Undergraduate course

The following undergraduate students, based in the Design Centre on Coventry University Technology Park, transformed their idea into a commercial success with the support of Coventry University Enterprises.

Sprue Aegis produce electrically powered smoke alarms, with no need for replacement batteries. Their story demonstrates yet another business success from Coventry University.

“With an injection of £55,000 of EU funding via Coventry University, FireAngel Plug-In Smoke Alarm was launched in 1998 with the objective to address unmet consumer needs for domestic safety products.

The award-winning Plug-in Smoke Alarm addressed the issues by fitting directly between a light fitting and bulb making it as easy to fit as changing a light bulb. Once fitted it automatically charges when the light is switched on and uses the low level light switch Test and Silence which is unique.

Sprue Aegis PLC now has US and European patented technology enabling the powering and testing of electronic safety devices via lighting circuits. Its innovative FireAngel products have increased to include a range of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and other home safety products.

The established UK retail presence is complimented with other distribution channels via social housing, Fire and Rescue Services, electrical distributors/wholesalers and the US market via DuPont."

"Coventry University saw the potential of FireAngel; the capital awarded provided an excellent starting base to launch from.

"The prestige of such an award proved enough for other investors to come forward. Without the foresight of Coventry University business ventures such as this one could have been lost."