Bodmin-based Flann Microwave (www.flann.com), an engineering and research company, is working with PhD researcher Julia De Pineda-Gutiérrez at the University of Exeter (www.exeter.ac.uk) on a four-year project to revolutionise antenna design for point-to-point radio networks — such as mobile phone networks — with the aim of making them smaller, lighter and cheaper to manufacture and install.

This work could overcome one of the key barriers in making the leap from 4G to 5G networks, which would require more regularly placed and highly directional microwave antennas to handle the increased data volumes and speeds involved.

James Watts, chief executive of Flann Microwave, said: “This is incredibly exciting work that has implications nationally and internationally in the development of next-generation communications networks, which face a considerable challenge in moving from 4G to 5G — much more so than with the step up from 3G to 4G.”

This project is the latest in a series of collaborations between the company and the university, as part of a relationship that has grown closer with the establishment of the £12 million EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials.

Alastair Hibbins, director of the Centre, said: “We are particularly pleased to play an active role in building exemplary relationships between SMEs and the University of Exeter.

“Our long-standing collaboration with Flann Microwave strengthens the cluster of innovation and research with industry across the South West of England.

“Our centre trains around 70 PhD researchers, and working with industry gives us the opportunity to explore new areas of research.

“The interaction with industry is crucial in moulding the training we provide to our students; ultimately, we want them to succeed as scientific leaders in industry — and academia.”