Dyson and Imperial

The partnership between Imperial College London and Dyson exemplifies a robust, symbiotic relationship between academia and industry that goes beyond simple funding.

It began with an early-stage collaboration in robotics, where Imperial's expertise in computer vision algorithms helped Dyson develop its robotic vacuum cleaner, the Dyson 360 Eye™. This initial success demonstrated the commercial value of academic research and laid the groundwork for a deeper, long-term relationship. 

Dyson's primary commercial benefit from this partnership is a direct pipeline to world-class talent and innovative ideas. The company receives invaluable feedback on its products and gains a strategic advantage in a competitive market by staying at the forefront of technological advancements.  

This culminated in a £12 million donation from the James Dyson Foundation to establish the Dyson School of Design Engineering. This investment secured Dyson's influence over the curriculum, ensuring it blends technical engineering with creative design and commercial acumen. 

Imperial's extensive Enterprise ecosystem, which fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, was instrumental in enabling this partnership. It provides the infrastructure for industry-led projects, intellectual property protection, and business support, all of which are essential for translating research into commercially viable products. For Dyson, this means not just accessing research, but also co-creating the next generation of engineers who are equipped to innovate and drive the company's future success.