A Kettering engineering firm is developing a revolutionary two stroke engine, thanks to a Grant for Research and Development (GRD) that it has received from East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

Cougar Red specialises in the design and manufacture of parts for road and racing motorcycles. The company was established in Northamptonshire in 2004, by engineers Mark Taylor and Paul Copperwheat.

Using skills and knowledge from many years of engineering for motor sports, mainly Formula One, Mark and Paul aim to produce a ‘clean’, two stroke internal combustion engine which has the capability to run on both petrol and bio-fuels.

The proposed end product – ‘the bio max quick switch engine’ - will be unique in being able to operate on either petrol or 100% biofuel affording end users greater flexibility by  being able to  simply switch from one form of fuel to the other.

Cougar Red approached the East Midlands New Technology Initiative, which informed them that there was a grant available from emda to support their work on research and development. The company applied, and in December 2007, Cougar RED was awarded a grant of just over £46,000. Not only will this money enable them to develop the engine, but it will also allow them to protect the Intellectual Property behind the idea – vitally important for ensuring that their innovative idea isn’t ‘stolen’ by rivals.

Cougar Red is also working closely with Energy Efficiency in Motorsport, which is providing expert advice and information to Paul and Mark as the engine is developed. It is anticipated that the first prototype engine will be available in 18 months

“The idea of developing a two stroke engine is that it has fewer moving parts compared to a four stroke engine,” said director, Paul Copperwheat, “so it is not as costly to design and manufacture; using less resources is an important consideration in reducing environmental impact. It would have been extremely difficult for us to have done this without the GRD grant. The funding has enabled us to focus on the development of this engine, without having to worry about whether or not we could afford to spend the time doing it. We firmly believe that this engine will transform our business, enabling us to grow and develop a profitable niche in this sector.”

The GRD is just one of the investment products that emda is providing for businesses. John O’Reilly, the agency’s Business Support Director, believes that other businesses in the region should seek advice from Business Link about the grants and financial assistance that is available to help them. He said: “Cougar Red and many other companies are demonstrating that with just a relatively modest amount of financial support, they can bring ideas to life, enabling them to grow and compete effectively. I would encourage other innovative companies like Cougar Red to contact our Business Investment Team to find out about the support that is available to them.”

For more information about the Grant for Research and Development and to find out if your business is eligible for it, visit www.emd.org.uk/grd. For details about other support that is available, contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644, or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands.

Other companies in the East Midlands that are involved in sustainable technology are invited to attend a one-day showcase event on Wednesday 25 June at Holywell Park, Loughborough University. For further information please refer to www.sustaineastmidlands.com.