WIREDGOV

Small R&D businesses with big ambitions could win free access to world-leading research facilities that will help them take their technology to the next level.

The competition announced recently by the Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC) at Sci-Tech Daresbury in Cheshire, is open to young innovative R&D businesses.

The competition winner will receive six months free access to a self-contained laboratory, which also includes specialist technical support and business advice. There are also two runner-up prizes, providing three month and one month access.

I-TAC is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) business incubation offering to support the start-up and growth of technology businesses and provides flexible and ready access to more than £3 million of cutting edge laboratory facilities supported by world leading science expertise.

Michael Norris, Head of Business Incubation at STFC, said, “Companies can benefit massively from access to I-TAC’s facilities. Each prize-winner will be supported all the way by STFC staff to ensure that they get the most out of their time here. Winning the competition could mean the difference between being a start-up company with an idea that has the potential to help address some of society’s key challenges, to one that really can make a difference.”

Dr Samantha Westgate, CEO at Perfectus Biomed, a microbiological testing company for the healthcare and environmental sectors that has had support from I-TAC, said: “Establishing our company at I-TAC provided us with access to flexible laboratory facilities that, as an SME, we were not initially in the position to commit to long term. This, combined with networking opportunities and business advice from branding to attracting investors, has allowed our business to grow significantly year on year. We have recently expanded into larger laboratories and to offer new and exciting job opportunities in the field of microbiology.”

The competition is open to businesses less than 5 years old, employing less than 250 staff. They can be operating in the healthcare/life sciences, chemical, pharmaceutical, energy and environment, advanced materials and food technology sectors. Entrants must be able to demonstrate that they are undertaking an R&D project and have a need to use I-TAC’s facilities.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 18 March. Available here is details on the competition, and how to enter.

Further information

Further details on I-TAC.

Images

Images are available on request.

Contact

Wendy Ellison
Press Officer
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Daresbury Laboratory
Cheshire
01925 603232 / 07919 548012