Research is a reality

The Advanced Digital Institute (ADI) can finally start hiring experts to help technology businesses turn their brainwaves into saleable products after securing £2m in funding.

The ADI will provide existing and upcoming cutting edge firms with research and development for innovative products.

Projects assisted will be linked to wireless broadband, digital television, mobile phones and other new technologies.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has provided the cash for the ADI, which is one of five key projects in the Airedale Masterplan -- the blueprint for developing the area as a leading technology centre.

Chief executive Ged Powell said the deal meant the non-profit-making institute could begin to hire staff and start working on behalf of Aire Valley companies.

Mr Powell said he would take on ten digital engineers during the next 12 to 18 months who, alongside experts from universities, would provide development for businesses.

He said they were in discussion with Aire Valley companies over ways the ADI could help develop their technologies, with a view to having contracts in place soon.

The ADI has used temporary office space to date, but will be moving into more permanent premises at Cottingley Business Park.

Mr Powell said the expert staff would be development engineers with experience in digital industries.

"This is a great opportunity for high quality graduates and engineers. It is a rare chance to work in a field offering cutting edge research and development," he said.

A proportion of future funding for ADI will come through royalties from products developed by the institute.

"Say that an electronic mousetrap is developed, the new technology which allowed us to make it happen would attract royalties,through agreement with the company in question," said Mr Powell.

"We should be seeing products that have come about through ADI activity going on to the market in around two years."