CINEC Campus Showcases Academic Excellence: Ground-breaking Research and Commercialization Achievements

June, 12, 2023

CINEC Campus (Pvt.) Ltd was recently recognized and awarded for its achievements at the "Recognizing successful commercialization efforts of university research" event held on 2nd May, 2023, at BMICH. The event was organized by Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) operation office in Sri Lanka. It is a World Bank-funded project of the Sri Lankan government to support the higher education sector. The primary objective of the event was to recognize research teams and companies that have made exceptional contributions to the commercialization of research outcomes. CINEC's wide-ranging research areas create a unique academic environment, providing an abundance of opportunities for future students to explore and excel in various disciplines. As a testament to this, CINEC is proud to have had five research commercialization projects accepted by AHEAD. This accomplishment highlights CINEC's commitment to Research, Development, Innovation, and Commercialization (RDIC).

CINEC has always been committed to fostering innovation and excellence in research, and it was with this vision that, in 2019, the institution embarked on a journey to strengthen and secure the commercialization of its research outcomes. In 2019, the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences and the Faculty of Maritime Sciences at CINEC Campus were successful in securing two World Bank-funded Development Oriented Research (DOR) grants, marking a significant milestone for the institution's research efforts. Following this significant milestone, CINEC Technology Transfer Office (TTO) was established to play a critical role in the research commercialization journey. The TTO supports researchers in commercializing their research outcomes and protecting their intellectual property. With the backing of the AHEAD Operation of the Ministry of Education, funded by the World Bank, the TTO has effectively bridged the gap between academia and industry, facilitating the transfer of intellectual assets from the Campus to the industry for the benefit of society, Campus, and researchers. CINEC's research commercialization success is a product of three years of sustained effort by the respective faculties, research teams, and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). This journey has led to the development and transfer of various innovative technologies across multiple disciplines, as highlighted by the following products, commercial partners, research teams, and faculties:

Marine Simulation, Providing Services to Hambantota International Port Services Company (Private) Limited (HIPG). The Project Overview: Many ports, such as Hambanthota Harbour and Colombo South Harbour, are unavailable in marine simulators, yet are essential for pilot training and risk assessments. Having acquired the Wartsila Transas design tool, CINEC can now create any port on demand, attracting foreign investment. The Hambanthota International Port has been developed, and the Hambantota International Port Services Company requested testing for the largest ship it can accommodate under different conditions. Research Team: Capt. Prasanna Sedrick, Capt. Harindra Perera, Prof. Rohini Chandrica Widyalankara, Mr. Samadhi Medawaladisanayake. Faculty: Faculty of Maritime Sciences.

Method and System for Container Inventory Management. The technology was successfully transferred to Cargoserv Shipping Limited. The Project Overview: This method and system optimizes container exchange among shipping alliances and consortiums, reducing container repositioning costs, which constitute 22% of overall management expenses. Utilizing real-time data, the system proposes exchange options to decrease empty repositioning costs by 20%, enhancing efficiency across multiple shipping companies. Research Team: Prof. Lalith Edirisinghe, Ms. Tharindi Amarathunge. Faculty: Faculty of Management and Social Sciences. This project was externally assisted by Dr. I. Mahakalanda of Department of Decision Sciences, Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa and Mr. Gihan Nadeera of Evoke Technologies.

Lower Body Foot Deformities Monitoring System. The technology was successfully transferred to Global Bridge International, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Project Overview: This affordable, easy-to-use solution offers real-time gait analysis with precise joint angular and plantar pressure data. Enhance diagnostics and patient care with this cutting-edge technology, revolutionizing physiotherapy, and medical practices worldwide. Research Team: Mr. Dhishan Dhammearatchi, Mr. Randeera Liyanage, Mr. Kalpa Maduranga, Mr. Yasith Weerasinghe, Ms. Sewmini Jayaweera, Mr. Chandima Rathnayake , Mr. Isira Dabare, Ms. Chrishani Obris. Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

Apparatus to Identify Defects of Even Surfaces in an Enclosed Environment. The technology was successfully transferred to D. Samson lndustries (Pvt) Ltd. - Synthetic Materials Plant. The Project Overview: This real-time image processing algorithm detects minor imperfections in even-surfaced synthetic leather within an enclosed environment, ensuring accurate defect detection. The method eliminates human errors, offers a fully autonomous system for multiple production stages, and alerts operators, reducing machine speed or stopping it automatically upon defect identification. Research Team: Mr. Randeera Liyanage, Mr. Deshan Adithya Bandara, Mr. Nipuna Nilupul Samarakoon, Mr. Yasith Weerasinghe, Mr. Manuja Induwara. Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

Machine for Removing Rattan. The technology was successfully transferred to the National Crafts Council (supported by the state ministry of Rattan, Brass, Pottery, Furniture and Rural Industrial Promotion). The Project Overview: This portable, manual device simplifies rattan extraction with its advanced chain drive system, offering three stages of speed and torque. Benefit from reduced manpower and full-length rattan vine extraction, transforming the industry with this pioneering technology. Research Team: Mr. Ishan Virantha. Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The wide-ranging research areas and successful commercialization efforts at CINEC reaffirm its status as an outstanding private higher education institute of global stature. This diverse academic environment and commitment to Research, Development, Innovation, and Commercialization provide its students with invaluable opportunities to excel in their chosen fields and strongly encourage its prospective students and parents in their future deliberations in selecting the desired best undergraduate education. Furthermore, 16 state universities and 2 Higher Education Institutes’ research teams were recognized for their contributions to 52 products derived through academic research. The event was graced by the State Minister for Education, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Chairman and members of the University Grant Commission, senior officials from the World Bank, officials from the AHEAD office, Vice Chancellors of state universities, senior officials from degree-awarding non-state higher education institutes, senior figures from industry, academia, and well-wishers.