A University start-up has scooped a £60,000 award after participating in a programme backed by the Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) that aims to bring about 'transformational change' in the North Sea energy industry.
RAB Microfluidics, which is based at the University’s ABVenture Zone business incubator, has created a ‘lab-on-a-chip’ condition monitoring device which can detect early signs of equipment failure.
The company was one of ten start-ups to be selected to participate in the OGTC’s inaugural TechX programme, which aims to accelerate the introduction of promising technologies that might benefit the industry.
Following an intense 16-week programme which involved engagement with major operators, RAB-Microfluidics was awarded the BP Technology Prize, which comes with a £60,000 funding award.
The company is now undergoing a 12-month incubator to grow their business in the north-east, allowing the region to reap the benefits of their development.
Managing Director Rotimi Alabi, whose PhD project at the University's School of Geosciences was the catalyst for the development of the technology, said: “It is humbling that the oil and gas industry recognise the potential of the technology that RAB-Microfluidics is looking to commercialise.
“It is a testament to the quality of research that comes out of the University of Aberdeen and for this we are proud.”