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. 

AI Centre welcomes New Zealand’s Science Minister
AI Centre welcomes New Zealand’s Science Minister

AI Centre welcomes New Zealand’s Science Minister

The UCL Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI Centre) was delighted to host a visit last week from Hon Dr Shane Reti, New Zealand's Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.

11 Jul 2025

Bartlett students participate in Building a Better Future Consultancy project
Bartlett students participate in Building a Better Future Consultancy project

Bartlett students participate in Building a Better Future Consultancy project

The Building a Better Future (BABF) Consultancy Project has grown significantly since its pilot last year, now established as the Bartlett Faculty’s flagship Extended Learning Opportunities activity.

11 Jul 2025

Blog: Jal Sahelis: The women fighting drought in Bundelkhand
Blog: Jal Sahelis: The women fighting drought in Bundelkhand

Blog: Jal Sahelis: The women fighting drought in Bundelkhand

UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources student Rachel Buzinin details how women in drought-prone Bundelkhand, India, are transforming water management and challenging entrenched gender norms.

10 Jul 2025