I-TAC Takes First Prize for Best Support for Start-Up and High Growth Businesses

The Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC) has scooped a prestigious UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) award for having the best track record in developing and supporting start-up and high growth businesses. Since it opened four years ago, I-TAC, which is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), has supported more than 60 high-tech companies and aided in the development of 46 new innovative products. It has also helped its tenant companies achieve an impressive £80million of investment and to create over 100 new jobs.

STFC’s Dr Martin Morlidge, I-TAC Manager, said: “Winning this award is a fantastic accolade for I-TAC and for STFC. Starting up a high-tech business is tough and our philosophy is to give small companies affordable, flexible access to the multi-million pound equipment and expertise that would usually be out of reach for these businesses. I-TAC provides all the necessary technical support at every stage in the journey, from initial idea, through the proof of concept and prototype stages, to the final product or service.

In combination with this, it also provides the invaluable business support these companies need as they grow into strong and sustainable businesses.”I-TAC’s facilities are located across both of the innovative and vibrant national science and innovation campuses at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Harwell Oxford, both of which are successful Enterprise Zones.

Companies here sit alongside world-leading science facilities and international organisations such as the European Space Agency and CERN, with whom STFC also manages business incubation initiatives, in addition to several other support programmes for small businesses.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by science writer and BBC presenter Michael Mosely, was held on 10th July as part of UKSPA’s 30th Anniversary Summit in Birmingham, celebrating the 30th anniversary of its’ formation.Paul Vernon, Head of Campus Development at STFC, explains how businesses can benefit from STFC’s Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC): http://ilmt.co/PL/XV4