Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/108176
o /i mt LATEST UMIP LICENSING NEWS EASY-CARE COTTON about the challenge of developing an environmentally friendly crease-resistant finish for cotton which would be attractive to the textile industry and comparable to existing formaldehyde based products in terms of performance and price. The novel processing technology which was created came as a result of an intensive 2-year R&D programme. Earlier this year, we assisted Professor Chris Carr and Dr Muriel Rigout, from the School of Materials, to license their textile processing technology to Beyond Surface Technologies AG. The technology provides an alternative to fossil-based raw materials currently used in textile processing and involves the replacement of ™ SO 2 SPEAK Earlier this year, we assisted Claire Mitchell from the Department of Human Communication and Deafness within the School of Medical and Human Sciences to develop her software package for individuals with motor speech disorders into So2SpeakTM - an app now available for download from the Apple Apps Store. 6 formaldehyde-based glyoxal resins, which are widely used in easy-care finishing of cotton shirt and trouser fabrics. There is a growing market and a keen demand from consumers for crease resistant cotton garments and a broader range of crease resistant products. Having recognised this trend, the research team here set So2SpeakTM is an iPad and iPhone app which allows speech and language professionals to design tailored programmes for any patient who would benefit from oral motor exercise therapy, such as individuals suffering from a neurological condition (e.g. stroke) or following surgery. The idea, which received UMIP Proof-of-Principle (PoP) Funding, resulted from clinical work which indicated that paperbased oro-motor exercises were not always clear and easy to follow and had a potentially limited effectiveness. Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) are already using app and iPhone/iPad technology with their patients so this seemed a natural transition. The app is a simple and intuitative tool to use and allows the SLT to design, implement and adapt oro-motor exercise programmes as quickly and easily as possible. Following completion of the patient assessment, the SLT can work with the patient to agree their overall goals and the frequency and duration of their individual programme. Both the University and Beyond Surface Technologies AG believe that this leading-edge approach, based on sustainable biochemistry, will ultimately revolutionise easy-care finishing technology and replace conventional chemistries. as well as biochemical technologies and Beyond Surface Technologies AG is a dynamic company ideally placed to bring these to market." Matthias Foessel, Managing Director of Beyond Surface Technologies AG concludes "This rapidly advancing development can benefit the entire textile value chain, from raw material to consumer. The new technology will help both to enhance the environmental compatibility of textile processing and to eliminate concerns about the potential health hazards associated with formaldehyde." Professor Chris Carr and Dr Muriel Rigout, commented: "Here at the University we are developing innovative technologies that emphasise the use of renewable raw materials Claire comments: "The drive in the NHS is to provide a better quality health service for less time and money. Using an app to support therapy meets both these requirements. I am really keen for people to hear about this app as I feel it will improve the quality of intervention for people needing these exercises. Future apps from So2SpeakTM will build on the same features we have used in this one to provide high standards of therapy to people." So2Speak showcased its app to over 12,000 delegates at the annual American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention which took place in November in Atlanta. TM SO2SPEAKTM For further information, please see www.so2speakapp.com or visit the Apple App Store to download. If you are an employee of the University and have an idea for an app, please contact: Dr Ed Maughfling: edward.maughfling@umip.com Remember to discuss possible IP protection before you publish. Contact your UMIP Commercialisation Executive first.