The University of Northampton has scooped a £50,000
contract to run a new initiative aimed at supporting small to
medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the East Midlands.
The 'New Technology Initiative (NTI) for Healthcare &
Biosciences' is one of five NTIs established across the East
Midlands region to give business in specific sectors access to
grants and training through a select network of universities and
colleges.
Funded by the East Midlands Development Agency, The University
of Northampton successfully pitched for the initiative against four
other universities.
The application to run the Healthcare NTI was a joint
collaboration between the University's Knowledge Exchange and
School of Health. Knowledge Exchange's Business Development Officer
for Health, Laura Wood, has been appointed NTI Network Leader. She
said:
"The Healthcare & Biosciences NTI is the first initiative of
its kind, allowing SMEs to apply for money to buy technical items
they don't possess. A key requirement for successful grants is that
businesses invest in healthcare training from select organisations
in the sector.
John Jones, Head of Business & Commercial Services at
Knowledge Exchange, added: "By winning this contract, the
University is offering a very public shop window to clients
interested in working with our experts in the health sector."
Grants have already been issued to three healthcare companies,
allowing for the purchase of a range of business-critical kit,
including new injection-moulding technology, sifting machinery for
medical tablets and the latest software for a communications
router.