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Background
Wadaro is a high-tech SME based on the Daresbury
Science and Innovation Campus
(Daresbury SIC),developing applications for mobile technologies. It
specialises in digital/telecommunications
solutions for monitoring mobile phone networks in order to
eliminate problems associated with network coverage. Since moving
to Daresbury the company has raised funds for R&D, recruited
staff locally and established business relations with major
international mobile operators.
Area of Activity
Wadaro specialises in mobile network monitoring
applications. Despite being an essential communications tool,
mobile phones are still unreliable due to the nature of radio
signals they operate through. Operators are keen to monitor network
failures and to repair and eliminate them, in order to provide a
competitive coverage. The advantage of the service Wadaro provides
lies in the fact that monitoring is conducted from within the
user's handset, not the provider's network.
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Why Daresbury SIC?
Daresbury attracted Wadaro for a number of reasons. One of the
Campus' important features is the quality of the environment, with
presentable
offices providing young companies with a positive image.
Second, the Campus is very well located, being located close
to two international airports, the motorway network and the
national rail network. In addition, Daresbury SIC's affordable rent
and flexible lease agreement is a major factor for any start-up
company.
Other benefits Wadaro had not anticipated were the Campus'
outstanding networking opportunities. There are regular visits from
industrial and political
leaders along with external companies seeking collaborative
partnerships; these are complemented by the monthly Business
Breakfast networking event as a source of powerful business
opportunity. Robert Wakeling, Managing
Director, said: "The Innovation Centre
offers much more than just rented space. Its value is in its
mission, culture, and the opportunities it provides. The input in
the building by the management team to create value out of
relationships is enormous. One particular thing that is
well-practiced at Daresbury SIC is the process of making introductions that help companies
access funding".
Progress to Date and Collaborations
Thanks to the networking opportunities at
Daresbury SIC, Wadaro has established fruitful dialogue with one of
the UK's major mobile operators. The company has also received a
lot of support from the Campus' management team, particularly in
terms of introductions and access to funding. It secured a £75,000 grant,
which helped it patent its technology, and, given its major
international focus, it has received comprehensive support from UKTI. In addition, the company introduced two
external SMEs to the Innovation Centre, who later moved their
offices here.
Future Plans
Wadaro will continue to develop its technology in partnership
with a number of leading international network operators, with
exciting developments in Asia and Africa.