The University of Nottingham has received £1.2 million from the Technology Strategy Board to help six businesses develop new technologies and ideas. Three of the businesses are based in the East Midlands: Long Eaton-based Power Electronic Measurements, which specialises in the manufacture of wide-bandwidth measuring devices; Derby-based Delta Rail, a rail-signalling control business; and Nottingham-based Integrated Transport Planning, which specialises in sustainable transport planning and research.

Dan King, head of knowledge transfer at the university, said: “We are serious about helping local enterprises grow by exploiting our research expertise. We are increasingly working with smaller firms to help them become more innovative and improve their competitiveness through developing and expanding their products and services.”

The three businesses outside the region are Veripos in Norwich, Photek near Hastings, and Krow Communications, which has bases in London and Birmingham.