I-TAC case studies

Byotrol plc is a long-term tenant at I-TAC having relocated its R&D function from Germany to Daresbury. Established in 2001, following the invention of an antimicrobial technology by north-west based HMG Paints Ltd, Byotrol is using the I-TAC facilities to help develop its technology further.

"Concerns over safe effective microbial control, for example at home and in hospitals, has increased steadily over the past several years," said Stephen Falder Byotrols inventor and Business Development Director. "Trials of our technology have shown that it has long-lasting, anti microbial control in a much safer and more caring way than traditional bleaches, disinfectants and biocides which can be damaging and toxic to people and animals. It does this using a combination of physical and chemical properties within biocidal solutions, and their state when dried on surfaces."

"The deepest understanding and ongoing development of this and other technologies to develop specific products for different markets is key to Byotrols future success. We came across I-TAC thanks to our Director of Technology via his connections with the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus network. To support our business a high quality and highly capable research and development facility is essential and we need to be right at the forefront of research and testing capability. I-TAC is ideal for this. The research we are carrying out on site covers the stability and appropriateness of the technology when incorporated into a large number of different products and materials. I-TACs facilities are a real asset to our business. On site we have two lock and leave labs and a hot desk office facility. Having access to this facility has greatly assisted our R&D ability and speeded up the process of getting variations of our technology from concept to workable/saleable product. Now we are firmly established at I-TAC we are looking forward to working collaboratively with other organisations and scientists at the Campus. We are delighted to be a pioneer and keenly supportive part of I-TAC. Make sure you look closely at Daresbury - it may transform your business."

Vantage R&D Ltd, established in 2008, aim to invent, develop and commercialise novel and improved technologies for use in the healthcare diagnostics sector.

“I-TAC has a great deal to offer biotech SME's,” says Carolyn Ruddell, Vantage R&D Director. “From the outset it was obvious that the staff understood and could fulfil the needs of a newly-formed biotech business like ours."

“Having a base at I-TAC was a crucial stepping-stone for us, as our technology was previously unproven. Initially, we needed a flexible short-term contract and having access to a fully-equipped bioscience lab enabled us to get started immediately. We made excellent progress and have been able to complete our initial feasibility studies ahead of schedule and in a cost-effective manner."

“We are now refining the way the technology works. Thanks to support from STFC Innovations Ltd, we are safe in the knowledge that the data we have generated will support a patent application protecting our invention. We feel positive about securing the future investment we need to get to market, and are in discussions with STFC scientists to develop one aspect of our technology collaboratively. Vantage R&D is heading towards 2010 with heightened optimism."

“Working at I-TAC has been a very positive experience for us and we hope to be based here for a long time to come.”