A Martian Xray telescope, the first fuel cell powered motorbike and breakthroughs in non-invasive drug delivery are just some of a host of exciting new technologies that have been developed at Loughborough Innovation Centre.

Six years since its launch in the centre of Loughborough University’s campus, the specialist high-tech business incubation has helped over 60 dynamic companies prosper.  

Loughborough Innovation Centre’s success can be measured in a number of ways – as their business grows, companies have taken larger units in the Centre, or graduated into larger premises on science parks. The development of Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park on the western boundary of the University campus will also provide much needed graduation space for the Centre’s larger tenants wishing to strengthen links with specific areas of University expertise.

Achievements of the tenant companies are diverse and impressive. Magna Parva has developed scientific hardware to enhance space research including an Xray telescope bound for Mercury and a rock abrasion tool for use on Mars. In addition to establishing a leading reputation for the development of scientific hardware for the space sector, Magna Parva technologies are used in other high performance sectors including Aeropsace, Defence and Motorsport.

Intelligent Energy has made pioneering breakthroughs in hydrogen fuel cell technology development including the launch of ENV, the world’s first fuel cell motorbike. One company to move into bigger premises within the Centre as its workforce has grown is Nemaura Pharma. The company is developing novel drug delivery systems using micro and nano systems technology which will lead to improved bio-availability, more uniform drug plasma levels, reduced dosing frequencies, and targeted delivery of toxic therapeutics.

Progressive Sports Technologies has exclusively licensed RespiVest, an innovative inspiratory muscle training garment, to a leading manufacturer of technical sports apparel. Following successful trials with GB elite athletes, RespiVest will be launched on the high street at the end of this year. This Spring, the Loughborough University spin out graduated from the Innovation Centre into the University’s Sports Technology Institute, a £15M partnership with emda, the East Midlands Development Agency, to transfer knowledge to the sporting goods industry and to support UK preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.

“Our unique location in the heart of Loughborough University’s thriving climate of research and enterprise draws tenants from many industry sectors,” says Jo Derbyshire, the Centre’s Managing Director. She continues, “Irrespective of their focus, all our tenants are young, high growth enterprises that benefit from research synergies with the University and a support package specifically designed to meet their evolving needs.” She concludes, “University research in turn benefits significantly from the partnerships formed with such dynamic companies.”