A £1 MILLION grant has been awarded to a city marine science firm.

The Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills has given the cash to i-G Peninsula, the entrepreneurial and enterprise arm of Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

The money is intended to allow the continuation of i-G's work of “turning cutting-edge science into commercially viable products and services”.

The award has been made under the Public Sector Research and Exploitation Fund to “support the transfer of knowledge generated and held in public sector research establishments to the wider economy and to enhance economic growth”.

Ian Pearson, Science and Innovations Minister, this week announced grants totalling £68 million to a wide range of projects including the £1m to i-G Peninsula.

He said: “Top quality research is carried out within the public sector to meet the needs of Government departments in areas such as health, defence, environment, agriculture and food.

“But it's vital that we also maximise the economic impact of this research to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“That's why the Public Sector Research Exploitation Fund is so important in taking great research and turning it into great business.”

Dr Bob Huggins, who leads the i-G Peninsula team, said: “This is really good news for the South West.

“We now have the opportunity to take some of the high quality marine science research and develop commercial applications that should bring jobs, increase economic activity, and make a real difference to people's lives.

“Again, the innovative approach in PML is being recognised at the highest level of Government and I look forward to making this grant work for all of us in bringing significant investment into the region.

“The award of this further funding recognises the considerable progress we have already made – and the potential for the future.”

Bob Huggins said that he and his team have already identified research areas that have 'great commercial potential and positive environmental impact'.

He said: “We looked at the whole range of research activities at PML and many areas show great potential.

“For example, we see the production of biofuels and other products from single-celled algae using the sun's energy as a key area for development.

“Then there's the whole question of how we can offset carbon emissions and reduce footprints – so a two-pronged approach to a global challenge.

“The next stage is to bring the science to market, looking for opportunities and carrying out the necessary background studies to ensure that our ground breaking research can be turned into an economic benefit.”