---
title: "(NU/1433-1) Z-LIM - Rail Breaking Technology: The Provision of Business Consultancy to Assist Commercialisation of University Research."
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-c52bb26d-71a6-49de-b6e2-c849d5b59852"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-c52bb26d-71a6-49de-b6e2-c849d5b59852"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-c52bb26d-71a6-49de-b6e2-c849d5b59852.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-c52bb26d-71a6-49de-b6e2-c849d5b59852.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY"
published: "2019-10-22"
---

# (NU/1433-1) Z-LIM - Rail Breaking Technology: The Provision of Business Consultancy to Assist Commercialisation of University Research.

Buyer: NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-c52bb26d-71a6-49de-b6e2-c849d5b59852

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## Summary

The procurement process is centred around Newcastle University, which is seeking consultancy services for the commercialisation of its innovative rail braking technology, known as the Zero Wheel Slip Linear Induction Motor (Z-LIM). This tender falls within the industry category of business and management consultancy services and is specifically aimed at firms located in the North East of England. The procurement method used is classified as "Other," with the tender period having ended on 29th July 2019. The awarded contract, valued at £30,000, commenced on 18th October 2019 and will continue until 30th April 2020.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for consultancy firms specialising in innovation, business start-ups, and engineering to leverage their expertise. Companies with experience in product development and industry partnerships would benefit from participating in this procurement, especially those capable of assisting with the establishment and growth of a spin-out company aimed at advancing the Z-LIM technology. Additionally, this contract offers the potential to engage with Newcastle University and its industrial partner, Reece Innovation, fostering valuable networks and collaborative ventures within the railway and engineering sectors.

## Notice

Newcastle University has developed an innovative and potentially disruptive technology designed to overcome limitations in existing train braking systems particularly in periods of low adhesion. The technology removes the need for 'defensive driving' strategies resulting in greatly increased capacity in the network. The 'Zero Wheel Slip Linear Induction Motor' (Z-LIM) aims to reduce dependence on friction between wheel and rail for traction and braking forces, with minimal changes to existing rolling stock and infrastructure. This braking solution is based on well-known linear induction motor technology using known technology but it is using it in a novel way. The novelty of the innovation is how the linear motor is operated, and how this relates to the operation of the train to improve capacity in the wider railway, rather than the physical equipment itself. The work is led by Newcastle University along with industry partner Reece Innovation. The proposal is to set up a spin out company to take the technology through the next stage of pre-commercial development, regulation and supply. The person appointed to lead the company formation and development will have experience in business start-ups, marketing, innovation and fund raising. They would preferably have experience in an industrial sector and engineering industries, including new product development and first market introductions. Ideally, they would also have links with potential partner companies and investors.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7383c9dd-b0e2-42e5-9a3c-a97835957c3f |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Other - |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 22 Oct 2019 |
| Submission deadline | 29 Jul 2019 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 16 Oct 2019 |
| Contract period | 17 Oct 2019 - 30 Apr 2020 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £30,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £30,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY |
| Locality | NEWCASTLE |
| Post town | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Postcode | NE1 7RU |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear |
| ITL 3 | TLC43 Tyneside |
| Local authority | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Electoral ward | Monument |
| Westminster constituency | Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West |
| Delivery location | TLC North East (England) |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | NORTH EAST BIC |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

### Codes

- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services

## Release History

- 22 Oct 2019 at 13:18 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7383c9dd-b0e2-42e5-9a3c-a97835957c3f

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7383c9dd-b0e2-42e5-9a3c-a97835957c3f
  22nd October 2019 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Notice URLs

- https://www.ncl.ac.uk

## Provenance

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