Sami Rehman was awarded ‘Most Innovative Student in London’ at the LDA Innovation Placement Programme Awards in January 2008.
The project brief
Welcome Gate is a specialist in security technology, providing security solutions to a range of corporate and public sector clients. They offer services such as CCTV, biometric readers and electronic visitor management systems. The company had identified a niche for developing an innovative electronic device that would make tracking of visitors easier and more professional. They needed an expert to guide the company, establish a process to approach the electronics market and then be involved in the development of the innovative electronic device.
Challenges..
Welcome Gate decided to participate in the programme after its Managing Director, Jason Choy, found it increasingly difficult to balance the day-to-day running of his business with spending time developing strategically important projects. They were lacking the expertise and knowledge on how to begin researching and developing a new product to fill the gap they had identified. Sami was briefed to identify potential manufacturers, to work out how to produce the product, and also to delve into the unfamiliar territory of the commercial side of bringing a new product to market.
Success!
As a result of the project the company was able to secure a £6,000 grant to further develop the prototype. Welcome Gate went onto start the process of acquiring a patent and has completed a fully-working commercial prototype.
