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Hi-tech joint venture benefits from UKTI support
(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The development of handheld devices which can detect infectious diseases on the spot moved a step closer earlier this month with the launch of biotechnology company OJ-Bio.
The launch (November 11) marked the beginning of a joint venture between Orla Protein Technologies and Japan Radio Company (JRC) to develop and commercialise next generation sensor technology in the North East of England.
The two companies benefited from the support of UKTIs R&D Globalisation Programme, which is designed to support and assist R&D based businesses develop, protect and commercialise their IP and new products in international markets.
Delivered by RTC North, the UKTI R&D Globalisation Programme initially helped both organisations structure a joint R&D programme to establish if their combined technology could create a platform to make the detection of diseases quicker and more accurate than current conventional methods.
By combining JRC's expertise in the design and manufacture of mobile telecommunication devices and Orla's leading edge science in the design of biological surfaces, the new combined technology has proven extremely successful.
The joint R&D Programme demonstrated that by combining the two technologies, the companies could create a new range of portable handheld devices which rapidly detect a range of diseases.
With the power to transmit test results through wireless networks, the technology can be used everywhere from doctors surgeries to some of the remotest parts of the world and for detecting diseases affecting both animals and humans.
Following the successful R&D collaboration, the UKTI R&D Globalisation Programme assisted both JRC and Orla in the formation of the new joint venture company.
Ray Jones from RTC North provided the assistance to both Orla and JRC in forming the joint R&D programme and the resulting joint venture called 'OJ-Bio', which will be based at the Centre for Life, Newcastle. He said: "It's been a long process to get the technology to where it is today but it represents a major step forward in the long term fight in the detection of diseases.
"It's been a privilege to work with both the Orla and JRC management teams and I wish them great success in the future." Dale Athey, CEO of Orla, added: "The assistance provided by RTC North through UKTI's R&D Globalisation Programme has been invaluable to us and will likely benefit many more SMEs like us in the region." GBP1m investment from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-13 is to help RTC North boost the impact of UKTI's R&D programme, assisting 150 innovative SMEs to break into international commercial sectors.
Notes to editor:
RTC North
1. RTC North is an independent innovation agency committed to helping business and society manage change. Excelling in the areas of technology transfer, business growth and innovation management, RTC North has worked with thousands of organisations since 1989 to create jobs, wealth and a better quality of life for the people of Northern England. Today the company employs over 60 people and has offices in Sunderland, Liverpool and Leeds.
The ERDF Competitiveness programme
2. The ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13 for North East England is managed by One North East on behalf of the European Commission, national government and regional partners.
The ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13 is focusing on:
- Innovation- promoting science technology and innovation in businesses and institutions across the region.
- Enterprise and business support- encouraging more people to start up in business, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, and helping established businesses develop, grow and innovate.
More than GBP250m ERDF investment is available for the region from 2007-13. ERDF investment is limited to 50% of total eligible cost and must be matched by other public and private sources. For every pound of ERDF investment, regional partners lever in another pound for the key priorities of innovation, enterprise and business support.
The programme is underpinned by the three important cross cutting themes of environmental sustainability, equality of opportunity and sustainable communities.
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