Electronics giant shows commitment to UK research

In a resounding symbolic vote of continuing confidence in the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of research and development in the UK, world electronics group Philips is to relocate a key research centre to the high-technology hot-bed of Cambridge.

Philips - a global leader in healthcare, lighting and innovative consumer products - said the move later this year demonstrates its commitment to open innovation, and will provide further opportunities for joint venturing, partnering and collaboration.

Philips Research Cambridge

Philips Research was founded in 1914 and is one of the world’s major private research organisations.

In the UK, Philips Research has been based in Redhill, near London, for 60 years, and the site’s most recent credits include amBX - a new experience in PC games - as well as novel three-dimensional (3D) methods for watching 3D video without the need for special glasses.

“2008 marks an exciting year for Philips Research UK,” said Terry Doyle, Senior Vice-President at Philips Research.

“We pride ourselves in being at the forefront of innovation and research. Ensuring we maintain this position drives our need to provide our talented scientists and technology experts with the best possible environment. We believe Cambridge offers this - an ecosystem where our work can really flourish.”

He added that Cambridge is recognised as one of the top global innovation centres and as the research and development (R&D) hub for several multinational technology companies.

The Cambridge location will enhance Philips’ portfolio of research centres that span across the globe employing about 1,800 people at seven sites including the Netherlands, China, India and the United States.

Philips Research’s Cambridge laboratory will be located on the Cambridge Science Park and its projects will support the company’s recent re-organisation into sectors of healthcare, consumer lifestyle and lighting.

2008 marks an exciting year for Philips Research UK

Terry Doyle

Senior Vice-President

Philips Research

The renowned Cambridge technology background is expected to provide increased opportunities for Philips Research UK to work in an advanced environment of open innovation.

As well as anticipating venturing technology businesses and building new partnerships with the many publicly and privately funded innovation activities in Cambridge, the research centre will nurture existing partnerships with other universities as well as strengthening its links with Cambridge University.

Active in the development of many exciting new applications, Philips Research scientists have expertise in many domains. Project work includes developing easy-to-use, rapid diagnostic tests. These will be made possible by devices that are suitable for use at points of care such as medical practices, and could mean that the waiting time between diagnosis and treatment is cut from days to minutes.

New detection systems

The tests involve the identification of specific biomarkers of disease in patient samples such as blood, urine and saliva.

These new detection systems are based on electronics and microfluidics on glass and promise to be more compact and much faster than traditional diagnostic techniques.

Other project work includes developing ultra low-power radio solutions that, for example, could enable “body area networks” in a number of healthcare applications.

Deploying these novel short-range wireless systems will revolutionise the future care environment in hospitals and homes.

Other existing areas of the company’s highly regarded research contributions will continue to be promoted; the Cambridge lab will remain active in the standardisation of wireless communications and will explore licensing and alternative collaborations that build on its electronics systems expertise, as well as building on its proprietary EPLaR flexible electronics technology.

Philips employs about 124,000 people in more than 60 countries worldwide.

With sales of 27 billion euros in 2007, the company is already a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, and a serious player in the development of energy-efficient lighting solutions.

It recently signed a seven-year agreement to collaborate with a major hospital in China to develop new medical imaging procedures for diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cardiovascular disease (including coronary artery disease, one of the most common diseases in China), cancer and mental diseases.