A MAJOR new initiative near Warrington will enable small, hi-tech firms bridge the gap between basic science and industry.
The initiative – based the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory – is a joint venture between STFC and CERN.
Aim is to enable small companies to translate some of the world’s most innovative technologies into viable and profitable companies.
The CERN-STFC Business Incubation Centre (CERN BIC), will nurture small businesses with innovative ideas based on technologies developed through high energy physics at CERN, home to the Large Hadron Collider, and develop these ideas into marketable services and products.
Under the new scheme, five companies per year, over a period of two years, will benefit from an impressive support package that includes up to £40k funding, 40 hours of free access to technical expertise and facilities across STFC, as well direct access to CERN’s technologies, expertise and intellectual property.
STFC has a very strong and long standing relationship with CERN and funds the UK’s involvement for all CERN activities.
Professor John Womersley, chief executive at STFC said: “Small companies with a real mission to innovate will benefit from this initiative, which brings together some of the most advanced technologies in the world with the unique and focussed business support required to take new ideas to market successfully. This has real potential to generate major economic and societal rewards for the UK economy and will demonstrate the significant impact arising from the UK’s investment in CERN, particularly in job creation and economic growth.”
This is the first time that CERN has taken part in such a partnership, which could eventually be rolled out across Europe.
The CERN BIC will sit within the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus where participating companies will not only gain access to cutting edge scientific, technical and business expertise provided by STFC and CERN, but also to a dedicated STFC business champion for business planning and guidance towards access to STFC’s facilities at Daresbury.
The CERN BIC will launch officially later in the year when the first calls for proposals will be announced.
A MAJOR new initiative near Warrington will enable small, hi-tech firms bridge the gap between basic science and industry.
Bridging the hi-tech gap
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
