On 15th August, five undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School of Electronics, Electrical
Engineering & Computer Science at QUB returned from Beijing, China after a one-month educational
trip, as part of PMI2 (Prime Minister’s Initiative). The PMI2 strategy aims to build alliances and
partnerships with other countries through governments, education providers and industry.
Led by Dr. Kang Li from the Intelligent Systems & Control research group of QUB, the students put
together a business proposal for markets in both the UK and China under the theme of ‘Sustainable
Energy and the Environment’. Paul Reddan, Sable Campbell, Lewis Elliott, Karen Creighton and Jason
Cardwell were welcomed by Professor Shiji Song of Tsinghua University (Department of Automation) in
Beijing, and several of his students. With the cooperation of the eight students from Tsinghua
University, the team established a joint business idea and prepared detailed Business and Technical
Plans, as well as a Funders’ Report.
The business proposal, ‘ecoBid’ is a web-based solution aimed at encouraging the use of small-scale
renewable and sustainable energy resources, known as ‘microgeneration’ in domestic, business and
industrial applications. Providing increased accessibility for such technology to potential customers can
hence promote economic growth in the ‘green’ energy sector. In light of the UK government introducing
the ‘feed-in’ tariff for electricity consumption, the students’ business, once initiated shows much
potential promise. The feed-in tariff gives customers with microgeneration technology benefits such
reduced energy bills as well as actual income from exporting energy to the electricity grid.
“The students at Tsinghua University were so helpful and took genuine interest in our project, as well as
ensuring we had a good time in Beijing” said Jason Cardwell.
Incorporating many educational and cultural visits into their trip, the five students gained better
understanding of Chinese business, education and entrepreneurship. One such visit was to the Chinese
office of the Northern Ireland founded company, Andor Technology. Mr Depei Wang of Andor
Technology graciously met with the Queen’s students, giving them first-hand insight into doing business
in China and valuable advice.
During the trip, the students also seized the opportunity to promote international study at QUB through
several INTO events. The team gave a presentation about the university and Belfast, and met with
students who were keen to study abroad, offering information and advice on courses and the UK in
general.
Funded by the British Council under the Prime Ministers Initiative (PMI2), the Queen’s University Annual
Fund and the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, the project reached
successful completion. Awarded the title of ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ in 2009, with its
students demonstrating the calibre for global business success, Queen’s University Belfast has proven to
live up to its prestigious reputation in 2010.
Figure 1- Business Logo
Figure 2- Tsinghua University Department of Automation
Figure 3- Andor Technology
Figure 4- INTO Events
Figure 5- Tsinghua University