On February 12, the UKAEA Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK, will officially open the Culham Innovation Centre. The prinicipal aim of the Centre is to provide small high technology start-up companies access to the skills and engineering technologies developed at the Culham Laboratory over many years of fusion research. Dr. Cleve Forty (cleve.forty@ukaea.org.uk), Manager, Fusion and Industry Programme, says that, depending on their needs, the companies could receive consultancy or "access to mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering skills, as well as computer modelling, plasma technology and diagnostics, cryogenic systems and microwave systems, for example. They are entering a community where three key ingredients needed to turn a bright idea into a commercially sound business are in plentiful supply: a determination to succeed, a commitment to innovate and most important a culture where problem solving is second nature." Forty says participation in the Centre is open to companies in the UK and throughout Western Europe.

The Centre will be managed by Oxford Innovation, Ltd, a company that is currently managing several other innovation centres in the UK. David Kingman, managing director of Oxford Innovation said, "Another benefit of the site, of course, is its links with UK and European industry and the international fusion research community. New technology-based businesses usually have international partnerships and world-wide markets to address. Being located on a site with an international reputation can help significantly."