Pictured above: (l-r) Daniel Moore, emda's Research and
Development Grants Manager and Chief Executive of Sambiogen, Dr.
Shahid Mian
A Nottingham based company is investigating the market potential
for developing tests using DNA, which will enable the early
detection of two of the most common cancers, thanks to a new grant
from East Midlands Development Agency (emda).
Sambiogen has received emda's first Proof of Market grant of
£20,000 to conduct an initial technical and market
assessment, to provide a catalogue of evidence that can be used by
the company to gain further investment into the business. If the
outcomes of the project are positive, the company will look to
develop tests and screening programmes.
The Proof of Market grant is part of emda's Grant for Research
and Development (GRD). GRD helps businesses carry out research and
development work that will lead to technologically innovative
products or processes. It is a Department for Business, Innovation
and Skills (DBIS) business support product managed by the Regional
Development Agencies and part funded by the European Regional
Development Fund.
The aim of the Proof of Market grant is to assist small and
medium-sized businesses to test the commercial potential of an idea
for an innovative product or process, through methods such as
market assessment, research, competitor analysis and patent
reviews. The grant can be between £5,000 and £20,000,
and covers 60% of costs up to a 9 month period.
Sambiogen is focused on the development and application of novel
tests that will assist in diagnosing diseases commonly seen in an
ageing population, such as cancer and arthritis.
Chief Executive of Sambiogen, Dr. Shahid Mian, explained the
benefits of the grant: "The Proof of Market grant has provided the
company with an opportunity to accelerate its assessment of
patented technology, which is capable of forming new and improved
diagnostic tests for the human healthcare sector. Such diagnostic
tools provide a significant commercial opportunity for Sambiogen,
not only here in the UK, but also in key market sectors such as the
United States and Europe."
John O'Reilly, emda's Business Support Director, added:
"Research and development is vital to a company's long term
success. GRD can make a vital contribution to these costs for many
businesses in the East Midlands, allowing them to cost effectively
develop innovative products and stay ahead of the competition.
"Healthcare and bioscience is one of the region's four priority
sectors and has a global reputation for scientific research and
development. This Proof of Market grant will allow Sambiogen to
conduct crucial research that could potentially help detect and
combat life threatening diseases."