UCL Centre for Digital Innovation Recognised for Knowledge Exchange Excellence in KEF Results
19 September 2024
The latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results are out, and we're excited to announce that the UCL Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) has been recognised as a key contributor to UCL’s exceptional performance.
UCL has been named the leading university in the UK for working with businesses, and CDI’s activities have played a significant role in this achievement. Our work exemplifies the power of knowledge exchange, driving real-world impact across HealthTech and EdTech sectors on both national and international levels.
At UCL CDI, we specialise in bridging academic expertise with industry collaboration to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our initiatives not only contribute to UCL’s knowledge exchange success but also transform research and resources into solutions that deliver significant social and economic impact.
Key Examples of Our Knowledge Exchange Activities:
12-week Impact Accelerator: This programme fast-tracks startups by offering tailored mentorship, workshops, and support, enabling them to achieve in 12 weeks what typically takes 6 to 12 months. HealthTech and EdTech startups benefit from the combined expertise of UCL and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to scale efficiently.
Doctoral Scholarships: Our expanding portfolio of PhD scholarships supports researchers in applying cutting-edge cloud, AI, and machine learning technologies to address real-world problems. This exchange between academia and industry drives innovations that tackle challenges in healthcare, education, and beyond.
Workshops and Training: We host regular workshops exploring opportunities and challenges in digital innovation, helping entrepreneurs and researchers develop skills needed to integrate advanced technologies. These sessions foster collaboration and drive knowledge transfer between UCL’s research community and external businesses.
Collaborative Space: Our meet-up and co-creation spaces serve as hubs for researchers, startups, and industry leaders to connect, share ideas, and develop innovative solutions. This ongoing knowledge exchange strengthens partnerships and enhances the development of impactful solutions.
These initiatives have made a tangible impact, supporting 19 startups, assisting 24 PhD researchers, and helping secure over £8.5 million in research grants. Our work demonstrates how knowledge exchange with businesses can lead to breakthrough technologies, from advancing healthcare diagnostics to revolutionising educational research.
Watch the KEF Case Study Video
Discover the impact of UCL CDI in our case study video on the UCL Innovation and Enterprise page. See how our partnership with AWS is driving digital innovation and creating real-world impact. The video features the journey of Shift Partner, an alumnus of our Impact Accelerator Programme, and showcases how CDI’s support helped this startup scale.
Watch now to see these success stories in action: UCL Innovation and Enterprise Page.