege to work alongside Cumbrian SMEs and witness real innovation taking place."

Another business to benefit from the Cumbria Innovations Platform is Kendal-based Agronomy Research Group Ltd. Digital experts from Lancaster University have helped the company explore the use of mobile technology to provide remote consultancy expertise to the maintainers of parks and playing fields who are experiencing problems with weeds and other invasive species.

A prototype technology enables the company to explore reducing expensive site visits by diagnosing issues and recommending solutions from their Kendal office.

Interested businesses can find out more by emailing cuspenquiries@lancaster.ac.uk , by calling 01524 510444, or by visiting www.cumbriainnovations.org