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 enhance their employability through internships, develop innovative thinking skills, and solve practical industry problems.
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) in the development and design of intelligent products/systems. Submissions can fall under one of the following three categories:
A. Application of Mortise and Tenon Joint Technology in the Field of Indoor Furniture
This topic examines the application of a specific modular design technique, mortise-and-tenon joint technology, to enhance product installation and aesthetics while minimizing packaging size.
B. Application of Modular Thinking in the Design of Various Furniture Categories
By applying modular design, this topic aims to achieve the following goals: enable multi-function and space-saving, shorten the user repurchase cycle, reduce the types of inventories held by companies, and improve inventory turnover efficiency.
C. Integration of Intelligent Electrical Components with Furniture in the Smart Furniture Industry
This topic explores how to integrate intelligent electrical components with furniture items such as sofas, beds, and tables. The goal is to enrich users’ daily experience with these household products while meeting their basic power supply and charging needs.
Agenda:
November 01, 2025: Submissions open
March 27, 2026: Submission deadline
Early April 2026: Finalist notification, final presentation, and winner announcement
Mid-April 2026: Award ceremony
Submission Requirements:
Submission System: Entries must be submitted online via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUesm18_WfYvkQ8TEtP7a-5qKCSXFyrGwtqeF5sXUIH4kulQ/viewform.
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.
Inquiries:
For more details, please contact:
Participation-related: Joe.Sun@nottingham.edu.cn
Theme-related: Jiang.Wu@nottingham.edu.cn