​Prof Welsch is head of Physics at Liverpool University as well as leader of the QUASAR Group at the Cockcroft Institute​; he explains how frustration led him to set-up the company:

“So far we have developed beam diagnostic devices as prototypes, developed them, built them, tested them, shown that they are working, but then we have had to let the technology go because a university group cannot be in charge of producing a specific instrument.

“D-Beam will be able to translate cutting edge research into commercially available tools that will improve our understanding and control of particle beams."

Particle beams are used in cancer treatment – such as the new proton therapy service due to open Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter in 2019 as announced recently – as well as facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider and European Spallation Source. This is an emerging area and D-Beam will offer a step-change in precision for the hundreds of large accelerators and synchrotron light sources that are currently in operation worldwide.

D-Beam has world leading expertise in particle beams diagnostics, developed through intense and long lasting research collaborations with CERN. D-Beam will also have access to specific parts of CERN intellectual property through the STFC CERN BIC.

Delyth Lloyd, STFC CERN BIC Manager says “we are delighted to welcome D-Beam to the STFC CERN BIC. It is especially exciting that D-Beam are a spin-out from the Cockcroft Institute and we look forward to supporting their business growth. I'm sure there will be many collaborative opportunities available for them during their time in the BIC and beyond."

Find out more about D-Beam.​​

See full artcle by University of Liverpool​

About The Cockcroft Institute

The Cockcroft Institute – a collaboration between academia, national laboratories, industry and local economy – brings together the best accelerator scientists, engineers, educators and industrialists to conceive, design, construct and use innovative instruments of discovery at all scales and lead the UK’s participation in flagship international experiments. It cultures the curiosity of emerging minds via education of the future generation and engages with industrial partners to generate wealth for the community that sustains us.

About STFC CERN BIC

There are nine CERN BICs across Europe – STFC manages the UK BIC and is based at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Harwell. It combines the incubation experience of STFC with the unique opportunity to access STFC and CERN intellectual property (IP), technologies and expertise. The centre helps businesses to grow from technical concept to market reality, from small start-ups into thriving high-tech companies.

The programme provides an ideal package of both funding and business support to accelerate innovative business concepts, including:

• £40,000 of total funding for use on intellectual property protection, design, prototyping, market studies etc.
• Access up to 40 hours of CERN and 40 hours of STFC scientists and technical expertise
• Use of CERN intellectual property at favourable conditions
• Access to collaboration and networking opportunities at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Harwell campus, and through the STFC and CERN networks
• Wider access to potential sources of financial support through STFC's links with venture capitalists and funding bodies