£4m to boost UK innovation

Digital photography without a PC is one of the projects

A chip that allows users of digital cameras to print images without using a computer is among a host of research projects to share in a £4m UK Government cash boost.

A total of 26 British companies will benefit from funding under the government scheme called Eureka.

The project is part of a European initiative to increase competitiveness in new technology in collaboration with companies, universities and research institutions across Europe.

Colorgraph, a Berkshire-based firm, is looking to develop a system on a chip that will replace the need for software to manipulate and print digital images.

Turning new ideas into jobs and prosperity is crucial to the UK's future economic and social well being

Lord Sainsbury, Science Minister

The chip will be integrating with a range of printers allowing users to display, process and print digital photos without a PC.

The new generation of PC-less digital photography will be cheaper and offer a better performance than existing technologies, some commentators say.

E-plants

Other projects to receive funding include a Birmingham firm's idea to use computer software to simulate plant growth in an effort to reduce the time and cost of experimenting on real plants.

Another firm is developing a system for recovering reusable microchips and recycling mobile phones.

"Turning new ideas into jobs and prosperity is crucial to the UK's future economic and social well being," said Science Minister Lord Sainsbury.

"These innovative projects will ensure that the UK manufacturing industry continues to take the lead in generating new ideas for high quality products and processes for global markets," he added.