FIVE new ‘pioneering’ businesses have moved to Daresbury Laboratory.

The ‘early stage’ companies who have newly set up shop at Sci-Tech Daresbury span the sectors of augmented reality to the development of coronavirus testing technology.

They include Envisage Space, which uses advanced satellite technologies and analytics to improve GPS accuracy and LR Consultancy, a developer of advanced purification technology for the chemicals industry.

IoT Horizon: An Internet of Things Specialist develops clients’ concepts into a profit-making business – including sensors, security software and electronics.

Meanwhile, Immersive Story Lab uses immersive techology to make moving ‘storyworlds’ with 3D augmented reality characters and Alphabiolabs creates DNA, drug and alcohol tests – and more recently has been developing testing for Covid-19.

Delyth Edwards, business incubation programmes manager at Sci-Tech Daresbury, said: “It’s really exciting to be welcoming these five new companies to Daresbury Laboratory.

“With our facilities, capabilities and expertise, we are perfectly placed to help start-ups solve their high-tech innovation challenges and enhance their competitiveness.

“From fast tracking the development of new products through 3D printing to enabling the integration of advanced digital technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and of course providing affordable lab and office space to carry out research and development, we can help businesses to reduce costs, time to market and some of the risk involved in product development.

“It is our mission to provide the correct environment for innovation and success, and it’s fantastic to help businesses located here go from strength to strength.”