Tim Haynes, CEO of Cambridge-based wireless power technology firm Nujira tells Electronics Weekly that he believes the wireless technology sector will see all players “bulking up” their IP muscle.
Describe your company’s business in two sentences.
Tim Haynes: Nujira is developing envelope tracking technology and products for 3G/4G mobile basestations, smartphones and other terminal devices. The company has developed ICs and modules that the wireless industry use as a way of delivering multi-band multi-mode high performance RF front ends in basestations and handsets alike.
What is the biggest opportunity in terms of technology and/or markets in 2011?
Tim Haynes: We believe smartphones will dominate the industry in 2011, will continue to gain momentum through 2012, and by 2015 will account for a billion units a year. For us this is a perfect opportunity to grow very big very fast and exploit our portfolio of intellectual property (IP) with other vendors.
What challenges in global markets are keeping you busy at the moment?
Tim Haynes: The biggest challenge we have experienced is the pull to get technology into market now and then to ramp that at an incredible rate. However, we believe with our operational experience and established supply chains that we can achieve that.
We have seen many companies acquiring patents recently- do you think that will continue?
Tim Haynes: The world of wireless is changing very quickly. We have a new breed of technology leaders that haven’t been immersed in wireless through the decades and so lack some of the history and hence patents. We will see patent books being made up by players in all parts of the industry over the next few years as they try to secure this new currency, and give them the ability to operate freely. This will penetrate through the hierarchy of the industry and we will see all players “bulking up” their IP muscle.
What does the UK/Europe need to do to ensure it retains a leading position in the global market?
Tim Haynes: Europe is a key geography where innovations are conceived. However, recently the role of government has discouraged Entrepreneurs and the conservative nature of Venture Funds in Europe doesn’t cultivate what could be a huge source of employment for the EU. Attitudes in the US are different. Europe can catch up but it needs to provide real incentives to Entrepreneurs and Investors.
www.nujira.com