University of Leicester
Ecosystem Support
Leicester, United KingdomAbout
The University of Leicester is a research-intensive UK university with expertise spanning advanced communications, electrical and electronic engineering, photonics, artificial intelligence, semiconductor technologies, sensing and sustainable technologies.
Within the School of Engineering, research in advanced connectivity includes applied electromagnetics, metamaterials and metasurfaces, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), advanced antenna systems, optical wireless communications and AI-enabled electromagnetic design.
For the ACT–Semiconductor Investor Partnership Networking Hub, we are particularly interested in connecting with UK SMEs and investors to translate emerging research into commercially scalable technologies.
A current opportunity is the development of semiconductor-integrated reconfigurable metasurfaces for next-generation optical wireless communications. The concept combines programmable photonic hardware with advanced connectivity to dynamically manipulate optical communication beams, addressing limitations associated with line-of-sight connectivity, blockage, mobility and coverage.
The University can contribute multidisciplinary research expertise, modelling and optimisation capabilities, prototype development and experimental validation to support translation of advanced connectivity and semiconductor technologies towards commercial applications.
We welcome discussions with SMEs, semiconductor and photonics companies, technology developers and investors interested in collaborative technology translation, particularly at the convergence of advanced connectivity, reconfigurable electromagnetic and photonic systems, sensing and future 6G networks.
Additional information
IPs if any
University research know-how and emerging IP in advanced electromagnetics, metasurfaces, photonics and communications. Specific foreground IP to be developed and protected through appropriate commercialisation routes.
Funding raised so far
N/A – University research organisation
One line proposition
Semiconductor-integrated programmable metasurfaces for dynamic, energy-efficient optical wireless connectivity in future 6G networks.
Problem / solution
Optical wireless networks offer high-capacity connectivity but are constrained by line-of-sight, blockage, mobility and coverage. We aim to develop semiconductor-integrated reconfigurable metasurfaces that dynamically steer and shape optical communication beams, creating programmable, energy-efficient propagation environments for resilient indoor, industrial and future 6G optical wireless networks.
Representatives
Assistant Professor in Applied Electromagnetics and Metasurfaces
University of Leicester