Nano-tech firm sets up UK base in Torbay
APIONEERING international nanotechnology sensor manufacturer has opened its UK headquarters at Torbay’s £8 million tech innovation centre.
Nausens, which makes tiny single chip sensors, has become the latest high-tech firm to set up shop at the Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Paignton’s White Rock Business Park.
Nanusens is already looking to recruit design engineers for its EPIC site and ultimately grow a team within the centre.
The market-disrupting microelectronics specialist, previously had its HQ in London, and has research and development offices in Barcelona, and the Chinese city of Shenzen.
Nanusens develops MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor structures that are up to 10 times smaller than competitive technologies.
This enables its award-winning sensors, which can be used in everyday items such as earbuds and smartphones, to make additional space for larger batteries and additional features.
Nanusens chief executive Dr Josep Montanyà i Silvestre, who founded the firm in 2014, said: “This is an amazing area to locate a business like ours. We have access to amazing facilities within EPIC and are excited about the prospect of collaborating with the businesses that are already here. Torbay Council has been very supportive so far with helping us make this move.”
Nanusens will be the first international
electronics firm to move to Torbay in 2021 with a North American electronics business also lined up to join EPIC as soon as possible.
This is encouraging news for the local economy as it will bring new investment to the area and grow what is already a vibrant technology community.
In 2020, electronics firm CAS Antennas and e-commerce company Superb Media Ltd both moved into the EPIC centre.
Wayne Loschi , EPIC centre director, said: “It is very encouraging that Nanusens has chosen Torbay and EPIC as the location for its global HQ.
“We’ve worked hard to welcome this lucrative business to the area and it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to attract such a company. We are now looking at ways in which we can support Nanusens further to help it with its projected growth.”
EPIC is a centre of excellence, supporting technological innovation and promoting collaborative activity between businesses and research institutions.
It focuses on supporting high-potential companies and encourages investment into Torbay’s microelectronics and photonics sector, and in the wider South West.
EPIC is partly funded by a £3m grant from the Heart of the South West LEP Growth Deal. In addition to this, £1.375m has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund, and £1.1m in Coastal Communities Funding. This funding supports a £2.5m investment in the centre made by Torbay Council.