Another Successful Spin-off

Issue 4

Another Successful Spin-off

Oxonica, a spin-off from the Engineering Science Department formed in August 1999, was floated on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) in July. It was founded by Professor Peter Dobson and Dr Gareth Wakefield. The flotation follows its growth on the Begbroke Science Park and the development of two successful products that are generating revenues:

Envirox is a nanoparticle diesel fuel additive based on cerium oxide and it is being supplied to the Stagecoach bus fleet and is on sale at pumps in the Phillipines. This additive greatly reduces carbon particulates in the exhaust, reduces nitrous oxides and gives an increase in fuel efficiency of around 10%.

Optisol is a nanoparticle-doped titanium oxide product that is used in sunscreens. In addition to shielding the skin from harmful ultra-violet radiation it also protects the skin by eliminating the free radical production that is commonplace in most sunscreens. Boots are currently using this product in their Soltan range.

The company is extending its activities based on these products and also hopes to launch some new nanoparticle-based medical/biological diagnostic products shortly.

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