A local technology business is aiming to extend the life of more than 100,000 mobile devices every year, thanks to collaborative work undertaken with Keele University.

Newcastle-under-Lyme based TMT First worked with Keele through the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) project, which saw them investigating ways of repairing and processing the components within mobile phones, especially the screens and batteries.

This was to look at the most environmentally friendly and sustainable ways forward, with the end goal of finding new methods of keeping technology alive for longer, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Their work with Keele has led to the adoption of a range of new processes and practises, which has helped them to revolutionise their approach to recycling and repairing mobile phone components, in a bid to make the industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

As a result, TMT First developed innovative technology that allows phones to be repaired using new processes and techniques enabling more devices to be cost effectively repaired. This reduces waste in the repair process, reusing and reclaiming components that was not previously possible. Their work has also seen them become a preferred repair partner for multi-billion dollar corporation Samsung.‌

The company have engaged with Keele on several sustainability and business development projects, including the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) project and programmes delivered through the Keele Gateway.

Managing Director of TMT First, Adam Whitehouse, said: “The work we have done over the last few years with Keele University has been absolutely invaluable. We have built a very strong partnership with Keele, and their expertise, guidance and knowledge has undoubtedly helped us with the innovative practices we’ve been able to adopt as a result, we had a great 2022 and continue to grow recruiting more staff and repairing even more devices.

“Sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint within our industry is at the very core of what TMT First stands for. Our partnership with Keele University has been and will continue to be an essential part of that work.”

Keele’s Gateway initiative offers a suite of programmes and are designed to give business leaders and companies a competitive edge, through professional programmes to improve digital and leadership skills, additional resource to develop new products or services, and improve access to talented students in the form of internships and work placements. Keele Gateway has supported over 1,000 business interactions since it was founded in 2016.

Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement and Partnerships at Keele, added: “Through our series of bespoke support programmes, the Gateway has provided some of the region’s most innovative companies with unrivalled access to Keele’s world-leading research, talented students, and business support professionals – all with the focus of helping local businesses thrive.”

To find out if you can make use of the organisational support on offer visit keele.ac.uk/workingtogether

The following support programmes from Keele Gateway are receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020:

Keele University Science & Innovation Park Smart Innovation Hub (Ref: 32R17P01691);

Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (Ref: 32R16P00706);

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DfLUHC) (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.