The national science and innovation campus in Warrington has attracted significant attention.
Sci-Tech Daresbury is now home to 140 prominent science and technology companies, with 26 new tenants joining in 2018.
Project Violet Development
Project Violet, the newest phase of development at Sci-Tech Daresbury, received planning permission in early 2018. The project kicked off with the tender process to select a contractor capable of constructing 43,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office buildings. This expansion aims to accommodate the growing number of companies keen to join the campus.
Among the new arrivals in 2018, C-Major Medical stands out. The North West medtech company relocated its operations to the Innovation Centre, finding the move both simple and quick. This strategic relocation has been pivotal in the company’s growth, enabling it to secure patents and additional funding.
C-Major Medical’s Success
C-Major Medical has achieved remarkable growth since relocating. Within a year, it secured patents in Japan, Taiwan, and Europe for its innovative syringe technology, CHoRD™. This technology addresses the multi-billion dollar retracting syringe market, focusing on reducing needle-stick injuries and preventing infectious contamination. With nearly £200,000 in funding, including £100,000 from the Investment Accelerator Grant Award and £45,000 from UKI2S, the company is well-positioned for continued success.
“We moved in at Sci-Tech Daresbury in January 2018, and it was a very simple and rapid process for us. We were up and running within 48 hours,” said Steve Dobson, commercial director at C-Major Medical. “We’ve enjoyed many highlights over the last 12 months since our move to the campus, including being awarded the Investment Accelerator Grant Award and a convertible loan from UKI2S.”
Growth in Innovation Centre
The Innovation Centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury welcomed 15 new tenants in 2018, reflecting its dynamic growth. Companies such as Distinctive Medical, Grant Thornton, Microvi, and Imosphere have set up operations here, enhancing the campus’s profile.
The centre is increasingly seen as an incubator for tech and medtech start-ups, fostering a collaborative environment. This synergy is vital for the rapid development and scaling of innovative solutions.
Technological Hubs and Facilities
The Innovations Technology Access Centre has also grown, accommodating Livful, NGPod Global, Daresbury Proteins, Quantum Science, Revivocell, and Chemical Intelligence. Similarly, the Campus Technology Hub is now home to Multilase and Imagin3d.
Hosakawa Micron and G3G have moved into Techspace One and Techspace Two, respectively. These facilities provide essential infrastructure and support for technology-driven enterprises.
The availability of specialised facilities underscores Sci-Tech Daresbury’s commitment to fostering an environment where technology companies can thrive.
Collaboration and Community
John Downes, group chief executive of Langtree and chair of the Sci-Tech Daresbury joint venture, highlighted the importance of collaboration. He praised C-Major Medical’s arrival, calling it a ‘fantastic example’ of innovation at the campus.
Downes’ emphasis on fostering innovation between tenants, whether local SMEs or international businesses, reflects a broader strategy for growth and development. The campus continues to attract a diverse range of companies, all benefiting from this collaborative ecosystem.
“We were delighted to welcome the company to The Innovation Centre at the start of 2018 and since then, we’ve enjoyed watching the business go from strength to strength,” said Downes.
Future Prospects and Ambitions
Looking ahead, Sci-Tech Daresbury anticipates another year of significant growth. With new companies already moving in at the beginning of 2019, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. The campus aims to continue attracting innovative companies by offering top-notch facilities and a collaborative environment.
This forward-looking approach positions the campus as a leading hub for science and technology companies. The ongoing development projects and the influx of new tenants signal a robust future for Sci-Tech Daresbury.
Conclusion
Sci-Tech Daresbury’s growth story is impressive and shows no signs of stopping. The addition of new tenants, successful development projects, and a strong collaborative environment all contribute to its thriving ecosystem. The campus stands out as a premier destination for science and technology companies, committed to nurturing innovation and fostering growth.
In conclusion, Sci-Tech Daresbury is a beacon of growth and innovation. Its ability to attract and support leading science and technology companies is testament to its successful strategy and bright future.
As the campus continues to expand, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.