Aston University
Aston University, established in 1966 and located in central Birmingham, is a research-led institution known for its high-quality teaching and strong industry connections. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including accounting, finance, and bio-sciences, and is recognized for its exceptional graduate employment rates, consistently ranking among the top universities in the UK. Aston University serves over 9,500 students on its 40-acre campus, which includes academic, social, and accommodation facilities. Additionally, Aston Student Village, a subsidiary of The Unite Group plc, manages student accommodations on campus. The university also manages an endowment that supports its operations and student financial aid, demonstrating its commitment to providing a supportive educational environment.
Aston Particle Technologies (APT) is an IP based firm that offers a novel one-step micro/nano particle layering technology "microencapsulation/dry particle coating” that processes materials without the use of solvent or heat. Its USP lies in engineering micro particle surfaces by deposition of fine, cohesive secondary material giving rise to tailored composite particles. APT technology formulates blends through the adsorption/adherence of fine "guest" particles on to the surface of coarse "host"particles. The production of these new "functionalised" particles occurs in an environmentally friendly manner whereby the powder undergoes fluidisation/aerosolisation through the injection of a gas "air‐blade", allowing coating of the guest on to host through particle‐particle interaction, as opposed to the solid‐solid blending occurring in current state of the art technologies. The resulting powders display dispersion and coating of all the fine guest materials on to the host particles. The uniqueness of this particular dry coating technique is the use of no solvent in a relatively isothermal process with the absence of particle attrition during formulation. APT is therefore able to formulate not only unstable drugs but address challenges with industry standard blending methods.
Grid Edge Limited develops Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine-learning software for commercial and public building owners to control and optimize their building’s energy loads. The company's AI software solutions reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and transform on-site energy technologies into revenue-earning assets. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom.