Free use of world-leading laboratory facilities for UK companies

Development opportunity

UK companies developing products in the environment, healthcare or energy sectors are being offered the chance to win free access to advanced research and technology facilities to help them further innovate and develop their ideas.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) will provide access to its Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC) for periods of up to six months, for free. Winners of the I-TAC Futures Challenge will also have access to the expertise of STFC scientists.

I-TAC consists of a group of laboratories based on the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus in Cheshire. Companies entering the competition need to show they are working in the key areas of energy, healthcare or environment and how they would benefit from access to lab space and equipment. As part of the entry process, companies are advised to visit I-TAC to see the facilities and equipment that are available, to help them prepare their application.

I-TAC manager Martin Morlidge said, “Companies can benefit massively from access to I-TAC’s facilities. Each prize-winner will be supported by STFC staff to ensure that they get the most out of their time here. To win the competition could mean the difference between a start-up company with an idea that could help address some of society’s key challenges, to one that really can make a difference.”

The closing date for entries is 30 November and the winners will be announced on 10 December 2010. All awards will then start early in 2011.

For more details about the competition, visit: http://www.itac.stfc.ac.uk/Locating+at+I-TAC/19708.aspx