Innovative companies which are developing products geared towards making a big impact in the environment, healthcare or energy sectors are being offered the chance to win free access to cutting-edge research and technology facilities to further innovate and develop their ideas.
Today STFC launches a challenge that offers any UK company or organisation researching products and services in these sectors the chance to work at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC) for periods of up to six months, for free.
I-TAC is a facility offering a suite of flexible laboratories based on the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus. Winners of the I-TAC Futures Challenge will also have access to the expertise of STFC scientists. Organisations entering simply need to show that 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 strongly advised to visit I-TAC to see the facilities and equipment that are available, to help them prepare their application.
I-TAC manager Dr Martin Morlidge said: “Companies can benefit massively from access to I-TAC’s world class facilities. Each prizewinner 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 30th November and the winners will be announced on 10th December 2010. All awards will then start early in 2011.
More details about the competition can be found at www.itac.stfc.ac.uk/Locating+at+I-TAC/19708.aspx
The challenge prizes are;
1st prize in each sector: 6 months access to your own dedicated I-TAC laboratory.
2nd prize in each sector: 2 prizes of 2 months access to your own dedicated I-TAC laboratory.
Runners up prize across all sectors: 4 prizes of 1 month laboratory access.
The Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC) is a fully equipped space for innovation, research and development providing flexible access to laboratory space, “hot-labs” and £3m scientific equipment.
Supported by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC), it is suited to start up companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and research & development teams.
http://www.itac.stfc.ac.uk/
Science and Technology Facilities Council
