With the support from the Transport iNet, Racetech Harnessing has developed the first commercially available LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlight system which can run for the life of a vehicle without the need for replacements. 

Derbyshire based Racetech Harnessing, which specialises in electrical systems for motorsport, approached the Transport iNet for advice and support in developing its innovative light technology LED headlight system.  The headlamps, which can save fuel and reduce CO² emissions by consuming as little as a third of energy as traditional bulbs, have been designed for endurance race cars, but have potential for road use.

The Transport iNet was able to support Racetech Harnessing by providing them with matched funding of £7,500 for research and design, as well as towards the prototyping costs of the solid state lighting system. The iNet was also able to bring the business together with collaboration partners and industry bodies to help progress development and introduce it to potential markets.

James Reeves, Innovation Advisor for the Transport iNet helped Racetech Harnessing with the project. He said: "Racetech Harnessing has created a product there is a clear gap in the market for, as no other company have such a system yet to offer. LED lighting is innovative in that it is economical through its long life capacity - it never needs replacing, which makes a driver's life a lot easier. When the product goes to market, Racetech Harnessing will be the first company in the world to have an LED headlight system available to buy. As LED continues to develop as a lighting technology, I am certain that Racetech Harnessing's potential to use its headlight system across a range of Transport industries is huge."

John Truman of Racetech Harnessing said: "Through new developments in LED technology, traditional lighting will eventually be a thing of the past. The potential for LED is limitless,  not only does it support new green vehicle technologies but LED's are so small they can be integrated into any vehicle design. The support we received from the Transport iNet was fundamental to this project and without it we may never have got it off the ground."

David Wallace, Innovation Director at East Midlands Development Agency (emda), which funds the Transport iNet, said: "This is just the kind of exciting, innovative project that the Transport iNet was established to support and I am very pleased that it has been able to help Racetech Harnessing. There is enormous potential for an effective LED headlight system and it is great news that this leading edge technology is being developed here in the region."

The Transport iNet, based at Loughborough University, is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of Transport iNet is to increase the level of innovation in the East Midlands helping to improve business competitiveness, margins, sustainability and growth. It allows individual sectors to work together, share ideas, technologies, intelligence, innovation and create a link between industry and the academic community.