Tilak Dias, Head of the Advanced Textiles Research Group at Nottingham Trent University, has developed a novel method of incorporating electronic elements into the structure of textile yarn.

Featured recently on Channel 5’s The Gadget Show and BBC East Midlands, this eYarn can be woven and knitted directly into garments, so they retain all the normal properties of stretch, shear, durability and washability whilst providing significant new capabilities across a wide range of applications.

Wearable technology has been in existence for some time, from early stage garment-mounted monitors through to lifestyle devices such as exercise and heart-rate monitors. The eYarn now takes wearables to the next level, with its tiny integrated sensors being able to measure properties including temperature, motion, pressure, fluid, and strain.

Commercialisation strategy

The university had recognised that Professor Dias’ invention could deliver significant benefits to a broad range of consumers and was keen to understand the best routes to commercialising the yarn – beginning with how to scale-up the highly novel and precise manufacturing process.

V Formation director Hilary Campton worked closely with members of the Nottingham Trent University team, led by Professor Dias and Chris Davison, together with MediCity’s David Browning and Dr Derek Palmer of Prospect IP, to develop a commercialisation strategy, establishing positive and active dialogue with potential partners that can deliver scale-up and market reach to address substantial global opportunities in the medical, personal protective equipment (PPE), automotive and apparel sectors.

Hilary also provided mentoring support to Aida Ortola during her internship at MediCity. Aida worked on the eYarn project as part of her studies for the University of Nottingham’s MSc in Science and Entrepreneurship.

The project has now moved into a manufacturing feasibility stage, with V Formation remaining closely involved.

Commenting on the project, David Browning, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Development of the BioCity Group said:

“It has been a pleasure to work with Hilary and the V Formation team. Hilary’s ability to align technology translation with market insights and to identify and positively engage with senior contacts in global corporations across a wide range of industry has contributed significantly in accelerating this important opportunity for Nottingham Trent University towards commercialisation.”

To find out more about the eYarn project contact Hilary on 07908 124772 or click here to send an email.

About Tilak Dias

Tilak Dias is the Professor of Knitting at Nottingham Trent University. He is the founder and the leader of the Advanced Textiles Research Group in the School of Art and Design at Nottingham Trent University. Professor Dias has a background in electronics, textiles and electronic textiles and a track record in exploiting his research.