The Loctek Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund was established in 2020 by Loctek Ergonomics Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Loctek”), a publicly listed company in China and a leading manufacturer of ergonomic solutions. The Fund aims to encourage students to improve their workability through internships, develop innovative thinking abilities, and solve practical problems in the industry.
Loctek has long been dedicated to researching and applying ergonomics, smart office solutions, and intelligent home systems, continually advancing the commercialisation of emerging technologies. To explore innovative applications of “linear drive technology” in intelligent scenarios and to nurture international perspectives and interdisciplinary creativity, UNNC’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and Loctek are collaboratively organising the first Loctek UoN Campus Innovation Design Competition.
Organisation:
Organisers:
UNNC Development and Alumni Relations Office
Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Loctek Ergonomics Technology Co., Ltd.
Cooperators:
University of Nottingham (UK Campus)
University of Nottingham (Malaysia Campus)
Participant:
The competition is open to all undergraduate and master’s students from the three campuses of the University of Nottingham (UK, China, and Malaysia). Participants may enter as individuals or in teams of up to five members. Each submission must include at least one supervisor, with a maximum of three supervisors permitted.
Theme:
The competition centres on “Innovative Applications of Linear Drive Technology in Intelligent Scenarios." Participants are encouraged to explore new opportunities for linear drive technology (e.g., electric lifting, extension, folding, sliding, etc.) in developing and designing intelligent products/systems. Submissions can fall under one of the following four categories:
A. Indoor Home Products/Systems
Focus on domestic spaces (e.g., living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) and leverage the advantages of linear drive technology, including adjustability and transformability, to integrate ergonomics with lifestyle aesthetics, thereby enhancing product usability and spatial efficiency. Rethink the application scenarios of Loctek’s height-adjustable desks, employing IoT technologies and human-computer interaction to establish a new desktop ecosystem.
B. Outdoor Architectural Products/Systems
Design for outdoor or architectural environments using linear drive technology, which enables intelligent adjustment or adaptive features and enhances functionality and aesthetic value. The adjustability and versatility of linear drive technology allow you to explore energy efficiency, structural safety, and smart monitoring features.
C. Office Furniture Products/Systems
Prioritise ergonomics, health, and efficiency in office environments by utilising linear drive technology to create office furniture with multidimensional adjustability and flexible deployment capabilities. Emphasise the significance of “respecting individuality and fostering a healthy work environment" by accommodating diverse user needs through adjustable height and angle settings.
D. Pet Products/Systems
Address the needs of common companion animals (e.g., cats, dogs) in travel, entertainment, care, and upbringing scenarios. Utilise linear drive technology to improve convenience, interactivity, and health management for pets and their owners.
Agenda:
February 15, 2025: Submissions open
May 15, 2025: Submission deadline
May 20, 2025: Finalist notification
End of May 2025: Final presentation and announcement of winners
Submission Requirements:
Submission System: Entries must be submitted online via https://forms.gle/jLaYFewkQG27Ciep7.
Team Information: Include details of all student participants and supervisors. A maximum of five students and three supervisors may participate in a single project.
Poster File (Required): Submissions must include a PDF poster file (max. 25 MB, up to 10 pages, A3 horizontal layout, 300 dpi). The poster should encompass four aspects: design opportunities, user needs, design concepts, and design validation.
Video File (Optional): Participants are encouraged to submit video files to enhance their presentation of the core creative ideas. Prototype demonstrations are strongly encouraged. Video files must be in HD or higher resolution, H.264 encoding, MP4 format, and must not exceed 3 minutes (maximum 100 MB).
(Note: All submissions using AI-assisted tools must dedicate a page in the PDF poster to detail the tools, prompts, and instructions used. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.)
Judging Criteria:
Creativity (30%)
Evaluates originality, differentiation, and visionary potential. Does the design showcase unique breakthroughs or interdisciplinary integration in its concept, functionality, or technical application?
Technical Feasibility (25%)
Evaluates the design’s potential for implementation, considering the appropriate utilisation of linear drive technology, structural stability, and safety considerations. Submissions must demonstrate careful thought regarding components, control systems, and material processes to ensure reliability and longevity.
Application Value (25%)
Concentrates on whether the design addresses user pain points, meets market demand, or offers substantial social benefits.
Completion and Presentation (20%)
Evaluate the overall maturity and quality of the presentation, including thorough visual and textual documentation, the completeness of the prototype, and the effective demonstration of key features. Aesthetic appeal, ergonomics, and user experience are also considered.
Awards:
First Prize (2 winners): €3,000 (approx. ¥23,000 RMB) + Certificate
Second Prize (4 winners): €1,500 (approx. ¥12,000 RMB) + Certificate
Third Prize (6 winners): €500 (approx. ¥4,000 RMB) + Certificate
Runner-up (10 winners): Loctek’s souvenirs + Certificate
Special Statement:
The organisers and designers jointly hold all intellectual property rights to winning entries. Neither party may independently apply for IP-related outcomes. For works with potential patentability, award applications, academic publication, or commercial implementation, further negotiations will be conducted between the organisers and the designers.