University of Strathclyde spinout InProcess develops real-time welding inspection

13 November, 2024

The breakthrough system was recognised at this year’s Converge Awards, where InProcess secured the top prize for its innovative technology. The Converge Awards, an annual event that highlights leading academic innovations from Scotland, awarded InProcess the prestigious Converge Challenge award, which recognises business ideas with strong intellectual property (IP) potential and scalability. The company received a £50,000 cash prize and £20,500 in business support.

InProcess was co-founded by University of Strathclyde researcher, Momchil Vasilev, who highlighted the importance of welding in various industries, including the manufacturing of net-zero infrastructure like wind turbines: “Welding is an integral part of modern society and enables a number of crucial sectors. Currently, weld defects are usually found at the end of production, with up to 20% of assets requiring repairs.” He added: “Our ultrasonic sensor is the first to detect these defects in real time, during the manufacturing process, which could save fabricators millions. We aim to revitalise the UK’s manufacturing sector by bringing high-value component production back to the country and creating high-quality jobs in Scotland.”

InProcess was not the only University of Strathclyde spinout to be recognised at the awards. PCAD, another Strathclyde-based project, earned the runner-up prize in the Converge Challenge category. Led by Iain McDougall and Anthony McGarry, PCAD is transforming prosthetic care by digitising the process of limb fitting. Its solution reduces the time required for fitting prosthetics from hours to seconds, improving both efficiency and patient comfort. In the Create Change category, which recognises social and impact-driven enterprises, KEPsoft Collaborative from the University of Glasgow secured the runner-up position. Co-founded by Glasgow academics David Manlove and William Pettersson, along with strategic consultant and renal transplantee Vijay Luthrn, KEPsoft is working to improve the efficiency of kidney transplant donor-recipient matching through a software platform.

Other special awards included the Ventures Lab Award, presented by the Challenges Group, which went to Professor Sebastien Chastin from Glasgow Caledonian University for his work with MosaIQ. MosaIQ is a consultancy and training agency that facilitates collective intelligence-driven solutions.

Commenting on this year’s winners, Adam Kosterka, Executive Director of Converge, emphasised the global potential of Scotland’s university-based innovations. “InProcess, PCAD, and KEPsoft Collaborative exemplify how academic brilliance can lead to revolutionary technologies that could transform industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. At Converge, we support university founders by equipping them with the business acumen and networks they need to succeed,” Kosterka said.

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, praised the role of university-driven innovation in driving economic growth. “Translating world-class research into innovative technologies and businesses is central to Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy. Converge provides a crucial platform for innovators to showcase their ideas and connect with investors, mentors, and industry leaders,” Forbes stated, congratulating the award winners for addressing global challenges.

Since its inception in 2011, Converge has trained over 670 aspiring founders and supported the creation of more than 420 companies, with a three-year survival rate of over 80%. Funded by the Scottish Funding Council and a network of corporate partners, the programme works with 18 of Scotland’s universities to support the development of new businesses through training, networking, and financial support.

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