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Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme
Contents Foreword 1 Supporting the Academy’s strategy 3 Sustainable development at the Academy 7 What is the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme? 8 Programme objectives 9 Programme timeline 11 Our access to global innovation ecosystems 15 LIF Community 17 Engineering to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 21 LIF Advance 25 Building partnerships 27 Country spotlights 32 Conclusion 75 Acknowledgements 77 LIF steering committee 79 About the Newton Fund 81 LIF participants 82
Foreword
Engineering matters. It underpins our The programme is
daily lives, drives economic growth, helping to mobilise
plays a critical role in addressing major the global engineering
global challenges and helps ensure our
readiness for the future.
community and create
strong international
Our goal is to harness the power of
alliances to support
engineering to build a sustainable society
and an inclusive economy that works for sustainability.”
everyone. We believe that engineers can
be influential agents of change in the drive
for a more sustainable society, providing
leadership both within and beyond the
UK. They are also drivers of innovation and
economic opportunity, leveraging advances
in research to develop and deliver new We put partnership working at the heart of As the UK’s national academy for
products, services and enterprises that our approach. For the past five years the LIF engineering, we have a responsibility to
generate jobs and value to society. programme has been funded by the Newton provide leadership for engineering and
Fund, managed by the UK Department for technology, and technical leadership for
The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy wider society. As President, I am committed
(LIF) programme builds on the success of
(BEIS). All activities are developed in to working with Academy staff, Fellows
the Academy’s Enterprise Hub to expand
collaboration with local governments and and partners to deliver this leadership with
this entrepreneurial ambition to a global
funders, which ensures that they meet local authenticity, inclusivity and empathy, so
scale, working with partners in the UK
development priorities as part of the Official that the Academy can serve as a progressive
and in 17 countries across five continents,
Development Assistance (ODA) eligibility. force that keeps humanity at the heart
to create a thriving global community
of engineering and delivers tangible,
of engineering innovators, each building As I write, the world is tackling the biggest meaningful benefits to society. The LIF
successful businesses, while tackling the public health crisis of our time, a pandemic Programme offers many fine examples
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and that has called for rapid innovation to of such progressive leadership and
supporting the economies of the UK and the protect lives and livelihoods across the globe. engineering enterprise in action.
partner countries. There has never been a more urgent need
for engineering expertise to inform public Professor Sir Jim McDonald
debate and provide workable solutions to our FREng FRSE
shared challenges. President, Royal Academy of Engineering
1 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 2
Supporting the Academy’s
strategy
Science, research and innovation are crucial
for finding solutions to societal challenges,
A global network of A partnership with the
helping us to deliver better quality of life, leaders in innovation UK diplomatic service
economic growth and environmental
Since 2015, LIF has worked alongside With diplomatic support, the LIF
improvements.
agencies in 17 ODA-eligible countries programme has benefited from working
However, when these solutions do not reach to produce a global network of over closely with the UK Ambassadorial and
the people in need of them, they are not 1,100 innovators, each building their High Commission Teams in each ODA
only redundant but costly to the funders and own businesses within a strong support country. Their guidance and valuable local
communities who never had the opportunity structure, nationally, regionally and globally. knowledge has been invaluable to the
to be impacted by them. LIF participants have become influencers success of the LIF projects.
and decision-makers and developed a
Ideas, however brilliant and laudable, will not huge range of solutions to tackle various
achieve their impact unless converted into SDGs, which have gone on to be produced,
innovations through entrepreneurship. This trialled and created more than 2,500 jobs.
has been clearly demonstrated in the UK, and
most notably by the Academy’s Enterprise Hub
that uses the tools of mentorship, coaching
and education to enable innovators to:
n develop an entrepreneurial mindset
n become leaders and role models in their
communities
n build global partnerships to help
commercialise life-changing products and
services for the benefit of society.
This holds equally true for achieving the UN’s
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). LIF
builds not only SDG impact but also esteem
for (UK) engineering and increases the trade in
innovations across the world.
3 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 4
Supporting the Academy’s
strategy
Through international collaboration, the
LIF programme attracts some of the most
Nurturing an The LIF programme is a crucial
vessel for the science, research and
promising global science, research and entrepreneurial innovation community aiming to
innovation talent to the UK. International mindset do just that.
scientific partnerships have benefited the
UK in countless ways, from better access Collaboration is a core skill of business and Building partnerships and making
to markets for products and services, to needed to make successful innovations. While connections is integral to the LIF
innovations that help advance the UK’s many other training programmes focus on programme. If you would like to
economic and security priorities. content only, from the onset LIF focused on find out more about how you can
the influence and impact an entrepreneurial get involved, please get in touch at
LIF participants have a lasting connection mindset can have on an individual. info-LIF@raeng.ac.uk
with the UK and the partnerships they build
help to strengthen relationships between Working together and with peers to achieve
the UK and their own countries. common goals, sharing experiences and
lessons learned not only improves each
entrepreneur’s chance of success but creates
lasting trust, which if nurtured can go on to
create bonds between countries.
We need engineering solutions to tackle the
world’s greatest challenges, yet without an
entrepreneurial mindset it is very difficult to
create products and services to benefit society.
Moreover, without a supportive ecosystem and
community of innovators to learn from and
partner with, it is nearly impossible. To meet
the SDGs we need entrepreneurial leaders
who serve humanity, who are dedicated to
improving the economic and social welfare of
their communities and protecting our planet
for future generations.
5 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 6
Sustainable development What is the Leaders in Innovation
at the Academy Fellowships programme?
The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships It is a year-long programme of bespoke
is delivered as part of the Academy’s sustainable Programme (LIF) brings together support including:
development work. emerging leaders in the global
n expert mentoring
innovation community who have an
The Academy’s engineering for development activities engineering-based innovation that n on-going support at the home institution
and programmes are focused on advancing has the potential to contribute to the
engineering’s contribution to a safer, healthier, n access to an international network of peer
social and economic development innovators and mentors
more prosperous world for people in of their country through
developing countries and emerging n access to resources, webinars and
commercialisation. The programme
economies, tackling the global opportunities on the LIF online
is delivered as part of the UK Newton
challenges of our time. community
Fund in partnership with in-country
organisations. n in-country and regional events.
In 2015 the United Nations
published the Sustainable It is uniquely placed in that it targets The training is highly tailored to each
Development Goals (SDGs) as researchers and academics to build participant’s own goals and challenges.
the blueprint to achieve a better, their capacity to turn ideas and It lays the foundations for launching a
more sustainable future for all. research into products and take on product and emphasises skills such as
Engineering makes a crucial an entrepreneurial mind and skill set. negotiation, teambuilding, resilience
contribution to each and every The LIF programme provides access and effective communication.
goal, and the Academy’s to high-quality skills training focused
activities engage with and on commercialisation, a network
support attaining them. of peers in their own country, the
UK and around the world, and
a rich and varied experience
with immediate and long-term
benefits for their innovations.
7 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 8
Programme activities
Programme include:
objectives Business skills
training
Short-term outcomes Long-term outcomes
Experiential learning
Peer-to-peer learning
LIF helps researchers to Residential
Mentoring
commercialise their innovations training
Visits to partners / n Adoption of an entrepreneurial
(two weeks) local experts
Through training, mentoring and networking mindset and steps towards n Increased business startups, survival
activities, the LIF programme helps researchers to commercialisation and performance
adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, acquire new n Greater number of new products n New and decent jobs created
knowledge and skills, and grow their networks. Workshops / and services finalised
masterclasses
Networking
Follow-on 1:1 project support
support Work with role
(six months) models n Increased knowledge of
n Greater adoption of engineering
entrepreneurial approaches in
innovation to address economic,
home organisations
social, and environmental
n Adoption of evidence-based challenges
business practices
Sharing alumni
success stories
Promotion Impact reporting
of LIF n Improved ecosystem to support
alumni entrepreneurship and innovation
n Expanded and diverse networks n Increased local and international
collaboration between firms and research
Access to a global
institutions that advance and promote
community of alumni engineering innovation
Support resources
Webinars and forums
LIF online Listing of events and
community opportunities
9 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 10
A total of
$80m
Programme timeline Africa Innovates, a regional
hub in Nairobi, Kenya with LIF
participants from South Africa
Asia Innovates is held
in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia for alumni
in further funding
has been
raised
and Egypt, and Africa Prize across South-East Asia.
for Engineering Innovation LIF6 – Jordan joins the
entrepreneurs. LIF programme.
LIF4 – Kenya joins
15
the LIF programme.
LIF2 – The LIF
programme expands to
include China, Colombia,
partner
countries
17
partner
countries
12
Egypt and Turkey.
2020
The Newton Fund
8
is launched by the partner
UK government’s countries The LIF Advance
Department for programme is
Business, Energy and partner launched, with the
Industrial Strategy, to countries 2017 to 2018 2019 to 2020 theme of Disability
promote the economic inclusion and reducing
development and healthcare inequalities.
welfare of the partner The LIF Community Building
over
16
countries. grants programme is
1,000
launched, supporting
2015 to 2016 2018 to 2019 LIF alumni to build
partner
countries entrepreneurial networks
new jobs have been in their local and regional
created by LIF contexts.
participants’
14
companies
South America A further 1,500 new jobs
regional hub is held have been created by LIF
2015 2016 to 2017 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil participants’ companies.
partner
countries with alumni from Brazil, Chile,
Colombia and Malaysia.
The LIF programme runs
The LIF Online Community
LIF1 – The Royal Academy its first regional hub – Southeast
launches.
of Engineering launches Asia Innovates – in Bangkok,
2014 the LIF programme in Thailand bringing together Over $60 million in funding has
partnership with Brazil, participants from Vietnam, been raised by LIF participants in
China, India, Mexico, Thailand and the Philippines. support of their innovations.
South Africa, Thailand LIF3 – The Philippines, Thailand, LIF5 – Peru joins the LIF
and Vietnam. Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia programme.
join the LIF programme.
11 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 12
Bringing together
emerging leaders
from across the
world.
China
We have supported more
than 1,000 innovators India
from all 17 Newton Fund Turkey
partner countries.
Vietnam
Egypt
Mexico Colombia Philippines
Jordan
In order to solve the
complex problems of today,
we need to create a culture
of working together on a
common solution. The LIF Kenya Thailand
programme was the first
and most useful step Peru
forward for us.” Malaysia
Indonesia
Chile South
Brazil Africa
13 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 14
Our access to global
innovation ecosystems
The LIF programme was set up to
build international links through
an innovation network, and it has
surpassed these ambitions.
It has built new innovation networks
Brazil China
internationally, as well as tapping into Chinese Academy of
FAPESP (Sao Paolo)
existing local and national ecosystems Public foundation Engineering
at the highest level for the benefit of its National academy
entrepreneurs. Colombia
Ruta-N India
The Academy has been able to work with Public joint venture CIIE
Kenya Egypt Centre of excellence
government agencies and established Kenya National Science and
Mexico backed by the government
innovation-support institutions in 17 Secretaría de Economía Innovation Agency Technology
countries. By connecting to the existing Ministry Development Fund Malaysia
Ministry
infrastructure at the highest levels, we have Ministry Malaysian Industry-
Peru South Africa Government group for
been able to build an international network
CONCYTEC Technology Innovation Jordan High Technology
that has real power to transform businesses Agency The Higher Council
Governing institution National agency
with this support. The Academy has a firm National agency for Science and
understanding of the needs and appetite Philippines
Technology / Industrial
for innovation and commercialisation Department of Science
R&D Fund
across all sectors in our countries of focus. and Technology
Public independent
Ministry
It can identify where positive change can institution
be developed or implemented through Thailand
Turkey Thailand Science, Research
programmes like LIF, where the Academy TUBITAK
plays a leading role in shaping content. and Innovation, and
National agency The National Science and
This has dramatically increased the Technology Development
international reach and influence of the Agency
National agency
Academy, creating many connections that
would have otherwise not been possible. Vietnam
Vietnam Academy of
Science and Technology
National academy and
research institute
15 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 16LIF Community
Our community of over 1,100
innovators from 17 countries
are working to solve the
most pressing sustainable
Our community
development challenges for was created to:
their countries, but also the
UK and globally.
After the LIF programme
residential training and follow-
on support, participants join a
network of alumni to continue
their entrepreneurial journey.
Since 2015, we have established
a global community of academic ESTABLISH INCREASE PROVIDE ENCOURAGE DEVELOP
researchers, innovators, experts
and mentors who support,
inspire, teach and push
each other forward in their
entrepreneurial journeys.
Establish a global Increase formal and Provide alumni with Encourage alumni to Develop local
peer-to-peer network informal collaborations the tools and resources take on leadership communities of
of innovators with key actors in to help in their roles within their engaged innovators
inspired to change the UK innovation commercialisation community beyond LIF alumni,
and grow ecosystem journey to share and apply
an entrepreneurial
mindset
17 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 18About the community Community grants
We are proud of the network we have Through the Community Grants
over
530
created, and have seen first-hand Programme, we have supported over
how powerful connections can lead to 30 awardees to design and develop
partnership, knowledge sharing and collaborative community projects to develop
new opportunities. LIF networks nationally and internationally.
Aside from the
The community makes it easy to connect technical learning Our awardees are entrepreneurial leaders.
with entrepreneurs who are passionate I got from LIF, it’s Through their projects they have developed
about tackling some of the world’s biggest really the community their local innovation ecosystems, alumni engaged
challenges and to transfer new research that has had a huge motivated their peers, and generated new in knowledge
into real-world applications. impact on me.” opportunities to raise the profile of alumni sharing
and further their commercialisation journeys. between January
From agriculture and food to transportation and March 2021
and renewable energy, working prototype
to early market traction and scaling up,
our alumni cover a variety of sectors and Awardees, known as LIF champions, are running
different stages in the development of 17 pilot projects, which received funding of up to
their startups. £5,000 each for six months. They have:
We invite you to browse their innovation By engaging with local n engaged over 530 alumni in knowledge sharing
incubators and policy makers and networking activities, which resulted in 192
profiles, which showcase technology
as one LIF network with many quality new business contacts for alumni
that covers the breadth of engineering
members, we are hoping to get our
for a sustainable society and an inclusive n collaborated or set-up new partnerships with 85
members’ needs and feedback taken
economy. Alumni profiles are available at other organisations
more seriously and addressed
lif.raeng.org.uk
in a timely way to benefit the
n established 25 channels of communication via
whole local entrepreneur social media and received over 30 mentions about
25
ecosystem.” their projects in the local media
Ahmet, Turkey
n developed their innovation ecosystems through
through 38 events which engaged over 3,000
external stakeholders
channels of
communication n enabled 100 alumni mentoring relationships to
established benefit both LIF alumni and entrepreneurs within
the local ecosystem.
19 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 20Engineering to meet the Our programme has supported innovators working across all
17 SDGs to tackle the world’s biggest challenges by transferring
Sustainable Development Goals
new research into real-world applications.
The 17 SDGs are an urgent call for action SDG 8 Decent work and economic
by all countries in a global partnership. growth
Our innovators are harnessing the power
Over 2,500 jobs have been created by
of engineering to meet the UN’s SDGs.
alumni commercialising their innovations,
The goals recognise that ending poverty contributing to a sustained and inclusive
and other deprivations must go hand-in- economic growth that can drive progress, 22 36
hand with strategies that improve health create decent jobs for all and improve
and education, reduce inequality, and spur living standards.
9 38
economic growth – all while tackling climate
193
977
change and working to preserve our oceans SDG 9 Industries, innovation and 11
and forests. infrastructure
Through the support of the LIF programme, We support alumni to promote new 9 33
our innovators have launched hundreds of technologies and facilitate international
remarkable products. These products and trade. Through this we work towards
services align to various SDGs and have inclusive and sustainable industrialisation
50 alumni working 5
created credible impact, from providing – furthering global economic growth and
clean water in disaster-affected areas and
improving the safety of critical infrastructure,
social development.
towards the
84 39
to widening access to healthcare and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals SDGs
nutrition, making agriculture more
LIF encourages governments, civil society,
sustainable and developing innovative ways
scientists, academia, and the private 75 44
to produce cleaner and more efficient energy.
sector to come together at the global,
40 89
Alumni innovations are working towards regional, national and local levels to form 200
the achievement of all 17 SDGs and the LIF multilateral partnerships with the shared
programme itself is also directly enabling purpose of innovating for a better society.
SDG8, SDG9 and SDG17. Diversity and
inclusion is embedded across all activities, This means that for more than 1,100
and the LIF programme benefits greatly from entrepreneurs from 17 countries, the UK is
having access to a global community of over now a partner of choice, and recognised as a
1,000 innovators to bring diverse and unique valuable and trustworthy partner as we tackle
perspectives to tackling global issues. existential problems to humanity.
21 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 22Engineering to meet the
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3: Good health and SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 12: Responsible
wellbeing Catherine Wanjoya (LIF6, Kenya)
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities consumption and production
Project CARE (COVID-19 African Rapid Petro Erasmus (LIF5, South Africa)
and SDG 13: Climate action
Catherine pivoted her business
Entrepreneurs) Enrique Alejandro Moreno Munetones
Silmak Agencies, which Petro Erasmus is addressing under-
manufactures biodegradable (LIF3, Colombia)
Entrepreneurial leaders have been achievement in maths in South Africa
critical in helping communities face the sanitary pads and disposal using with Maths Whartels, an innovative board Alex and Gabriel Moreno’s company
biggest public health crisis of our time. eco-friendly incinerators. She has game and app for primary school children Fiquetex S.A.S is disrupting the plastic
used her incinerators to safely dispose to improve maths literacy and increase sector with a biodegradable and
The Academy has mobilised over 50 of used PPE on-site in homes, hospitals their chances of science, medicine and economic alternative to plastic,
African entrepreneurs from its Africa and other health facilities in Kenya. She has engineering careers. helping to reduce carbon
Prize for Engineering Innovation successfully piloted three incinerators and emissions and combat climate
and LIF programme to address has safely disposed of over 4,400 masks. Petro was awarded a research grant to
change. The non-woven
the consequences and impacts of collaborate with Loughborough University’s
Dr Maryam Amra Jordaan textile material is a plastic
COVID-19 in their communities. LIF Centre for Mathematical Cognition to test
(LIF6, South Africa) substitute, which uses the
alumni responded to the call for rapid Maths Whartels material with children from
raw materials of fique fiber
innovation and pivoted their businesses the UK. The product range is available from
Maryam was one of the and natural rubber latex to
to manufacture and supply personal Mindmuzik (www.mindmuzik.com) and has
winners of the Scaling Out create products including carry-
protective equipment (PPE) and been on sale since December 2020.
For Impact programme on bags, packaging materials,
addressed health and other challenges
facilitated by Liminal in the scouring pads, cut flower wrapping
imposed by COVID-19
UK and the Technology and vegan leathers.
with their products
Innovation Agency (TIA) in
and services. Fiquetex secured investment of £1.1 million
South Africa. She is in the
process of setting up a pilot and is currently setting up its production
plant to manufacture filament line. Fiquetex was granted a patent of
from thermoplastic polymer, invention for 20 years and countries
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) around the world have expressed interest
for use in 3D printing applications in distributing its products and buying
and will be developing filament using renewable materials. Its work was recently recognised
materials and recycled plastic, to provide cheaper as ‘Best postgraduate idea’ by a University of
and greener filament than existing options. She Oxford competition searching for the most
is considering sugar cane as a possible source, as innovative and impactful entrepreneurs.
well as other renewable sources..
23 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 24LIF Advance
LIF Advanced launched in 2020 to compliment Andrea Siller (LIF5, Mexico) Brian Mwenda (LIF6, Kenya)
the original LIF training programme objectives.
It offers bespoke training for selected alumni Andrea has connected with Brian and his organisation Hope Tech
focused on UK relationship-building and Forte Medical and the University Plus have built the ultimate walking
business growth activities. of Southampton to expand companion for any visually impaired
her network in the UK. She has person anywhere in the world. He has
It brings together a carefully selected cohort that published results and data to collaborated with Blind Veterans in
includes one innovator from each LIF country to support marketing her product the UK to trial his personal navigation
focus on a theme. Recopad, a discreet urine sample device with people who are blind and
Participants receive tailored relationship- collection for dependent patients. visually impaired and is working on the
building opportunities in the UK with people UK as his first market.
and organisations that can help them fulfil
their commercial potential.
Boonrat Lohwongwatana
The programme has already initiated (LIF2, Thailand)
100 connections into the UK. These
included introductions to subject Boonrat collaborated with the
experts, which has led to many University of Oxford as part of the
participants pivoting their offering Academy’s Transforming Systems
in response to the input and through Partnership programme,
feedback received. Many which aims to build engineering
participants now see the teaching, research and innovation
UK as a primary initial capacity through collaboration
market for their medtech with local stakeholders and UK
innovations. academics. His innovation, Meticuly,
is a 3D printing medical device that
100
creates personalised bone implants
with AI-assisted technology. Boonrat
has increased his staff to 35 people
and increased production rates –
connections the company is now making two
into the UK custom implants a day.
initiated
25 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 26Building partnerships Chirag Panchal
(LIF6, India)
Chirag’s company Enerlyf, an air
Building partnerships and forging Dr Aida Azmi (LIF6, Malaysia) conditioning system that uses
connections are central to the LIF machine learning and artificial Devrim Pesen Okvur
programme. Dr Aida Azmi’s innovation UnaCoffee, a intelligence to monitor users (LIF3, Turkey)
functional coffee with less caffeine and added cooling needs, maintain room
Through a collaborative approach, protein and vitamin B content, led to her Devrim has expanded her startup
temperature and save up to 45%
expanding and diversifying their signing a memorandum of understanding INITIO to the UK. Her organ-on-
in air conditioning bills. He has
networks, many alumni have furthered with the Malaysian Academy of Small and chips device and assays provide
collaborated with Ecosync, a
their innovations and developed as Medium Entrepreneurship Development an innovative approach to cancer
UK-based heating management Wei Wang
entrepreneurial leaders. (MASMED), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). diagnostics and drug discovery
enterprise, to work on projects (LIF2, China)
In March 2021, she co-led the Feed Your related to energy efficiency. which can reduce costs ten-fold,
LIF alumni have partnered with universities, Future Programme with MASMED to develop In 2019, Dr Wang collaborated achieve results ten times faster
research institutions and organisations in entrepreneurship culture and graduate with St John’s Innovation and minimise animal testing.
the UK and internationally on collaborative employability skills for over 300 students. Centre, Cambridge and The business is currently based in
projects that benefit innovation ecosystems
Cranfield University to set up a Aderley Park Cheshire, UK.
through job creation and economic growth The programme aims to encourage
due to new products and services in the entrepreneurship culture among students as UK-based research company e
market, and influence research and policy. well as to help with graduate employability. on the recovery technology of
waste Li-ion batteries for electric
vehicles.
The LIF programme
has provided me
with the skills and
confidence to nurture
and grow Malaysia’s
entrepreneurial
ecosystem.”
27 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 28Building partnerships Zeinab El Maadawi (LIF2, Egypt)
Zeinab and her team collaborated with
researchers from University College London
Edgar Raygoza (LIF3, Mexico) on a seed-funded transnational educational
project to create digital and face to face
In 2017 Edgar partnered with the National educational materials to promote the concept
Graphene Institute in the UK to develop and values of circular economy for children
lubricating additives using nanotechnology and adolescents in Egypt, Kenya, Turkey
techniques to reduce CO2 emissions and and the UK. The idea for the project was
greenhouse gases. developed as part of a Frontiers event and has
been featured at the UN global SDSN Edu
Guide: Accelerating Education for the SDGs in
Universities.
Frontiers of Engineering for Development is
an interdisciplinary symposia that facilitates
national and international collaboration
to tackle global development challenges.
Participants include 38 LIF alumni, who have
worked alongside international collaborators
from research institutes and organisations
worldwide. Ayyappan Asokan (LIF1, India)
Ayyappan’s EdTech platform Ofabee is a
Software as a Service platform that helps
educators and coaching institutes to
launch their own branded learning app
to create and sell their courses online.
It was acquired by OLIVE Group, an
Zinhle Ngidi (LIF6, South Africa) e-learning company based in Ireland.
Zinhle’s company Igugu Clean Tech
PTY(LTD) grows nicotine-free tobacco
and converts its seed oil into biodiesel.
During the LIF London Residential, Zinhle
connected with Green Fuels, a UK-based
bio-fuel processing equipment vendor.
29 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 30Partnering
countries
31 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 32Clockwise from left:
Paulo Pinheiro’s innovation
The Wheelie; Paulo Pinheiro, LIF3;
Brazil Innovation Emily Shinzato, LIF3.
spotlight
Paulo Pinheiro has created a
wheelchair accessory called
The Wheelie, which uses facial
expressions to control a motorised
wheelchair for users with
restricted upper-body mobility.
n Mechanical, medical and health,
systems and computing
Lisane Valdo’s fatigue and
risk management system
improves shift workers’ safety by
The LIF programme has been running in partnership with
monitoring signs of fatigue and
the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil Eimi Arikawa, LIF6
sleep deprivation and providing
since 2014.
employers with solutions to
FAPESP is a public foundation, funded by the taxpayer in mitigate them.
the State of São Paulo, with a mission to support research n Systems and computing,
projects in higher education and research institutions in all biotechnology and bioengineering
fields of knowledge.
Emily Shinzato’s company,
89
In 2019 the LIF programme also partnered with CERTI to
build on the successful collaboration with FAPESP in São Treevia, is an online SmartForest
In six months, I made two monitoring system that uses
Paulo and expand its national reach in Brazil.
years progress with the Internet of Things technologies to
CERTI is a technology-based institution, based in help and support of my obtain real-time information such
Florianopolis, Santa Catarina. Founded in 1984, CERTI as forest growth, temperature
mentor. LIF gave me the and moisture in planted forests,
supports the development of products, research and
consulting services and has accumulated years of experience support I needed to face enabling forestry managers to
in hardware, software design and manufacturing. the difficulties of being a make faster and more effective
The institution has also promoted the Brazilian technological
woman in an engineering decisions.
LIF participants
ecosystem, supporting innovative entrepreneurship through
business in Brazil.” n Systems and computing,
supported
environment
incubators, startup accelerators and venture capital funds. Lisane Valdo, LIF2
33 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 34Chile
The LIF programme partnered with
the Scientific and Technological
Development Support Fund (FONDEF)
in Chile from 2014 to 2017.
The FONDEF program was established
in 1991 to promote ties and partnerships
among research institutions, corporations
and other entities. Its goal is to develop
applied research projects that can
improve Chile’s competitiveness and the
population’s quality of life.
When Chile graduated from the DAC Without a doubt the
list in 2017 and was no longer eligible to
participate in activities funded by the
participation in LIF was
Newton Fund, the partnership between a turning point for me
the LIF programme and FONDEF ended.
However, FONDEF continues to meet and for my company”
its objective of enhancing a culture of
entrepreneurship and innovation within
52
universities through the Programme for
Valorisation of Research at Universities (VIU),
which promotes creating new business
ventures, or research-intensive enterprises
among university students.
The LIF alumni community in Chile is still
active, and the country continues to be
supportive of LIF activities.
LIF participants
supported
35 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 36China Case study
Guangyin Yuan
China, LIF3 participant 2016/17
Biodegradable bone implants
60
Traditional bone implants tend to
be made of titanium and require a
supplemental surgery to remove them
after the bone has healed.
In addition to putting the patient through
The LIF programme has run with China since more pain, stress and risk, this second
2015 in partnership with the Chinese Academy intervention also places an unnecessary burden
of Engineering. LIF participants on the global healthcare system, with 40% of over
50-year-olds likely to experience a bone fracture
The Chinese Academy of Engineering is a supported during their lifetime.
national organisation composed of elected
members, and election is the highest honour Aided by the LIF programme’s business training,
in the Chinese engineering and technological Guangyin Yuan’s company has developed
sciences community. By initiating and biodegradable magnesium-based implants that
conducting strategic studies and consultancy gradually dissolve as the bone recovers.
for decision-making, the academy devotes itself Through LIF, I learned how to Avoiding the second surgery improves the speed
to promoting the progress of engineering and think like a businessperson as Ten years ago, I witnessed my
and quality of the patient’s recovery, as well as
technological sciences. nephew undergo surgeries to remove
well as a scientist; evaluating the reducing the cost of bone fractures to the healthcare
The Newton Fund forms the UK contribution value of my research and thinking system by 40%. titanium plates for a facial fracture
to the UK-China Research and Innovation outside the box. caused by a serious motorcycle injury.
Moreover, trials have shown that magnesium
Partnership Fund. At the time, I was researching the
The LIF programme not only alloys are stronger than other biodegradable
prevented us from wasting funds, polymers, present no side effects, and the release use of magnesium for the automotive
but helped us accelerate the of magnesium around the fracture can aid healing, industry, and I realised the material’s
process of turning innovation into accelerating the rate of repair by 20%. unique properties would help others
an enterprise.” avoid the pain he was subjected to.”
Guangyin Yuan, LIF3
37 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 38Clockwise from left:
Jimy Aguirre’s innovation GreenyWave;
Colombia
Juan Correa’s Vortex Deflector, José
Innovation María Córdova International Airport;
Jennifer Rodriguez, LIF6.
spotlight
Jimy Aguirre’s innovation,
GreenyWave, is a smart meter to
improve water infrastructure and
water resource use.
n Systems and computing,
The LIF programme has been running in environment
Colombia since 2015. The LIF programme partners
with Ruta N in Colombia.
Jennifer Rodriguez has created
Ruta N is a publicly funded organisation based in VBraille, a platform and braille
Medellin. It was founded in 2011 to streamline the city’s device that automatically
innovation ecosystem, promoting the development of translates Braille to English
innovative, technology-based businesses to increase the Eliana Camargo, LIF6 or Spanish, ensuring quality
competitiveness of the city and the region and improve the education and inclusion in society
quality of life of its inhabitants. for deaf, blind and deaf-blind
people.
Ruta N serves as a launch site for businesses operating in
Medellin, works with universities and the private sector to n Communications, education,
electronics and sensors
promote innovation and support entrepreneurs, and provides
technology training and education for young people, making the
city and region the best place for entrepreneurship. I don’t think about Juan Correa’s Vortex Deflector
uses jet-blast control technology
78
Between 2015 and 2016 the LIF programme was supported by
innovation as just
to reduce the carbon footprint and
Colciencias (now Minciencias, the Colombian Ministry of Science, research projects and increase efficiency in the aviation
Technology and Innovation). scientific papers anymore. industry.
Now I’m aware of the n Environment, transport and
Newton Fund in Colombia: impact that I could have infrastructure
The partnership with Colombia is called the Newton-Caldas on society and the
Fund, named after Francisco José de Caldas. Caldas was a economy by taking
mathematician, geographer, military engineer and inventor who my research from the
is widely considered the first Colombian scientist, and a leader LIF participants
laboratory to market.”
in the fight for Colombian independence. supported
Maria Rolden, LIF4
39 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 40Egypt Case study
Irene Fahim
Egypt, LIF5 participant 2018/19
Coflastic
Durable and low-cost biodegradable
The LIF programme has run in Egypt since 2015
plastic from agricultural waste
in partnership with the Science, Technology and
Innovation Funding Authority (STDF). Plastic pollution is a global issue. In 2016, over 320
million tons of plastic was produced worldwide – a
STDF stimulates Egyptian scientific society by funding
figure set to double by 2034.
research and establishing scientific partnerships in many
countries. It aims to keep track of advancing technologies In many developing countries, such as Egypt, the
to help Egypt stay competitive internationally, as well as Gamal Ammar, LIF5 move towards sustainable alternatives is rarely
linking scientific research to technological and economic considered due to the high cost of implementing
development and cooperating with civil society institutions. such policies. With this in mind, Irene Fahim and her
team developed Coflastic, a low-cost biodegradable
Building on the success of the partnership with STDF, the
plastic made from agricultural and food waste,
British University in Egypt joined the LIF programme as
supported by the LIF programme.
an additional partner for one year in 2019.
It maintains the same properties as its synthetic
counterpart – durable, flexible, and hygienic – and
can be used to form craft products, food packaging,
and homeware.
The LIF programme was
39
Plastic waste is often dumped in landfill, where instrumental in helping my project
it takes up valuable space and can cause serious reach new heights.
damage to the environment and our health.
Coflastic reduces the risk to the environment I worked closely with my
by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and soil mentor, engaging with plastics
contamination. manufacturers and conducting
market analysis, to fully understand
the plastics supply chain in Egypt
LIF participants and find potential investors.”
supported
41 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 42Clockwise from left:
Soumalaya Mukherjee’s cold storage
unit; Abhimanyu Singh, LIF5;
India Innovation Siddhant Tarawala’s innovation
Peeschute.
spotlight
Siddhant Tarawala has created
a unisex pocket urinal that turns
urine into a hygienic, odourless,
non-liquid state. The urinal
can be used in a wide range of
scenarios including humanitarian
The LIF programme has been running in India since emergencies and for people with
2014. In India, LIF is partnered with the Centre for limited mobility.
Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE).
n Environment, medical and
health
CIIE helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses
by incubating, accelerating, mentoring and funding
innovative startups. Pankaj Parashar, LIF5 Hexpressions is a low-cost,
modular housing system designed
It supports the entrepreneurial landscape of India through by Abhimanyu Singh, which uses
initiatives that have attracted and supported businesses honeycomb paper composite
in various sectors, including incubators, accelerators, seed panelling as a replacement for
investments and publications. traditional construction materials.
n Civil, environment, manufacturing
Newton Fund in India: and design
The collaboration between the UK and India under
96
the Newton Fund is known as the Newton-Bhabha
The LIF programme Soumalya Mukherjee has created
Partnership, which was established in 2014. included lots of great a portable cold storage unit that
advice around the reduces waste in the food supply
It is a major bilateral initiative for facilitating research and chain and allows rural farmers in
nuances of running a
innovation collaborations between two countries. It aims India to efficiently transport their
to address global challenges through collaborative efforts business, but also gave produce.
and brings world-class excellence together from both my project international
n Agriculture and food, environment,
countries. credibility, which provided medical and health
me with the confidence to LIF participants
continue down this path.” supported
Pankaj Parashar, LIF5
43 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 44Innovation spotlight
Indonesia LIF enabled me to develop as
a leader. It provided me with Puffer is a device created Ferry Sugandhi has
tools and skills to measure by Septian Suryo to clean created an aquaculture
seawater or grey water, crowdfunding platform –
performance and plan for
which has been used to inFishta – which provides
business growth, as well as provide clean water to coastal equitable access to finance
enabling me to lead, inspire communities in Indonesia. for fish farmers.
my team and improve their n Civil, environment n Systems and computing,
performance.” agriculture and food
Farhaniza Farhan, LIF5
The LIF programme has been running in
Indonesia since 2016 in partnership with
Ristek-BRIN, a merger of two institutions
– the Directorate General of Higher
Education and the Ministry of Research
and Technology.
Ristek-BRIN coordinates private and
state universities, the Private University
Coordinator (KOPERTIS) and other
government agencies.
Left: Ferry Sugandhi, LIF5
Middle: Septian Suryo and
(right) his innovation,
Puffer.
57 LIF participants
supported
45 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 46Case study
Yolla Miranda
Indonesia, LIF6 participant 2019/20
PT. Sainsgo MASKIT
Carbon fibre face masks
80%
Indonesia has the third highest rate of pollution
and the second highest rate of tuberculosis – an
airborne disease – in the world.
Combined with the COVID-19 crisis, the national
demand for face masks is higher than ever. The
LIF programme helped Yolla Miranda to adapt the
of LIF participants resources and expertise of her company, Sainsgo
Karya, to manufacture face masks that will help
said the programme was people breathe easier and live longer.
very important to their Yolla’s industry-leading MASKITs have activated
personal development carbon-fibre filters with a nano-silver coating. The
activated carbon side absorbs pollutants, including
particulate matter and volatile organic compounds,
while the silver nanoparticles act as antibacterial and
antiviral agents.
They are used in more than 10 hospitals for doctors Resilience was one of the key topics in the
and nurses on the frontlines of the pandemic, as LIF6 residential training. Exactly one week
well as being available to commuters, contractors later, the first COVID-19 case arose in my
and patients. country. Many suppliers closed, unable to
meet the higher demand for face masks.
With current manufacturing capacity at 100,000
masks per month, they are being rolled out in I adapted my business model to be able to
Indonesia, with plans to expand across Asia. meet that demand and help my country.
That resilience is something I would not
have had without the LIF programme.”
47 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 48Clockwise from left:
Feras Kafiah, LIF6;
Saeed Albawab, LIF6;
Jordan Innovation Bara Wahbeh’s innovation AKYAS.
spotlight
Saeed Albawab’s company
Green On makes Life Cells, building
bricks to create vegetation walls in
households and back gardens.
n Environment, biotechnology
The LIF programme launched in Jordan in 2019 and bioengineering
is delivered in partnership with the Industrial
Research and Development Fund (IRDF) affiliated
Feras Kafiah has developed
to the Higher Council for Science and Technology.
SmartCure, a blanket used in
The IRDF aims to bridge the gap between industry the construction field to improve
and academia, promote innovation, enhance the the speed and efficiency of the
competitiveness of national industries, and develop the Bayan Al-Btoush, LIF6 concrete curing process.
capacity of Jordanian researchers. It was established in 1994 n Civil, manufacturing and design
and operates under the Higher Council for Science and
Technology, a national entity established to help integrate
Bara Wahbeh’s innovation,
research and development and science and technology
AKYAS, is a decentralised toilet
into the Jordanian economy.
that provides sanitation using
no water, energy or pre-existing
Newton Fund in Jordan: infrastructure and converts human
14
waste to safe soil fertiliser in two
The Newton Fund in Jordan has been named the Newton- The greatest value
Khalidi Fund in honour of the Jordanian biochemist days.
has been building
Dr Usama al-Khalidi who dedicated his life to teaching n Environment, chemical and
relationships with fellows process
generations of scientists and medical students across the
Arab world. and individuals. Some of
them have translated into
personal friendships and
others into professional
relationships which have LIF participants
a high value for us.” supported
Bara Wahbeh, LIF6
49 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 50Clockwise from right:
Peter Mwangi LIF5;
Jack Oyugi’s high-value protein;
Kenya Innovation Catherine Wanjoya, LIF6.
.
spotlight
Tambua is an app designed by
Levit Nudi that uses barcode,
QR code and location tracking
technology to help consumers
verify authenticity of products
Since 2017, the LIF programme has been running
before buying them.
in Kenya in partnership with the Kenya National
Innovation Agency (KENIA). KENIA is established n Systems and computing,
under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STandI) communications
Act of 2013.
Jack Oyugi has produced an
KENIA performs various functions, which include: affordable, high-value protein for
n supporting commercialisation of innovations and research Samwel Kimani Mwaniki, LIF5 livestock feed from water hyacinth,
outputs across all sectors of the economy an invasive weed that covers nearly
70% of Kenya’s lakes.
n scouting for and nurturing innovative ideas
n Agriculture and food, biotechnology
n recognition and motivation of innovators through an award and bioengineering
system for innovations
n increasing awareness of intellectual property among Catherine Wanjoya’s business,
innovators Silmak Agencies, produces end-
n engaging and partnering with universities, innovation hubs to-end menstrual health products
44
and incubation centres for purposes of nurturing innovators
My LIF mentor helped and services, including eco-
and entrepreneurs. me to identify different friendly sanitary pads and home
funding sources, so that incinerators to dispose of the waste.
Newton Fund in Kenya: we are not relying solely n Environment, medical and
The partnership between the UK and Kenya is known as the on government grants. health
Newton-Utafiti Fund. ‘Utafiti’ is a Swahili word that means This means our project is
‘research’. The Fund in Kenya is administered in partnership much more sustainable
with the Kenyan Ministry of Education. and we can grow our LIF participants
business faster.” supported
Joy Nyawire Riungu, LIF5
51 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 52Case study
Kevin Mureithi Maina
Kenya, LIF5 participant 2018/19
Eco Blocks and Tiles
Sustainable construction blocks and
roofing tiles
Over the last six decades, over eight billion tons of
Over 300
plastic has been produced worldwide, but only 9%
is likely to have been recycled. The vast majority of
plastic waste accumulates in landfills, polluting the
natural and urban environment. With LIF’s strategic
business support, Kevin and his team developed Eco
Blocks and Tiles, manufacturing environmentally
new partnerships
friendly building materials from plastic waste. reported by LIF
The construction blocks and roofing tiles are better participants to date
value than commercially available solutions such as
clay and concrete, as they are lighter, more durable
and enable clients to save up to 40% in timber
trusses.
The company has also created job opportunities
for young people and unofficial waste collectors in
Kenya, engaging them in the principles of circular
economy and building their capacity to create
I am passionate about solving urban
sustainable alternatives themselves. This not only
issues with principles of circular
alleviates some of the local demand for construction
economy and sustainability.
materials, but also Kenya’s reliance on imports from
other countries. These practices are not widely applied
in Kenya, and I’ve seen so much of our
waste thrown away when it has a lot of
potential to be reused and recycled – it
shouldn’t have to be that way.”
53 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 54Clockwise from left:
Rahinah Ibrahim’s Oceanori;
Azah Anir Norman, LIF5;
Malaysia Innovation Che Fai Yeong, LIF4.
spotlight
Rahinah Ibrahim’s Oceanori is a
support programme for coastal
communities that incentivises
and funds the use of wastewater
treatment technology to clean
The LIF programme has been running in Malaysia up oceans and water sources
through income from improved
since 2016 in partnership with the Malaysian
seaweed quality.
Industry-Government Group for High technology
(MIGHT). n Environment, agriculture and
food
MIGHT is a think-tank that plays a key role in developing
Malaysia’s high technology for business through its private-
Norziana Jamil, LIF5 Azah Anir Norman has created
public consensus building and business nurturing platforms.
a mobile-based content verifier
It is an organisation built on the strength of public-private to alleviate misinterpretation of
partnership with more than 80 local and international content from the Quran shared
members from industry, government and academia. on social media.
In 2018, the Royal Academy of Engineering partnered with n Systems and computing,
MIGHT to deliver the Leaders in Innovation Accelerator, an communications, education
investment-readiness programme for Malaysian LIF alumni.
Che Fai Yeong’s innovation is
60
Newton Fund in Malaysia: a portable rehabilitation robot
LIF helped us improve the to help stroke patients recover
The Newton Fund is known as the Newton-Ungku Omar focus of the innovation through physiotherapy training
Fund in Malaysia. It is named after a well-known Malaysian
scientist, Professor Datuk Dr Ungku Omar Ungku Ahmad,
and gave us a better at home to regain functional
movement.
to commemorate his contribution to medical and health understanding of
sciences research, which improved the health of the the market need and n Systems and computing, medical
and health, biotechnology and
population, including eliminating malaria among poor and demand.” bioengineering
marginalised communities in Malaysia.
Fatimah Ibrahim, LIF4 LIF participants
supported
55 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 56Clockwise from left:
Andrea Siller Gonzales’ RECOPAD;
Constantino Lopez Macias, LIF5;
Mexico Innovation Jose Manuel Aguilar Yanez.
The training I received spotlight
helped me to develop
a new vision for my
project and generate new RECOPAD is a urine sample
collection device created by Andrea
important collaborations.” Siller Gonzáles for dependent
Constantino III Roberto patients. It is able to take a viable
Lopez Macias, LIF5 urine sample in a comfortable,
effective, and non-invasive way.
n Medical and health, biotechnology
and bioengineering, manufacturing
and design
Constantino III Roberto
The LIF programme is supported by the
López Macías has developed
Mexican Ministry of the Economy.
nanoparticles that improve a
It has been running in Mexico since its vaccine’s capacity to protect
inception in 2014, where it works in against important global diseases
partnership with Red OTT (Mexican induced by the bacteria from the
Technology Transfer Offices network). genus Salmonella.
Red OTT is a national organisation n Medical and health, chemical
with the goal of creating spaces of and process, biotechnology and
bioengineering
collaboration and participation for
117
technology transfer offices and
professionals since 2012. DermaGene is a pharmaceutical
cream formulation created by
José Manuel Aguilar Yañez
for healing epithelial wound.
The active ingredients prevent
infection, promote cell division and
migration, and the formation of
new blood vessels.
n Medical and health, chemical
LIF participants
and process, biotechnology and
bioengineering
supported
Andrea Siller, LIF5
57 Royal Academy of Engineering Five years of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme 58You can also read
