BUSINESSES working on emerging technologies could qualify for a share of £80million set aside to help move their ideas from the lab to the market place. The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is urging businesses in the region to apply for their sh

BUSINESSES working on emerging technologies could qualify for a share of £80million set aside to help move their ideas from the lab to the market place.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is urging businesses in the region to apply for their share of the DTI's Spring Competition for Funding cash.

David Marlow, EEDA chief executive, pictured above, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for many companies in the East of England that are working on ground-breaking technologies to get the extra help they need to succeed.

To help companies apply for the funds and seek appropriate partners, EEDA has financed an advice service at St John's Innovation Centre in Cambridge, part of its network of enterprise hubs.

"This region already has an impressive record in research and development, but we want it to form an even bigger part of our economy, particularly through the engagement of small and medium-sized businesses.

"This service will not only give these businesses the expert help and advice they need on how to apply for the funding, but also it will give them access to the 'peer' knowledge they require."

The core areas in which funding will be given are: design engineering and advanced manufacturing - management of complex fluid flow conditions; electronics and photonics - novel technologies for low-cost, high efficiency electronics and lighting systems; emerging energy technologies - low carbon energy, and oil and gas; sustainable production and consumption - energy efficiency technologies; bioscience and healthcare - exploitation of bioscience for industry and safety, and biomarkers for pharmaceutical development; advanced materials - materials for extended first use and re-use; information and communication technology - data, scientific and medical visualisation for innovative products and services.

INFORMATION: Contact Dr Alex Smeets at St John's Innovation Centre

on 01223 422210 or e-mail asmeets@stjohns.co.uk