High-tech help

From left: Dr Ralf Schwörer (IRL), Lucie and Paul Gray (Aqua Sinka), Carl Bigley and Dr Neil Milestone (IRL).

IRL's first successful participant in the Scientist for a Day (SFAD) programme, Paul Gray, spent a day at IRL with the Cement Science team of Dr Neil Milestone, Carl Bigley and Bill Owers, who are developing methods for manufacturing a novel, high-density cementing system.

Gray has been involved in recreational fishing for most of his life and spent more than a decade creating and running a commercial catch-and-release fishery in the UK. Back in New Zealand, he founded his company Tapu Bay Ltd (now Aqua Sinka Ltd) in 2007 with the aim of creating an environmentally friendly alternative to lead fishing line sinkers, which are constantly adding to pollution concerns in our oceans.

"What we have found during our workshops so far is that once SMEs become more aware of available funding, they are encouraged to find out more about how R&D support and capability can add value to their products."

The lowering of the Technology Transfer Voucher threshold for companies, from $100k to $30k, further supports a long-term approach when it comes to encouraging the uptake of R&D, says Mitchell.

"We are in this for the long haul. We would like to reach SMEs throughout the country through our seminars and significantly boost not only understanding of the benefits of R&D to New Zealand industry, but also knowledge of the specific support services and funding that have been made available to them."

Gray patented an alternative fishing line sinker made from a mix of ironsand, cement and selected non-toxic chemicals and required help with the next step into the production stage.

He was delighted to have the opportunity to be at IRL for the day and said that the team not only had a wealth of knowledge to impart, but were also excellent hosts.

"I'm sure my time spent at IRL will help me a lot in developing my new product. It has raised some more questions I need to work on, but should result in a well researched product.

"After my day at IRL I would be very likely to ask for your help again in the future—the benefits far outweigh the costs."

Gray intends to carry out more testing and involve IRL in the analysis and assessment process.

IRL is currently collaborating with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to help another SFAD participant, Computer Recycling Ltd, on a project to investigate ways to improve on the handling and sorting of e-waste: recyclable products ranging from computer terminals to keyboards and printers.

IRL’s General Manager Industry Engagement Gavin Mitchell says that the collaboration with AUT is an exciting opportunity and an excellent example of how two research organisations can work together for the benefit of industry.