SOME OF the cutting-edge research being done in Dundee is to be shown off to business leaders from across Scotland at a special event.

The city’s two universities and the crop research institute at Invergowrie are joining forces to present an “innovation showcase” in the hope of forging links with companies.

Speakers will include Dundee-born Ken Keir, who is UK managing director for Honda, BBC business journalist Peter Day and enterprise minister Jim Mather.

The two-day event next month will let businesses see how they might be able to work with the three institutions and tap into their expertise and top-quality facilities.

It will also be a chance for students from the Dundee area to learn about innovation processes and how their study might relate to the industry needs.

Event spokesman Jamie Henderson said, “Companies visiting the innovation showcase will be able to discuss directly with leading academic staff how their research expertise can be applied to business projects.

“We have 20 academics attending who are all leaders in their areas of expertise.

“Their work has applications in sectors as diverse as food and drink, security, product design and medical devices.”

Mr Henderson added, “We are also keen to establish matches in areas that might not be immediately obvious to some—for example, expertise in motion analysis can be applied to the design of sports equipment, while psychologists with expert understanding of human cognition may be able to help electronic companies design accessible interactive products.

“This is a unique chance for businesses to find out how innovation can deliver long-term success.”

Dundee and Abertay universities and the crop research institute have already teamed up to create the Innovation Portal in an attempt to improve the competitiveness of Tayside businesses by bringing them together with scientists, technologists and engineers.

It is particularly aimed at small and medium-sized companies that often lack research and development facilities or may not have the time to pursue innovation.

The Innovation Portal can help by providing guidance and advice and can even carry out research on a company’s behalf.

A small grants scheme has also been set up so that academics can carry out exploratory work on projects at no cost to the company involved.

The Innovation Portal has won financial backing from the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund.