UK inventors face fight to turn ideas into reality

Allen’s extensive article, published in last week’s issue of The Observer, primarily highlighted the substantial progress made by SME Polyphotonix thanks to the support of CPI knowledge, expertise and equipment, in the development of their simple sleep mask for the prevention of diabetes related blindness.

It also discussed CPI’s high-class Printable Electronics capability, which assisted Polyphotonix, discussing the future of such printable electronics applications as packaging and interactive screens.

Using Polyphotonix as an example, Allen then proceeded to highlight the pitfalls and challenges facing innovative SMEs as they attempt to secure funding and test their new products or processes.

The article concluded with comments from; EEF Senior Economist, Felicity Birch; Catapult Programme Director, Simon Birch; and CPI’s own Graham Hillier, Chief Technology Officer for the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, which called for confirmation of continued government funding for the Catapults and non-government lending support for manufacturing.