An innovation which could revolutionise squash has been shortlisted for a national award after being designed by a British squash loving student.
Mechanical engineering graduate Gruffydd Gozali, 21, has designed Squaser — a laser line detection system which will help referees to determine if the ball is considered in or out of play.
It uses a laser sitting over the top of the tin – when this is blocked by the ball brushing it, a sensor alerts the referee and players. Squash has yet to implement such technology in the world game.
Gruffydd, who lives in London, founded Squaser while at Lancaster University during a module on Engineering Business Development. His business idea has now been shortlisted as one of the finalists in the Engineers in Business Champion of Champions competition.
Squaser has already undergone testing at the National Squash Centre in Manchester and been piloted during the final of the Canary Wharf Classic tournament earlier this year.
Gruffydd said: “I’m an avid squash player and watched many professional matches, so the problem immediately stuck out to me. I’d seen laser sensing systems in similar situations used before so it was not such a hard jump to see them being applied to squash. It will make the sport fairer and more enjoyable for both players and spectators.”
Gruffydd will pitch his idea against nine other teams of student innovators at the event at the Royal Academy of Engineering on November 3. A sum of £16,000 is up for grabs, providing vital seed money to help the winners develop their innovation.
Prof Allan Rennie, who runs the Engineers in Business Fellowship competition at the Lancaster University School of Engineering, said: “Gruffydd is a prime example of what our students are capable of when presented with the right opportunities.