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Cool new technology attracts Big Idea grant

Announcement posted by UniQuest Pty Limited 20 Dec 2011

University research leads to innovative new product for heat stressed workers

An innovative vest for keeping hot workers cool has been recognised as one of the next “Big Ideas” to come out of Queensland, with a $50,000 grant to develop the technology for the global market.

Originating from James Cook University (JCU), the CoolMeTM Vest is moving closer to market-ready manufacturing with the help of start-up company GRW Industries and JCU’s research commercialisation partner, UniQuest.

The CoolMeTM Vest is designed for emergency workers, miners and others working in extremely hot conditions to limit the impact of heat stress. The low-cost, disposable product generates an intense cooling effect (3-5C) without requiring access to refrigeration, ice or power. Worn under protective clothing or in hot or humid environments, the vest is activated rapidly when water is added to a reservoir.

The $3 million What’s your big idea Queensland? competitive grants scheme, initiated by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, provides businesses with up to $50,000 in funding to help commercialise their creative ideas, deliver new products and services, or increase competitiveness.

Thirty winners in the scheme’s second round were announced on 29 November at a gala event for the 60 finalists, who were selected from 300 applications.

GRW Industries director Jasper Taylor, who is also JCU’s Director of Research Services, said the grant will help fund further product development.

“The first manufactured prototypes of the CoolMeTM Vest have just been sold to a number of customers for evaluation trials and we have orders for more, so the timing couldn’t have been better,” Mr Taylor said.

“The CoolMeTM vest is the first of its kind to overcome the hygiene and maintenance issues of current cooling methods for heat-stressed workers. The grant will help us incorporate feedback from customers as we develop a longer lasting version of the vest based on the same concept.”

UniQuest Managing Director, Mr David Henderson, said the awarding of this grant reflected the capability of Queensland universities to contribute to the State’s economic and innovation growth.

“With the support of JCU and the Queensland government, GRW Industries is demonstrating how commercial entities spun out from university research can transform an idea into a viable venture that not only solves a real industry problem but also generates a financial and reputational return,” Mr Henderson said.

“The GRW story is also an exemplar for Australian university research teams collaborating successfully with each other, government agencies and private enterprise.

“The CoolMeTM project emerged after researchers from JCU’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science began working with Queensland Fire & Rescue Service to develop a solution to a common productivity issue. Through UniQuest, the GRW team also connected with industrial designers at the Faculty of Design, Architecture & Building at the University of Technology Sydney, and with the Bayly Group and Clipper Plastics in Melbourne, to develop the prototype ready for manufacturing.

“It’s innovative research as well as a smart model for transferring knowledge into a consumer benefit.”

The GRW team and the CoolMeTM Vest won the inaugural UniQuest Trailblazer prize at JCU and The University of Queensland’s $100,000 Enterprize business planning competition in 2009; as well as a heat on the ABC’s New Inventors program and a Tropical Innovation Award in 2010.

GRW Industries is currently working with UniQuest to attract investors interested in launching the CoolMeTM Vest globally.

Related Links

New Inventors http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s2894911.htm

Enterprize on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxlg64asqNg

References to heat stress information:
http://www.baesg.org/heatlist.htm
http://ohsonline.com/Articles/2004/03/Heat-Stress-Not-a-Problem-Until-So...