Measuring Impact at I-TAC

I-TAC is a unique open innovation model of business incubation, maximising the impact of STFC's knowledge, skills and facilities for the benefit of industry and the UK. Since opening two years ago, I-TAC has supported nearly 30 companies, mainly from the biomedical, energy and environment sectors, in undertaking their research and development at Daresbury Laboratory.

Daresbury Laboratories

Skills and training are an important part of the package we offer at I-TAC. In the past two years, twenty-nine individuals and six placement students have been trained in specific specialist skills and on cutting-edge instrumentation and equipment. The innovation of these companies has led to five new products being taken to market, eight patent applications and two licensing agreements all signed within the past two years.

The impact of these achievements is being felt across the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus with I-TAC tenants making use of the wider infrastructure and facilities available. More than 50% of our tenants are collaborating with one another, and 34% are engaging on a technical level with STFC, bringing substantial benefits to their business.

Over 400 visitors ranging from members of the House of Lords to local MPs, the Welsh Government and a range of SMEs, national and international companies have seen for themselves what we have to offer.

I-TAC continues to implement a robust PR and marketing strategy to engage with new companies, support existing contacts and through its newly developed networks, support synergy and collaboration. Over 40 press articles and eight showcase events have taken place to facilitate these interactions.

With the creation of 34 new jobs and receipt of over £8.5 million in investment from funds into the I-TAC tenants it firmly demonstrates the growing success of this unique incubator facility.