Bluebox great ideas win development funding

IHBI researchers Chengtie Wu and Yin Xiao, from the School of Engineering Systems, took out first place with their idea for a novel, strong biomaterial in the annual competition which seeks novel research with commercialisable potential.

Their $10,000 prize is intended to help them bring their idea from concept to commercialisation with the help of bluebox mentors.

In second place was a safety lock for gas cylinders and hydraulic outlets devised by Kimble Dunster which aims to cut the risk of fire and accidents with volatile materials. Mr Dunster received $5000 towards taking his idea to market.

Dr Andy Brader from the Creative Industries Faculty came third with his idea for a 24-hour multimedia support and professional development service and won $2500.

Bluebox CEO Michael Finney said the Ideas Competition had attracted a broad range of commercially-relevant, interesting ideas from more than 30 QUT staff and student groups from several faculties, institutes and divisions.

"The bluebox ideas competition recognises the commercial potential of real-world, innovative research projects, technologies, ideas and concepts from within QUT, and we look forward to working with the winners to assist with further developing their work towards commercialisation," he said.

A team of five from the School of Engineering Systems - Jacob Redrup Todd Malseed, Luke Ceccato, Dennis Damsma and Ahmad Kanaani - won the student category for their idea for a device to assist children to clean their teeth.

Now in its third year, the bluebox Ideas Competition encourages QUT students, staff and researchers to investigate commercialisation pathways for inventive research ideas with commercial potential. For more information about entering the competition, go to http://www.qutbluebox.com.au/news/upcomingeven/competitions/index.jsp

Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 1841 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au