Zacharaya’s work with Polatis and the subsequent licensing outcome is an excellent example of how early engagement with industry partners allows for real-world impact of academic research. The academic team involved UCLB as soon as they saw a commercial potential in the project which helped us have early discussions with Polatis to develop a feasible technology transfer plan.

I have closely collaborated with Polatis for over 15 years. This is one of the most impactful joint projects that had an immediate commercial value and adoption. It reflects the vision and ambition of my research team that works on systematic and disruptive research solutions across optical networked systems.

Watch Advancing data centres through optical switches on YouTube.

By engaging with UCL, we are able to multiply the effectiveness of our relatively small engineering team by understanding the impact of new technologies and exploiting them earlier than we would otherwise have done. Zacharaya’s novel deep learning method has shown promising results in increasing efficiency and yield in our manufacturing process and in improving product performance. 

New hub to harness the power of microbes to turn waste into valuable products
New hub to harness the power of microbes to turn waste into valuable products

New hub to harness the power of microbes to turn waste into valuable products

UCL Biochemical Engineering is part of a pioneering new hub that is set to transform UK manufacturing by converting industrial waste into valuable, sustainable chemicals and materials.

19 Jun 2025

Pathways to Sustainable Prosperity in Ukraine: IGP launches Building Bridges White Paper at Somerset
Pathways to Sustainable Prosperity in Ukraine: IGP launches Building Bridges White Paper at Somerset

Pathways to Sustainable Prosperity in Ukraine: IGP launches Building Bridges White Paper at Somerset

The Institute for Global Prosperity launched its Building Bridges for Ukraine White Paper on 9 June at Somerset House during the London Design Biennale. Eva Coulibaly-Willis reports on the event.

19 Jun 2025

UCL secures KTP grant to advance AI-driven innovation in infrastructure delivery
UCL secures KTP grant to advance AI-driven innovation in infrastructure delivery

UCL secures KTP grant to advance AI-driven innovation in infrastructure delivery

BSSC has launched a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Strategic Rail Consultants (SRC) Limited, supported by Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

18 Jun 2025