In 2020, Loctek Ergonomic Technology Corp. made a generous donation to the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) to establish the Loctek Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund. The fund aims to help students develop professional skills and workplace capabilities through practical work experience, while fostering innovative thinking and the ability to solve real industry problems. Loctek Ergonomic Technology Corp. (hereinafter referred to as ‘Loctek’) has long been committed to research, development and applications in ergonomics, smart offices and smart homes, advancing the practical adoption and commercialisation of emerging technologies.
To identify more innovative applications of linear actuation technology and explore the potential of international perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration, UNNC’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and Loctek have jointly organised two editions of the Loctek UoN Campus Innovation Design Competition. Previous editions attracted active participation from students and staff across all three University of Nottingham campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia, and nearly ten science and engineering disciplines.
This year, the 3rd Loctek UoN Campus Innovation Design Competition invites creative product and system design proposals under three themes: AI Integration, Connected Home Ecosystems and Multifunctional Integration.
Organisation:
Organisers:
UNNC Development and Alumni Relations Office, University of Nottingham Ningbo China
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)
Eligibility:
The competition is open to current undergraduate and master's students at all three University of Nottingham campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia. Students may participant individually or in teams of no more than five. Each entry must identify its academic supervisor(s), with a maximum of three supervisors per entry. Each student may submit only one entry.
Theme:
The competition explores opportunities for innovative product design using linear actuation technology in future work and living environments, focusing on AI Integration, Connected Home Ecosystems and Multifunctional Integration. Participants may develop their designs under any one of the following themes:
A. AI Integration: Future Furniture That Understands and Adapts
Explore how artificial intelligence can enable furniture to actively sense, understand, and respond to user needs. Across work and home settings, combine ergonomics, behaviour recognition, and intelligent interaction to design products or systems that adapt to users and coordinate connected devices and environments, creating new possibilities for health, comfort, and personalised experiences.
B. Connected Home Ecosystems: Interoperable Design That Grows with Life
Explore how furniture, devices, and accessories can work together as an integrated home ecosystem. Through shared interfaces, modular structures, and connected interactions, design products or systems that can be freely combined, expanded, and upgraded over time. Create opportunities for innovation that extend from individual products to coordinated living spaces, evolving with changing needs.
C. Multifunctional Integration: Adaptable Furniture for Flexible Living
Address limited space and diverse living needs by integrating functions such as working, dining, relaxing, and storage. Through innovative structures, transformable forms, and motion technologies, design furniture or systems that shift easily between functions and configurations. Explore how product transformation can reshape space use, improving both space efficiency and everyday living.
Agenda:
05 November 2026: Submissions open.
10 May 2027: Submission deadline.
17 May 2027: Finalists notified.
Late May 2027: Final presentations and awards ceremony.
Submission Requirements:
Entries must be submitted online via: https://forms.gle/6zZVsWkNwNdwEVEe9
Team Information: Include details of all student participants and supervisors. A maximum of five students and three supervisors may participate in a single project. Each student may submit only one entry.
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 Provisions:
Copyright in all award-winning entries shall be jointly owned by the organising bodies and the creators. Neither party may unilaterally file applications for intellectual property rights relating to the work. Any plans to seek patents or awards, publish academic papers, or commercialise award-winning entries must be separately discussed and agreed between the organising bodies and the creators.
In accordance with China’s regulatory requirements for cross-border remittances, overseas prize winners claiming their prize money must provide UNNC with information including, but not limited to, their passport details, receiving bank card number and correspondence address. Prize money will be paid in RMB. Cross-border remittance fees will be deducted directly from the prize money by the bank. As exchange rates fluctuate, the amount actually received will be determined by the bank’s settlement. Cross-border transfers take longer than domestic transfers, and the arrival of funds will depend on the processing time of the handling bank.
Competition Inquiries:
For further information about the competition, please contact:
How to enter: Joe.Sun@nottingham.edu.cn
Competition themes: Jiang.Wu@nottingham.edu.cn
DARO support: Elena.Yang@nottingham.edu.cn