NPL Knowledge & Innovation Centre 7 May 2009 Glenis Tellett
Knowledge & Innovation Centre Origins Ad-hoc approaches from SMEs wanting to rent space Extending the impact of National Measurement System programmes Deepening NPL s interactions with business KT is a contact sport Bringing additional benefit to London & the South-East region The Race to the Top Sainsbury Review (Oct 2007) DIUS should endorse the setting up of a new, worldclass incubator facility on NPL s Teddington site to help measurement and instrumentation start-ups
Demand feedback (e-survey) Targeted email to 4,500 contacts 290 responses (6.4%) Page 3
Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace Agricultural Automotive Biotechnology Communications Construction Creative Industries Electronics Energy Environmental Food Drink Healthcare Information Technology Instrumentation Medical Devices Pharmaceuticals Research Safety Security Services Space Transport Other 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Business sector Page 4
NPL campus as location for Innovation Centre 1% 1% 33% 37% 28% Excellent Good No Strong Views Poor Very Poor Page 5
Services and facilities required Greatest requirement is for access to NPL measurement & testing and business facilities Least requirement is for laboratories and environmentally-controlled rooms Generically-styled centre with core facilities but with enhanced access to NPL services and skills Needs do not change with company size but smaller companies need more help with innovation and greater access to equipment Page 6
Likelihood of occupation Likely 2% Very likely 2% Uncertain 25% Never 25% Not likely 46% Page 7
Conclusions of study Focus should be on innovation support, not incubation Target market is large companies looking to house niche divisions or research, and small companies needing access to innovation expertise and testing/measurement equipment Market can be identified and courted within a realistic timeframe (1-3 years) Evidence of a ready market from existing client base Page 8
Pilot Launched in May Eight offices available in NPL s Module1 Options from hot-desk to 6-man office Experience will steer final investment Potential tenant has to be a technology business and have synergy with NPL science
Business infrastructure The centre provides a range of office facilities: Office space inclusive of rates, electricity and access to broadband Receptionist services Receipt and delivery of incoming mail Kitchenette access Security via electronic key entry system during office hours, and by a building alarm, video surveillance system and security patrols at other times Meeting rooms available at additional charge
Access to knowledge NPL has 450 scientists who enjoy the challenge of a new problem: Accessing advice up to 2 hrs is free Participating in collaborative research 4 days free consultancy for SMEs Secondment of a member of staff into the company or from the company into a scientific team
NPL laboratories The NPL building contains 385 laboratories designed for measurement and characterisation: Facilities (gases, distilled water, liquid nitrogen, engineering workshops) Specialised labs (e.g. anechoic chambers, black laboratory, clean room) High performance lab spaces (e.g. temp control +/-0.1 C, electromagnetic shielding 60dB) Scientific equipment (e.g. laser systems, gas chromatograph, mechanical test machine, FTIR)
Business networking NPL networks bring together companies, end-users and academics: NPL clubs Knowledge Transfer Networks International networks NPL science lectures
Innovation Support Delivered in partnership with SEEDA Innovation and Growth Team Mentoring and coaching Access to workshops, seminars, specialist clinics, open innovation events One-to-one advice and guidance starting a new business, raising finance, maximising international opportunities, managing the growth of a business, sourcing particular technical expertise, intellectual property and know-how protection
Enquiries: Glenis Tellett 0208 943 6005