Two technology ventures could be on their way to Swansea with inward investment projects that will create more than 70 jobs.
Oxford-based Madison Animal Health (MAH) and USA-based Roomlinx, have both won the UK and International Technium Challenge Awards for business innovation. The firms receive free office space for a year at any Technium building in a competition organised each year by International Business Wales and Technium UK. .
Technium Digital - Swansea University
In addition to free office space for a year at any Technium building of their choice in Wales, both firms will receive a business support package worth over £4,000 in legal, marketing and business advice.
MAH says it would like to occupy space at Swansea University's Technium but would also consider SA1. Justin John, managing director of MAH and originally from Burry Port, Llanelli, said,“Having the chance to launch our company in Wales is fantastic news as the resources and support available for start-up technology companies is unrivalled in the UK.
"The biggest draw for us are the links with local academia. Swansea University has the best aqua culture research centre in Europe. By developing a close relationship with them, we can continue our investment in research and development and look to recruit locally."
He added, "Ideally, we would like to set up at the university Technium, providing 10 scientific and support staff jobs. Within three years we'd hope to double our workforce."
Colorado-based Roomlinx, which specialises in providing in-room interactive TV products for hotels and resorts, beat six international entries, including finalists from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and India.
Vice president for sales and marketing of Roomlinx, Bob Wagener, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the International Technium Challenge for 2009. He also hinted that Swansea University could be a potential venue.
Technium SA1
“The combination of Technium guidance and free office space for a year will make our introduction into the UK market that much easier and give us a greater understanding of the cultural and academic nuances of the industry over here. From day one we have always said that Roomlinx fosters an educational culture."
“From the executive level to the developers, we need to be in touch with emerging technology and applications and being in an environment with like-minded technology companies will certainly aid us in our future development. We recognise the benefits of a relationship with Technium and the guidance that can be provided to grow in the United Kingdom and beyond.”
Welsh Assembly Government Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: “Both companies stood out from the beginning, especially in terms of their business proposition for expansion into the UK market. We look forward to following the progress of these exciting and forward-thinking enterprises.”
South Wales Evening Post & The Western Mail - 30 June 2009
