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NTI project gets VIP visits

Posted: 11/05/2009

The East Midlands New Technology Initiative (NTI) High Performance Engineering Network’s work has been visited by two VIP guests in one week.

Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills Rt Honourable John Denham MP and TV biker Charley Boorman were both shown how the NTI is helping businesses invest in new technology at the University of Northampton’s Portfolio Innovation Centre.

Charley Boorman is a keen motorcyclist and best known for his TV series, Long Way Down, Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor. He was keen to learn more about NTI grant recipients, Cougar RED Ltd who have developed a unique 2-stroke Bio-ethanol fuelled racing motorbike, manufactured on machines part funded by the NTI. The 125cc racing engine is designed to run on 100% ethanol and has the potential for use in motorsport, marine, automotive and aerospace applications.

The bike fuel concept came about through collaboration between Cougar RED Ltd, Automotive Green Development, the NTI and the University of Northampton. After sitting on the bike Charley said: “The engine is an absolute masterpiece – I want one! It’s too good for a bike. I want it for my mantelpiece and could look at it for hours. It’s beautiful and you can see how well engineered it is.”

A few days later the Innovation Centre welcomed John Denham MP for a tour with Sally Keeble MP of the Portfolio Innovation Centre following its multimillion pound refurbishment and expansion. Mr Denham spent time with NTI High Performance Engineering Network project manager, James Powell, discussing the NTI and the support it offers businesses.

James said: “The NTI is having a real impact on the advance of technology in the region and helping small and medium sized businesses, who are often the source of true innovation, to utilise that technology – and take it to new applications. The visit by John Denham was a great opportunity to grab a couple of minutes with a member of the Cabinet Office and talk about the great things we have achieved to date through the NTI. John was impressed that the initiative had reached many companies across the region and contributed to safeguarding and creating new employment opportunities.

“Charley Boorman is clearly a bike fan but also appreciative of the engineering skills required in the design and manufacture of bikes. He was interested in the NTI and Cougar RED and to find out more about the special Bio-ethanol racing bike and engine. He was impressed by the collaboration between industry and the University of Northampton. He fell in love with the engine and would have loved to take it home!”