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7 LATEST UMIP SPIN-OUT NEWS UMIC ® UMIP ® UMI 3 For centuries, the public bath houses of Morocco (Hammams) have utilised natural lighting through holes in the roof, capped by blown glass bulbs. The know-how to produce these glass bulbs has been lost over time. The openings are now blocked off and electric lighting is used to illuminate the spaces below. The quality of the light is poor and it is uncomfortable to spend long periods of time in Hammams. Dr Sibley first contacted us in 2013 after learning about our Social Enterprise Initiative set up to find, fund and support social entrepreneurs from within the University. Dr Sibley submitted an application to the competition and was successfully awarded a £5,000 Do It award by the advisory panel. The funding allowed her to form HiSolar and she began to design the electronics and solar technology. With her electrical engineer husband, Dr Sibley developed over 30 units in conjunction with a glass blowing company located in St Helens. Dr Sibley commented: "The UMIP award has really helped us as a business. Hammams play a vital role in providing accessible community space and the aim of HiSolar is to have an impact in revitalising these historic buildings, enabling their use in modern times." The glass bulbs were developed to be a specific dome-shape to fit into the existing holes of the Hammams that allowed natural light to enter. The LED lights, which automatically come on at night, are powered from batteries which are charged using a uniquely designed solar panel. This panel is integrated with the glass bulbs and each unit is autonomous and therefore does not need to be connected to the main electrical supply. The project was piloted in Fez, Morocco, and was deemed to be a success by the managers of the Hammams. They were extremely satisfied with the quality of the lights and the amount of money it saved, providing a viable way of preventing these public baths having to shut down due to the increasing cost of electricity. We connected Dr Sibley with our Social Entrepreneur-in-Transit, Leigh Wharton, Director at Bubble Enterprises CIC, who has assisted in developing the business plan further. Dr Sibley plans to expand the use of her technology in the UK and in other countries. HiSolar is now in advanced discussions with a large building envelope contractor, to work together forming a new venture to distribute the product further and adapt it for Social Housing in the UK. Plans are now being developed to integrate the product into a new build Hammam currently under construction in Marrakech. Contact has been made with a local partner, Mrs Khadija Kadiri, who has over 35 years of experience in running a Hammam. She is also a member of the Moroccan Federation of Hammam Managers. NEW SOCIAL BUSINESS HISOLAR IS SEEING THE LIGHT Research undertaken by Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Dr Magda Sibley, has led to an innovative solar powered LED design that can uses natural light to save on electricity costs. HiSolar Ltd was set up as a social business this summer.