Firms who rose to the challenge

THREE businesses, each addressing global challenges, have been awarded access to the cutting-edge research facilities at Daresbury Laboratory, near Warrington.
The innovative start-up companies from the North West will have access to facilities and expertise at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) laboratory.
The companies were winners in a challenge run by STFC’s Futures team, which seeks to exploit scientific research to find solutions to the government’s challenges in energy, environment, healthcare and security.
They were PV Glaze (a company developing a renewable energy technology using silicon based cells that can convert solar radiation into electricity), BiSN (a highly technical service company serving the oil and gas industry) and Chris Underwood (Dr Underwood is working on a design for a Vascular Access Graft, a type of artificial blood vessel which is implanted in the arms of people who require lifesaving dialysis).
Each winner received six months free access to their own dedicated fully equipped laboratory at Daresbury’s Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC).
I-TAC manager Dr Martin Morlidge said: “By giving them access to our knowledge, infrastructure, scientific and business expertise we will help them to flourish into substantial, successful companies that are benefiting wider society and boosting the UK economy.
“We were really impressed with the calibre of the competition entries and are excited to be welcoming each of them onto the campus and providing them with all the support they need to get the most out of their time here.”