York Management School helps inventor to hit the peak
Posted on 27 August 2010
Dr Kin Kam, a University of York alumnus who runs Inclusive Innovations Ltd, has developed a patented invention called iiCAP, which was featured on BBC 2's Dragons' Den earlier this year. The product includes special support systems to secure spectacles or sunglasses to the peak of a sports cap, eliminating discomfort due to prolonged wearing of conventional eyeglasses.
This is an example of how SMEs can work with us to develop their business strategy and bring about a change in their working practices
Dr Kiran Fernandes
Dr Kam wanted to move into higher quality product with higher margins and turned to the York Management School for advice on how to move the business forward. Through a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) initiative, Dr Kiran Fernandes and Jordan Horsman, provided the company with a clear business strategy. This has given Inclusive Innovations Ltd a set of operational and strategic procedures and helped it to secure a conduit to high profile venture capital.
"This collaboration has enabled my company to be significantly better prepared for upcoming investment rounds,” said Dr Kam, who won a prize at the China UK Entrepreneurship Challenge at the University College London.
Dr Fernandes said: “This is an example of how small and medium sized enterprises can work with us to develop their business strategy and bring about a change in their working practices.”
Jordan Horsman added: "Bridging the gap between academic and practitioner studies is an interesting and valuable experience, especially when it involves a local business that offers innovative products to improve everyday life.”
The team is now working with a Manchester company with extensive sport product development expertise to launch new branded iiCAP accessories in October 2010. The company is also working with the researchers to develop two sets of products, one for prescription spectacle wearers, and the second for helmet wearers such as climbers, horse riders, construction workers and the police.
Notes to editors:
- More information on Inclusive Innovations Ltd at www.ii-invents.com
- More information on the China UK Entrepreneurship Challenge at www.chinaukchallenge.com/
- More information on the York Management School at www.york.ac.uk/management/
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