Interactive Pool Table Wins Bath Spa University Innovation Award

Adam Butler, a student in Bath Spa University’s School of Art & Design, has won the 2009 Innovation Awards competition for new business ideas, run by the University.

Adam’s concept is to develop a machine vision software kit, which he will be piloting on pool tables in the New Year. His device will convert them into interactive games tables that will encourage people to play by giving players guidelines for their shots.

Adam, who is in his third year studying for a BA in Graphic Communication, received a prize worth £10,000. It includes seed-corn funding for prototype development, together with expert business advice, guidance and mentoring from an industry expert.

As well as its use for pool tables, Adam’s technology has commercial potential for advertising. Once tested and refined, it may also be of great interest to industry. For example, the device could be applied to the management of traffic flows.
The runner-up was Amanda Goode, a member of staff in Bath Spa University’s Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design Department.

Amanda won a package of support worth £4,000 to develop her concept, which she calls “reworking the unwanted to produce the must have”. Using discarded artefacts and materials, Amanda reworks them with textile technology into her own designs for the interiors market.

Bath Spa University’s 2009 incarnation of the annual Innovation Awards competition received 24 entries from students and staff across the University, with a particularly strong representation from Commercial Music students. Innovation concepts ranged from software development and creative writing to music therapies for healthcare and gadgets for cycling enthusiasts.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan, presented the awards at a gala event in the Michael Tippett Centre on the University’s Newton Park campus.

ENDS

1) For more information please contact Susan Cherrett, Bath Spa University’s Business Support Manager, on 01225 875556 s.cherrett@bathspa.ac.uk

2) Or Peter Cullimore, Bath Spa University Communications Officer, on 01225 876106 p.cullimore@bathspa.ac.uk