Discover how Jorgensen Bikes Ltd turned their dream into reality with SCIMIA, gaining invaluable knowledge and funding to produce a unique prototype.
Company Overview
Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Jorgensen Bikes Ltd aspires to revolutionise the cycling landscape worldwide. Despite financial constraints and expertise gaps, Founder and CEO, Josh Jorgensen, discovered that without the additional support, he would have likely had to repurpose existing bike parts to create a prototype, a solution that wouldn't have offered the unique edge he envisaged for Jorgensen Bikes.
That is when he discovered Staffordshire University's fully-funded* Staffordshire Connected & Intelligent Mobility Innovation Accelerator (SCIMIA) programme to bring his innovative prototype closer to reality.
Identifying the potential of SCIMIA's dedicated project, Jorgensen Bikes took the opportunity to work collaboratively with Staffordshire University.
Fully Funded Business Support
Josh discovered the SCIMIA programme when he attended Staffordshire University's Innovation Surgery. Business Engagement Development Officer, Jordan Everall, walked Josh through the possibilities with the SCIMIA programme. The programme provided not only financial aid but also access to a skilled student Innovation Consultant and an academic Innovation Advisor to help develop a prototype.
James Bennett, a Staffordshire University graduate and student Innovation Consultant, became a critical part of this collaboration. Operating from the Incubator and Hatchery spaces of the Innovation Enterprise Zone (IEZ), James worked hand-in-hand with Jorgensen Bikes, tapping into Bhavesh Patel's academic expertise whenever he required further support or information. As part of the offering, James was also able to work with the University's technical specialists at the Smart Zone to work with specialist machines, such as laser cutters.
The SCIMIA programme's ethos is about mutual benefit; by matching businesses with students based on industry experience and education, all parties involved can reap substantial benefits.
Project Outcome
This successful partnership led to the production of a fully realised physical prototype. The Staffordshire University team offered technical assistance through IEZ's Smart Zone, contributing to the development of critical components such as the wooden jig that was used to clamp and weld the frame tubes together with a laser cutter. The prototype also underwent necessary heat treatment processes.
James not only benefitted from the practical experience, but he also found himself receiving job offers thanks to his involvement in the programme. Moreover, he honed his independent problem-solving skills and time management.
According to Alastair Dawes, Director of Business, Development and Enterprise at Staffordshire University, one of the most significant benefits businesses like Jorgensen Bikes can obtain from partnering with Staffordshire University is access to a diverse range of expertise, customised to meet specific needs. When a business student and academic to ensure everyone reaps benefits
From Josh's perspective, the SCIMIA programme not only made his dream a reality through financial assistance but also provided invaluable knowledge and wisdom, ensuring the project's success. Jorgensen Bikes strongly recommends other businesses explore the business support provided by Staffordshire University, allowing them to turn their dreams into tangible products or services.
*Staffordshire Connected & Intelligent Mobility Innovation Accelerator (SCIMIA) is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014 -2020
The positive impact that James had on the company was that he helped make my dream a reality. I wouldn't be able to create a bespoke prototype if it wasn't for him. I would have probably had to get existing bike parts to create a prototype which wouldn't have been totally unique for Jorgensen Bikes.