Teesside University has been shortlisted for a national award.
The university has been recognised in the Innovate UK 2026 Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards, which celebrate the achievements of graduates, universities, and businesses driving innovation across the UK.
The university’s KTP Team is shortlisted for the Excellence in Knowledge Exchange Support (KTP) Award, while KTP associate Samuel Ojuri is shortlisted for the Emerging Innovation Leader (KTP) Award.
Gilly Hall, Knowledge Transfer Partnership Manager, said: "We are delighted to be shortlisted for this national award.
"It recognises the collective effort of academics, businesses, associates and professional services colleagues who have helped establish KTP as a strategic driver of innovation, research impact and business engagement across Teesside University.
"Seeing our portfolio grow while creating meaningful impact for businesses has been incredibly rewarding."
Mr Ojuri’s nomination follows his work on a collaborative project with Stockton-based roofing systems company TaperedPlus Limited.
He led the development of the TaperedPlus Intelligent Design System (TPID), an AI-driven platform designed to improve design processes and business intelligence.
The system uses natural language processing, large language models and predictive analytics to automate processes and support business growth.
Aman Chahal, co-founder and CEO of TaperedPlus, said: "Sam has brought fresh thinking, technical expertise and real enthusiasm to TaperedPlus.
"What has impressed me most is his ability to connect academic research with the practical and often evolving challenges our team and customers face, helping us use AI and digital technology to improve how we design and deliver roofing insulation solutions."
READ MORE: Darlington toy exchange at risk of closure as owners rush to find home for Christmas
READ MORE: Controlling thug ripped girlfriend's hair extensions out in burst of rage
READ MORE: Water sent pouring onto County Durham street after large main bursts overnight
The KTP project is supported by Teesside University academics Dr Alessandro Di Stefano and Dr Chaimaa Tarzi, alongside industry supervisors from TaperedPlus.
Dr Di Stefano said: "Samuel’s nomination is thoroughly deserved, and we are all very proud of what he has achieved.
"Throughout the project, he has shown how AI research can make a real difference to a business, from helping the team handle customer enquiries and find important design information more easily, to improving how the company plans and forecasts."
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on December 1.
Share