The University of Bradford has received DTI funding to help develop a host of business incubators - including those focused on the fight against cancer.

Small Business Minister Nigel Griffiths has confirmed that the University, through its Ventures and Consultancy Bradford business, has been awarded nearly £28,000 and was one of only three Yorkshire applicants to secure funding.

The money will be used to build on Bradford University's existing commitment to helping generate new firms through 'themed' business incubators which support and nurture start-up companies.

It already has such incubators at its pioneering Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation for firms in that sector and its ThinkBusiness@Bradford unit which specialises in student start-ups.

But the University wants to expand the model further and the Government cash will help finance a feasibility study into additional incubators.

One of those is likely to be based within the University's new cancer research centre where cancer-related businesses will be encouraged to base themselves and support new start-ups in the field.

Other incubators are being considered for the digital media and engineering departments.

Today Bradford University's business development manager Malcolm Purdie welcomed news of the DTI money.

"It is fantastic for the University to receive this kind of support," he said. "One of our core themes of the university is to try to regenerate the city through the creation of companies that create high-value jobs in Bradford.

"The successful companies that come out of these incubators will then grow into spaces such as those at the Listerhills science park or even elsewhere in the city. They will generate employment and help to add value."

Small Business Minister Nigel Griffiths said: "Business incubation gives hands-on support for small firms and is an integral part of the overall business support framework by helping those starting up in business to survive and grow.

"The grants will provide a boost to promoting business incubation, especially in areas where it is needed most, with more than half will be put to work in Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy areas."

He said the grants were designed to overcome concerns about the cost of assessing the feasibility of introducing business incubation.