Awards success for KTP in Innovative Medical 3D Printing Development at axial3D

Posted on: 27/03/2019

KTP Associate shortlisted for Digital DNA Awards for work on medical 3D computer modelling and 3D printing.

One of the many positive outcomes of a recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between medical 3D technology firm, axial3D  (winners of the Northern Ireland Regional Start Up World Cup) and Ulster University is that KTP Associate, Luke Donnelly, has been shortlisted in the Developer of the Year category at this year’s Digital DNA Awards.

Medical 3D printing is transforming how clinicians prepare for surgical intervention as well as communicate details to patients and colleagues. Delivering improved efficiencies, advancing surgical standards and improving patient outcomes, 3D printing in healthcare is the fastest growing sector of the 3D printing industry.

A KTP Associate whose gaming background gave him expertise in representing data efficiently, Luke Donnelly has been working with medical 3D printing specialist, axial3D, and experts at Ulster University in a KTP to better visualise the way in which data is presented to clinicians. axial3D’s core product is a platform that allows clinicians to upload medical images to be processed by its machine learning algorithm, accurately identifying anatomy within that set of images to better understand the relationship between the original data and the 3D model that axial3D prints.

To that end, Luke has built a platform-independent javascript interactive visualization package that is being used in hospitals across the world. The visualization engine is key to the widespread adoption of axial3D’s Machine Learning algorithm, helping surgeons understand the provenance of the model and data. This is particularly important in healthcare where the use of machine learning is still treated with some scepticism.

Luke’s work has been showcased at RSNA Рthe largest Radiology conference in the world: good exposure both for axial3D and the local talent that has been harnessed and developed in Northern Ireland. He also scooped the hackathon prize in the run-up to the international Web3D conference in LA, showing his ability to compete on a global scale with cutting edge technologies.

The KTP programme aims to benefit all three participating partners: the business, the academic team and the KTP Associate recruited to project manage the KTP. Commenting on Luke’s success at being shortlisted in the Digital DNA Awards, Knowledge Transfer Adviser at the Knowledge Transfer Network, Stephen McComb Рwho worked alongside both axial3D and Ulster University to help set up and deliver the KTP Рcommented: “We are delighted that Luke has been shortlisted for the Developer of the year award. This highlights the fantastic opportunity that a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Academia and Business brings to talented graduates”.

 

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

KTP aims to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills held within the UK knowledge base.  The Knowledge Transfer Network delivers the KTP programme for Innovate UK, funded by UK Research and Innovation as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy. This KTP also received funding from Invest Northern Ireland.

KTPs are a dynamic three-way partnership between a business/not for profit organisation, an academic team and a suitably qualified graduate – the KTP Associate – who acts as the project manager, with support and guidance from a specialist Knowledge Transfer Adviser from the Knowledge Transfer Network. Today there are more than 800 active KTP projects, helping businesses collaborate with academia and talented graduates to drive innovation success.

Further information about KTPs is here and applications for funding – which enjoy a success rate of approx. 90% Рare open all year round.

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