Seven Lancaster University engineering students advanced to the final stages of the Engineers in Business competition, held at the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering in London. The students were recognised for their innovative redesign of a classic summer item: the parasol.

The ‘Parasolar’ is an innovative upgrade to conventional beach parasols, adding eco-technology to improve on the original. The ‘Parasolar’ offers shade and functions as a renewable energy source. By adding solar panels to capture sunlight during the day it generates clean, storable energy for later use. This can be used to power the in-built LED lighting and USB charging ports, allowing users to charge their devices and enjoy well-lit surroundings well into the evening.

Trudie Morrison, one of the students on the team, explained, “Rather than inventing something from scratch, we took a mundane object and transformed it into something more desirable. Its simple functionality makes the ‘Parasolar’ ideal for outdoor event venues, beachfront cafés, and recreational spaces, particularly those in remote locations.”

The Engineers in Business competition promotes the creation of innovative, commercially viable products or concepts by engineering students. It aims to enhance engagement in business idea development by offering prize funds and mentorship, which in turn aids students in gaining essential commercial expertise.

After winning Lancaster University’s internal competition, the team was invited to represent the University in the ‘Champion of Champions’ final in London, where they competed against teams from other universities across the UK. The final involved a day of intensive mentoring and preparation, guided by professional engineers and entrepreneurs, enabling the students to refine their ideas and improve their presentation skills.

Although the Lancaster team did not win the top award, they received the accolade for ‘Best Presentation,’ winning £1,000 of additional funding to develop the product. This was a great achievement for a team that successfully showcased their abilities, not only as engineers but also as entrepreneurs who can communicate the value of their product.

Professor Allan Rennie, Professor of Manufacturing Engineering at Lancaster University, congratulated the students on their achievement, commending them for their hard work and innovative thinking: “The team delivered a very credible pitch at the EIBF Grand Final, receiving positive feedback from the judging panel for the excellent communication of their product and business concept. The receipt of funding for the Best Presentation award further highlights the team's passion for their innovation. We look forward to the next stages of the ‘Parasolar’ development.”

The Lancaster students’ journey in the Engineers in Business competition highlights Lancaster University’s ethos of combining technical innovation with business acumen, inspiring future engineers to think creatively and practically about solving real-world problems.

The team members were Trudie Morrison, Jonathan Sharp, Hugh Lea, Natalie Chigwedere, Ano Chirongoma, Baraa Elraya, and Muhamad Adam Bin Muhamad Sukhami.