Coventry and Warwickshire Innovation Programme - Print version

The Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme, which is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides a range of assistance to SMEs to develop innovative and new to the market, products, services or technologies.

Launched in early 2019, the Innovation Programme supports businesses from a range of sectors including advanced manufacturing & engineering, digital technology, assistive technology and many others. If you are aiming to grow your company and launch your innovation before the end of June 2023 we want to hear from you.

We offer:

• Support for developing and testing new products or services including prototyping
• Support for acquiring and protecting intellectual property
• Access to finance with grants of up to £100k
• Networking opportunities with other innovative businesses and supply chains
• Referrals to other specialist innovation support programmes
• Workshops and 1:1 support

Innovation Programme Grant Criteria

• The applicant must meet the EU definition of an SME
• The applicant must be based, or proposed to be based, in Coventry & Warwickshire.
• The applicant must be a registered company.
• Applicants must not have already been awarded grant funding through the current Innovation Programme.
• Applicants must be able to provide a copy of their latest audited accounts or 12 months cash flow forecast if applying for a small grant.
• Must be able to demonstrate being engaged in predominantly business to business (B2B) activity.

To find out more about how we can help your business please contact us by email at innovation@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk] and one of our Business Advisors will be in touch.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Innovation Programme is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd.

Innovation Programme: Case Studies Phase 1 (2016 - 2018)

Torc2 case study

Revolutionary new material invented in Coventry to treat limb conditions

Torc2 Ltd, based at the Bilton Industrial Estate, has created a new, world-first form of plastic that could revolutionise the way limb conditions and injuries are treated. The company has protected the Intellectual Property (IP) on the material as well as a new process method using their flexible, durable compound that can be re-shaped at temperatures safe for patients. Gary Blundell and Ron Taylor, who are part of the team that runs the firm, have a background in engineering and plastics and originally developed the new material as a potential replacement for Plaster of Paris casts. But after seeking opinion from the medical profession including surgeons at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire, the pair turned their attention to devices such as splints and supports for the treatment of Cerebral Palsy, Talipes (club foot), Hip Dysplasia, Idiopathic Toe Walking and liners that can be reshaped for lower limb prosthetics.

Facts

• Company: Torc2
• Location: Coventry
• Sector: Scientific Research & Development
• Technology Focus: Medical and Advanced Material
• Grant Awarded: £83,800
• Jobs Being Created: 4

Gary added: "We've also been supported by Warwick Manufacturing Group with trial production and have had significant help from our friends at RDM Group." 

Coventry City Councillor Jim O'Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: "Coventry has always innovated and this is yet another example of a local business being at the cutting edge of new developments. I hope it leads to the on-going growth of the company and opportunities for local people." 

The company sought help from the CWLEP Growth Hub to assist in raising finance for its product development and was then referred to Coventry City Council which resulted in being awarded a grant under the Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme - partfunded by the European Regional Development Fund. Torc2 is the first SME to be awarded a grant through the programme. 

Gary said: "The key property of our torc material is the fact it can be softened at low temperatures. It can be reshaped directly on the patient at around 55 degrees and, therefore, the types of products we are looking at can be
altered to exactly fit the patient very quickly, easily and without waste. "In some cases, Spica casts being a typical example, it can cut out the need for extra trips to the operating theatre - which is a huge cost saving to the NHS and much better for the patient."
"The next phase is to upscale the current lab micro 3D printing process to enable production of full size devices for clinical trials. Feedback we are getting is that this is a very exciting new material that has the potential to revolutionise the way in which this area of treatment is delivered."

The Innovation Programme supports Coventry & Warwickshire SMEs to develop innovative products and services which are new to the market. If you are interested in the programme please email us at innovation@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk]. 

BHR Pharmaceuticals case study

Development of new diabetes treatment to commence local trials.

BHR Pharmaceuticals based in Nuneaton are taking forward the development of a piece of technology known as FREMS for the management and treatment of diabetic wounds and peripheral neuropathies. The FREMS (Frequency Rhythmic Electrical Modulation System) device uses modulated frequency pulses to improve the supply of oxygen to nerve cells with the aim of reducing pain. Using specialist NHS staff BHR will undertake pilot clinical trials at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton in order to generate evidence to push for further multi centre trials across the NHS and ultimately see the technology be adopted for treating diabetic neuropathies. If successful the use of FREMS could help reduce the financial burden the NHS experiences dealing with diabetic conditions and also provide patients with a non-invasive approach that helps provide pain relief without the need for drug treatment and prevent further debilitating illnesses associated with diabetes.

Bharat Vadukul, Director, BHR said:

"The main treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy remain management of the underlying diabetes and drugs for the relief of pain. Despite the significant individual and social burden associated with diabetic neuropathy, its treatment remains unsatisfactory."
    
"Many therapies have been the subject of clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy. However, there are currently no FDA-approved therapies for diabetic neuropathy so our aim is to work to that and provide a treatment that is clinically proved and works."

Facts

• Company: BHR Pharmaceuticals
• Location: Nuneaton
• Sector: Manufacturing
• Technology Focus: Medical
• Grant Awarded: £33,000
• Jobs Being Created: 2

BHR were working with the University of Warwick Science Park's Business Ready programme who then referred them to Coventry City Council resulting in a grant being awarded under the Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. 

Richard Middleton, Innovation Development Officer, Coventry City Council said: "The work BHR are doing could bring about the introduction of an exciting new emerging medical technology to the NHS that could bring cost savings and better outcomes for patients.    
"Our grant funding will help BHR undertake pilot clinical trials in Coventry & Warwickshire that should provide further evidence to support the case for the NHS to adopt the technology. The results of the trials should generate interest from specialists in the clinical community."

The Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme supports local SMEs to develop innovative products and services which are new to the market. If you are interested in the programme please email us at: innovation@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk]. 

Enable iD case study

Innovative intelligent mobility

Enable iD specialise in the creation of 'smart environments'. Based in Stratford-upon-Avon they are developing an intelligent mobility platform called 'MyJrny'. It combines real time transport information and personal data to improve travel whilst preserving individuals' privacy. It matches peoples' travel needs and behavioural habits with the most appropriate available services.

The intelligent mobility market is expected to be worth an estimated £900 billion by 2025 and Enable iD is now looking to position themselves as leaders in the UK in this sector, with growth expected over the coming years.

The MyJrny platform combines data capture through an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network, deployed at transport interchanges. It uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to deliver personalised mobility guidance in real time. The system effectively manages supply and demand by aggregating individuals' mobility requirements and mapping them to available services in the transport ecosystem.

Enable iD aims to use MyJrny to incentivise transport service providers to collaborate to provide more integrated and enhanced journeys for passengers.

Project Lead Chris Thompson said:

"The funding will enable MyJrny to be piloted across the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership region, as a hub for integrated intelligent mobility."

"The region offers a unique opportunity for the development of MyJrny as a cloud-based extension to the operating systems of connected and autonomous vehicles, due to the region's selection as a test site.

"Enable is already in talks with regional companies about leveraging MyJrny for connected and autonomous vehicles beyond its regional pilot."

Facts

Company: Enable iD
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon
Sector: Information and Communication
Technology Focus: Digital Intelligent Mobility
Grant Awarded: £62,675
Jobs Being Created: 3

Enable iD initially approached the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub who then referred them to the Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Phil Peak, Account Manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said: "One of the reasons the Growth Hub was launched was to help make businesses aware of the advice and support available to them. Securing the grant has allowed Enable iD to make great steps in a market that is set to grow massively over the coming years."

Richard Middleton, Innovation Development Officer, Coventry City Council said: "Enable iD are at the sharp end of developing new products and services utilising digital technology. The proposal will bring forward greater capabilities in the utilisation of data which is essential for a modern economy looking to ensure it is well positioned to embrace digitisation, smart technology and all the benefits that will bring."

The Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme supports local SMEs to develop innovative products and services which are new to the market. If you are interested in the programme please email us at: innovation@coventry.gov.uk. [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk]

Innovation Programme: Case Studies Phase 2 (2019 - 2023)

Feraru Dynamics Ltd case study

Coventry based Feraru Dynamics designs, engineers and collaborates to manufacture reliable, non-intrusive wearable monitoring devices, ensuring a proactive and fully informed health & safety management approach.

The business has been awarded a grant of £11,992 through the Coventry and Warwickshire Innovation programme which is part funded by the European Development Regional Fund (ERDF) and is being delivered by Coventry City Council.   The funding has been used to design and patent wearable technology for the construction and transport industry that is able to measure the exposure to vibration while taking into account all relevant parameters, not only acceleration. The ERDF grant allowed an accelerated pace in the product development and also provided some very useful industry connections to key manufacturing partners.

The main output achieved was the successful launch of a proactive, wearable vibrational dosage meter. The device is in a form of a glove with sensors to measure vibration from heavy duty power tools. Vibration exposure causes permanent hand injuries, Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The HAV-Sentry digital-glove prevents industry workers regularly using vibrating tools from over exposure to vibration & create a safe work environment.

The novel glove takes measurements of grip force, hand orientation & acceleration at the point of contact between the human hand & tool handle. The glove guides the user towards safe operation with a pro-active alert system placed on the back of the hand.

The company has not only created and launched new product but also new process of Automated Exposure Assessment Algorithm and a new service - Online Health & Safety Management of Hand Arm Vibration exposure and workforce productivity. They have also filed product patents for Europe, USA & Canada and created jobs in the Coventry & Warwickshire area.

Andrei Ferraru, the Founder & Managing Director said: ‘’I am very glad I applied and was supported by the Innovation Programme. The support provided by Coventry City Council and the Growth Hub was very valuable. The grant provided helped accelerate the product development spend and reduced the time spent on developing a final market ready product. Moreover, the company has made valuable connections through the Innovation Programme network with potential customers and also manufacturing partners.’’

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration & Climate Change said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to support talented graduates from Coventry University to get their innovative start-up business on the way with an innovation grant from Coventry City Council. After successfully obtaining the grant, the business has gone from strength to strength, winning contracts with the Highways Team at Coventry City Council and also securing international contracts.  It is wonderful that since graduating, Andrei and his brother have decided to start their business venture in the city, creating new employment for the region.  Coventry is full of innovative small to medium sized business that just need that extra bit of support to achieve their ambitions. This start up business is a fantastic example of how our Economic Development Service can provide the right help at the right time to allow businesses to do just that.”

Cell Therapy Sciences Ltd case study

A cutting-edge supplier of stem cell treatments for animals has been awarded an innovation grant to research new veterinary cell therapy products and purchase a state-of-the-art cell storage machine which will save four tonnes of annual CO2 emissions and provide a new source of income.

Cell Therapy Sciences Ltd (CTSL), based at the Venture Centre at the University of Warwick Science Park, has developed highly-effective stem cell treatments which vets around the country use to treat osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal injuries such as tendon injuries in dogs, cats and horses.

Vets have reported that when injected into an animal’s joint or damaged tissue, the stem cells stimulate repair and remodelling of damaged joints and tissue. Stem cell therapies are mainly being used in dogs with osteoarthritis, where they have been found to be 85% effective.

For CTSL to prepare stem cell therapies, vets need to send a small sample of an animal’s fat to CTSL’s lab. The specialist laboratory then extracts the stem cells, culture expands them and stores them in a ‘cryo-store’ at an incredibly low temperature of -170°C before transporting back to the vet to inject into the animal.  Keeping the cryo-store at that temperature means CTSL has to take deliveries of liquid nitrogen every two weeks, which is very energy-intensive to produce and transport.

CTSL looked into other alternatives and found out about a state-of-the-art cryo-storage machine called MVE Fusion Freezer, which can keep samples at liquid nitrogen temperature without the need for an expensive liquid nitrogen supply, but such new and advanced technology is very expensive for a small company and so CTSL’s management looked into different grants to help support the research project to move forward.

Advisors from the Science Park pointed CTSL to the Coventry and Warwickshire Innovation Programme - an ERDF grant-funded scheme that is being delivered by Coventry City Council. 

CTSL successfully applied for a grant through the Innovation Programme to match-fund the research and to provide money towards buying the machine. Once the equipment is delivered, it will not only reduce CTSL’s carbon footprint but will also allow the laboratory to rent out storage space to other businesses that need to store precious samples.

Dr Joanna Miller, Managing Director of Cell Therapy Sciences, said: “The new machine will be a game-changer for us, both from a business and environmental standpoint. Many firms reliant on cryo-storage do not have much space to store precious samples. Thanks to the new machine, we will be able to provide this storage for them, which will give us a new revenue stream alongside our stem cell work.

And with all the emissions associated with the use of liquid nitrogen, not being reliant on it any more will save an estimated four tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year which is absolutely fantastic. It will give our business more scope for growth while continuing to give a fantastic service to our clients. This is an exciting time for CTSL and we’re confident the MVE Fusion Freezer will help us achieve even greater things.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change said: “The support offered by the Innovation Programme team was very timely as the grant for the new machine will allow CTSL to not only provide its current customers with faster turnaround times but will also allow this local business to diversify and grow by providing a unique service to other businesses.

Coventry and the surrounding region is full of innovative small to medium sized businesses and this grant is a fantastic example of how we can provide the right help at the right time to enable companies to put themselves ahead of the competition whilst driving financial and employment growth alongside meeting their sustainability goals. I look forward to seeing how CTSL continues to grow and take on new staff in the future."

Totem Learning Ltd case study

Totem Learning Ltd makes digital learning products for clients all over the world. From 90 second virtual reality modules to 30 minute fully immersive games, Totem exists to bring learning to life.

The company has been awarded £60,000 Innovation grant from The CW Innovation Test Bed Programme which is part funded by European Regional Development Fund for a set of 7 fully interactive assessment exercises for a large military client. These games are being used to test the effectiveness of new training programmes supporting the set up and running of remote satellite communication systems.

This was a hugely demanding project coordinated through Coventry but spanning the world, nothing like these games had ever been designed before. The deadline was extremely tight and the specification of the products highly technically demanding with no previous blueprint to work from.

The grant enabled Totem to run rapid prototyping and to partner with another specialist software company in Ukraine to build the products in the given timeframe.

All 7 games were delivered to a satisfied customer on time and are now being used as part of the wider training programme in the field. As a result of this project Totem's employees' numbers increased.

The Innovation Programme supports Coventry & Warwickshire SMEs to develop innovative products and services which are new to the market. If you are interested in the programme please email us at innovation@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk]. 

Energy Integrity Services (EchoBolt) case study

Support Received: Financial

• Grant awarded: £14,306
• Private Match: £14,306
• Outputs Achieved: 3 jobs created, new service offering for the renewable energy market, follow-on commercialisation project with Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and GE Renewables supported by Innovate UK.  

Energy Integrity Services is a company based in Warwickshire providing structural integrity inspections for wind turbines. They help customers to  maintain their wind farms by providing skilled technicians to monitor the condition of turbines, providing detailed information about the health of the turbine whilst significantly increasing turbine uptime and reducing maintenance costs. 

The grant of £14,306 awarded from CW Innovation Programme, which is part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has allowed the company to demonstrate an innovative new technique for monitoring the condition of the large bolted connections which hold wind turbines together. Through the grant they were able to access the skills and equipment to develop a new technology and carry out a pilot demonstration at one of their customers sites. 

Pete Andrews, director of Energy Integrity Services said: “The Coventry and Warwickshire Innovation Programme has provided an invaluable springboard for our business in our first year of trading. With the fantastic support of the Local Enterprise Partnership, we’ve developed our unique inspection technology which allows wind turbine operators to save 80% of the time and cost associated with managing bolted connections. The innovation grant gave us the opportunity to initiate further business development for products and services that we have been able to bring to market during the COVID disruption, setting the foundation for a more dynamic and adaptable business.”

As a direct result of the project Energy Integrity Services have been able to bring three new people into the business and secure backing from the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, GE Renewable Energy and Innovate UK to carry out a full-scale demonstration of their technology on some of the world’s largest wind turbines.  The new inspection technique will allow to offer a game changing service to the wind industry helping to reduce the costs of renewable energy.

Pete Andrews also stated that the economic impact of COVID-19 has been a significant challenge for their business as a core offering involves providing inspection services at customer sites. They had to refocus their efforts on developing new commercial offerings such as an innovate data analysis platform and a wind farm life extension service. 

Induction Technology Group (ITG) Ltd Case Study

Support Received: Financial

• Grant awarded: £5,025 Cap, £6,609 Rev
• Private Match: £18,335.15 Total
• Outputs Achieved: 2 new jobs; New product to the market.

For 33 years, Induction Technology Group (ITG) Ltd has designed, developed and supplied high-performance lightweight air filters for both the motorsport and aftermarket tuning industry.

The business was awarded an Innovation capital grant of £5,026 and revenue grant of £6,609 in April 2020 from Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Test-Bed Programme, which is part funded by European Development Regional Fund (ERDF). The ERDF grant was given to ITG to expand their range by using new innovative materials - world first filter shapes. The investment has helped ITG to succeed in their quest to capture the American market’s attention.

As a leading manufacturer of foam air filters, ITG have now been able to diversify using alternative materials which were missing from their range. The new product features a cotton filtration medium, as opposed to their previous model made from foam.

The financial support has allowed the business to assess their preproduction parts before they made the next step. The 3 layered pleated cotton gauze filter, which incorporates their previous model, is the first of its kind for ITG. It offers a distinct competitive advantage in the market and will remove the current need for the existing filter box to be sold without the filter.

The ERDF grant has allowed ITG to create a new IP for the design and work with a specialist agency to develop an end cap that is aesthetically pleasing and technically accurate. This innovative redesign of air filters will also extend the product’s lifecycle, generating larger revenues in the years to come. The product is already out in the market, and currently 2000 units have been sold to 40 distributors worldwide.

Richard Clews, General Manager at ITG Ltd has commented, ‘the ERDF scheme has allowed us, and would allow future applicants, to accelerate business growth and success rate by going in new and alternative directions. Without the funding, this move would have been delayed. The support from the staff, as well as the financial help, has given us the confidence that we are making the right decisions for our business’.

To find out more visit: https://www.itgairfilters.com/ [https://www.itgairfilters.com/]

Or contact: sales@itgairfilters.com [mailto:sales@itgairfilters.com]

If you are aiming to grow your company and launch your innovation, we want to hear from you. To find out more about how we can help your business please contact us by email at innovation@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk] and one of our Business Advisors will be in touch.

Jetnow.com case study

Summary

• Support Received: Financial
• Grant awarded: £10k
• Private Match: £10k
• Outputs Achieved: 3 new jobs created and 1 new product launched

Jetnow.com is an online travel agency that enables consumers to spread the cost of their trips – beyond the date of departure. This new and unique travel agency combines both financial technology (FinTech) and traditional travel distribution technology to create the world’s first Vertically Integrated fintech and travel website, enabling consumers to search, book and borrow in one convenient platform to finance their trips.

The business was awarded a revenue grant of £10,000 in February 2020 from Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Test-Bed Programme, which is part-funded by European Development Regional Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Coventry City Council. Without this funding it would have been a real challenge to launch their new product. They had secured some private investment into the business, but the ERDF funding enabled them to secure new jobs and finalise the development and delivery of the project.

The product is truly revolutionary to the travel industry, with its most innovative part being the development of a FinTech solution and combined with travel distribution technology. This has resulted in Jetnow.com becoming the world’s first travel agency focused on Travel Now, Pay Later – making travel more affordable (by giving consumers longer to pay off their trips) and accessible (by removing the upfront cost barrier to travel).

The product launched in July 2020 and the website is live, currently serving the first few customers and weathering the storm of Covid-19. The Innovation grant gives the business the support to survive the pandemic and have some amazing opportunities to look forward to once the recovery begins. Jetnow.com are actively exploring launching the product in both Canada and the United States next year, which is really exciting for the team.

Gavin Miller, CEO and Founder of Jetnow.com has commented: ‘We would encourage other SMEs locally to explore ERDF funding, the team at CWLEP were amazing and helped us no end. This funding and support are created and deployed to help SMEs just like yours. I would encourage everyone to reach out and speak to an advisor at your Local Enterprise Partnership or the CW Innovation Programme at Coventry City Council to see if they can assist with your project. We found the whole process hugely rewarding!’

If you are aiming to grow your company and launch your innovation, we want to hear from you. To find out more about how we can help your business please contact us by email at innovation@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:innovation@coventry.gov.uk] and one of our Business Advisors will be in touch.

Route Thirty Six Ltd

Summary

• Support Received: Financial
• Grant awarded: £42,870
• Private Match: £42,870
• Outputs Achieved: 1 new product to the firm/market, 3 new jobs created.

Route Thirty Six Ltd is a retail marketing technology business based in Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire. They design, build and provide SAAS (software as a service) solutions to customers in the retail and marketing industries.

The ERDF Innovation grant which is part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has enabled the Route Thirty Six to construct a ground-breaking product which is new to the firm and the market. The new product – Rule – is an in-store marketing application that automates the briefing and distribution of retail marketing materials to an estate of locations. It has become the core product of the company and is now used by major retailers both in the UK and internationally. It is used by many well-known brands in the supermarket, homeware, discounter, convenience, fashion and postal service sectors.

The new product Rule is innovative in its automation and simplification of store data, meaning that it provides retailers with the ability to centralise, maintain, gain insights from and easily merge multiple data sources. Retailers can use this data to activate campaigns faster and allocate point of sale marketing material to stores in a targeted manner. This method enables them to consolidate marketing deliveries to stores and reduces waste/over production, in turn saving on the number of parcels and amount of packaging required. Customers are reporting a 40% time saving in processing in store marketing campaigns, alongside more accurate results and fewer errors than ever before.

The financial support from the Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation programme delivered by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry University Services has allowed the company to create and market the new product in a much shorter space of time than if it had been entirely self-funded. Already, Rule is used by retailers in Europe and Route Thirty Six are in early stage discussions with customers in Canada, USA, Australia and Ireland.

Director of Route Thirty Six, Jack Rossiter, encourages other SMEs to apply for the ERDF Innovation grant. He said: ‘the team at Coventry City Council & Warwickshire County Council were extremely helpful throughout the process. For any businesses looking to invest in an innovative new product, the ERDF grant provides the option to achieve that goal.’

Route Thirty Six were supported with raising finance for their project by Steph Winter, a Business Advisor at Warwickshire County Council.

For more information on Route Thirty Six and their product Rule, visit their website www.rule.tech [https://www.rule.tech/] and find them on social media - Route Thirty Six Ltd on LinkedIn, and @routethirtysix / @rule_tech on Instagram.