Partnering for Innovation: Why Collaboration is Critical for Solving Tomorrow's Challenges
Universities provide access to multidisciplinary expertise, emerging technologies and the freedom to explore solutions to complex problems beyond day-to-day business constraints.
Across sectors ranging from offshore engineering to healthcare, researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) are helping organisations innovate and grow through the InnovateUEA ecosystem.
By effectively applying new ideas and technologies the following projects demonstrate how the InnovateUEA ecosystem turns cutting-edge research into practical outcomes.
Revolutionising seabed mapping with AI
One of the most significant opportunities for AI lies in automating lengthy and complex decision-making processes. This challenge was at the heart of a collaboration between sonar manufacturer GeoAcoustics and researchers from UEA's School of Computing Sciences. Led by Professor Wenjia Wang and Dr Ben Milner, the project explored how AI could improve the processing of data generated by interferometric sonar systems used for seabed mapping.
Historically, producing accurate seabed maps required hydrographers to spend days or even weeks manually filtering large volumes of survey data. Working together, the team developed an AI-powered solution that automatically processes and cleans survey information in real time.
The technology is now integrated into GeoAcoustics' GeoSwath 4 system, enabling survey teams to generate highly accurate seabed maps during the survey itself. The solution increases consistency, reduces reliance on manual processing and helps deliver more reliable data for navigation, offshore construction, and environmental monitoring.
The project highlights a broader lesson for AI adoption: the greatest value often comes from augmenting expertise and removing barriers to productivity.
The project was delivered through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, a UK-wide programme that enables organisations to access academic expertise to solve strategic challenges and accelerate growth.
Watch this video to learn more.
Improving cardiac care with AI-enabled imaging
Healthcare presents complex challenges for advanced computing and AI, where even small improvements in accuracy and efficiency can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Heart failure affects millions of people worldwide, and one of the most common treatments is Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT). However, around 30% of patients do not respond successfully to treatment, creating significant challenges healthcare professionals.
Dr Yingliang Ma (UEA's School of Computing Sciences) is leading development of an AI-enabled image guidance platform for cardiac interventions. By combining live X-ray imaging with patient-specific 3D models generated from CT and MRI scans, the technology provides clinicians with a more detailed real-time view of the heart during procedures.
The technology aims improve accuracy during complex interventions while reducing risks, repeat procedures and healthcare costs. It is also being adapted to support new forms of cardiac pacing that require particularly precise device placement.
Diagnostics innovation through data-driven insights
In healthcare diagnostics, dizziness is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical advice, yet identifying the underlying cause can be complex and time-consuming.
To address this challenge, Dr John Phillips (UEA’s Norwich Medical School) and Dr Jacob Newman (UEA's School of Computing Sciences) have developed CAVA (Continuous Ambulatory Vestibular Assessment). This medical device continuously records eye movements and analyses the resulting data to identify patterns associated with inner-ear disorders.
By providing clinicians with objective diagnostic information, the technology has the potential to speed up diagnosis, improve patient outcomes and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.
Research suggests widespread adoption could save the NHS up to £1.2 billion annually by reducing diagnostic complexity and accelerating treatment pathways.
Supporting the entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Through InnovateUEA, UEA is helping founders transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses.
One example is Peerdweb, a platform developed with support from UEA's Student Enterprise and Innovation Funding teams.
Peerdweb addresses the challenge of protecting and commercialising unregistered intellectual property, including research outputs, algorithms, designs, and datasets.
Peerdweb enables organisations to evidence ownership, manage access and maintain an immutable record of intellectual property activity while supporting commercialisation and growth.
Watch this video to learn more.
Peerdweb will be exhibiting at Innovation Alley at Cambridge Tech Week. On UEA's stand (Z6) three other graduate start-ups will be exhibiting: Far From, Keepsake and Steadlo.
Partner with UEA
Partnerships between industry and academia turn ideas into impact. UEA offers multiple routes for organisations to access expertise, innovation, and talent, including:
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
- Collaborative research and innovation projects
- Access to funding
- Consultancy and access to specialist facilities
- Workforce development and training
- Student and graduate placements and internships
UEA's Student Enterprise team is looking to grow its network of mentors and business supporters. Mentoring offers a rewarding way to support the next generation of innovators while connecting with emerging talent.
To explore opportunities for collaboration and discover how your organisation can benefit from UEA expertise, visit: www.uea.ac.uk/business or get in touch.