Part of the Department of Trade and Industry's recently launched
"Creating Wealth from Knowledge" programme, the competition is one
of a series to be announced over the next five years, with a total
investment fund of almost £400 million.
The DTI's immediate plan is to target research and development
into design, simulation and modelling – powerful computing tools
that allow designers and developers to envisage new systems,
products and services – and pervasive computing, which covers ways
of embedding devices and computer systems around us to provide
access to content, applications and services that are on tap and
dynamically personalised.
Other areas covered by the competition include nanotechnology,
waste management and minimisation, smart materials, bio-based
industrial products, energy technologies, imaging technologies and
opto-electronic and disruptive electronic technologies.
"It is not about picking 'winning companies', it is about
providing investment where there are clear gaps in the market,"
said Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt. "We want to
kick-start research and development in these areas to ensure that
the latest ideas and technologies can be turned into businesses,
jobs and prosperity for Britain."
The deadline for applications is 7th February 2005.
