Connecting you to new opportunities
through Enterprise Europe Network in London

Welcome to the London Innovation Network e-newsletter, informing you about the services available to help your business to grow, innovate and succeed.

VivoMedica PLC, a London business specialising in the design, development and sale of medical devices in Europe and the US, has partnered with a European technology company to develop their product and access EU funding with support from the London Innovation Network.

Having approached our technology experts at LTN, VivoMedica was introduced to Ett Srl, an Italian software company seeking research partners in the UK to innovate and develop new technologies.

Seeking funding to continue this collaborative research, VivoMedica has since approached GLE for extensive support towards their submission for €580,000 to fund the development of a new drug screening tool. A second proposal to access the EU's €52 billion fund for research and development, known as FP7, has also been submitted to support investigation into breast cancer diagnostic technology.

For more information or to arrange an informal discussion on supporting your new technology proposition contact fp7@gle.co.uk or visit www.london-innovation.org

In the month ahead

• 7th September: The Czech Republic - A prosperous country full of opportunities
• 14th September: Intelligent Sensors: Assessing Transferable Applications for Development of Novel Technologies
• 22nd September: Optimising funding opportunities for collaborative research and development projects
• 7th October: Value from waste: generating sustainable bi-products from waste for re-use

Special offers

Find business partners in the EU and beyond

Looking for subcontractors, distributors, suppliers or a joint venture in Europe?

We operate a Europe-wide matchmaking database for small and medium enterprises and are now offering to post your company's profile for FREE for an initial six months.

Find out more about the Business Cooperation Database. Alternatively telephone 020 7203 1929 or email ericketts@londonchamber.co.uk.

Sector-specific networking opportunites with the London Technology Network (LTN)

LTN hosts four Special Interest Groups, including:

• The Environmental Technologies Group
• Emerging Medical Technologies Group
• Security and Sensing Technologies Group
• the ICT Group

Free membership entitles you to:

• priority invitations to your Group’s regular seminars
• workshops and networking events
• assistance from LTN when attending key international brokerage events
• regular e-newsletters featuring the latest sector news and listings of UK and international events

To find out more about whether your business is eligible to join, email n.tamiollo@ltnetwork.org.

Innovation management seminars

How innovative is your business?
Need a boost to your creativity?
How is your business surviving in these tough times?

Find solutions and discover how to integrate innovation into your business strategy by attending our two-day innovation management seminar, with guest presenter Ben Finn OBE, an entrepreneur, musician, software developer and founder of Sibelius – the world’s best selling music software business.

This course is suitable for managers and staff involved in business development that are eager to learn about new methods and practical techniques associated with true innovation.

When? Monday 19th October & Monday 26th October, 10.00-16.00

To register your place or to find out more contact innovation@theinnovatory.com or telephone 020 7241 7499. Book early to guarantee your place as spaces are limited!

Do business in Europe ... spotlight on the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of the most successful of the ‘transition’ economies of central-eastern Europe and is characterised by a strong manufacturing sector, skilled technical workforce and an ever-growing service sector. Due to the current recession GDP growth in 2008 slowed to 3.1% compared to the average of 6% over the past four years. Despite this slowdown, the performance of the Czech economy is still above the EU average.

Since becoming a member of the EU in 2004 the Czech Republic has attracted vast amounts of foreign direct investment. The UK has contributed 4% of this investment. Major trading partners include Germany, Slovakia, Poland, France, and the UK. British exports of goods to the Czech Republic were worth £1.5bn in 2008, making the Czech Republic UK´s 31st largest export market.

British companies will find most opportunities in engineering, machinery, biotechnology, high-end consumer goods and food processing. Read more about the Czech Republic by downloading the country profile.

For more country profiles visit www.londonchamber.co.uk/europe or email europe@londonchamber.co.uk.

Focus on ... The Technology Strategy Board

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is one of the many organisations working with London Innovation Network to help your business. TSB was established by the Government in 2007 to stimulate technology-enabled innovation in areas which offer the greatest scope for boosting UK growth and productivity. LIN consortium partner, LTN is being funded by the LDA to help more London companies and research groups form partnerships and bid for research and development funding from the Technology Strategy Board.

Upcoming bids include Monitoring of Demonstrator Buildings.
To find out more email Andy at a.hebb@LTNetwork.org.

This information is delivered by the London Innovation Network, which brings together GLE, LTN, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Innovatory to deliver Enterprise Europe Network in London.
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