INTRODUCTION

  1.  Bookham Technology Ltd is a current and recent participant in Government funded and Government sponsored innovation projects. As a participant in the LINK scheme with projects including OPTIM, SHODOS and FLAPS the Science and Technology Committee requested a memorandum addressing several points, which are detailed below.

1(a)  How Bookham first learnt about LINK

  2.  Dr Andrew Rickman formed Bookham Technology Ltd in 1989, with the aim of developing the production of integrated optical circuits. During the initial phase the company received funding from various sources, including the SMART programme. From the SMART programme Bookham was made aware of LINK projects through discussions with the DTI. They explained that LINK projects would provide a route to business opportunities. In Bookham's instance this was for the development of optical components and structures for automotive sensing applications in the OPTIM project.

1(b)  The reasons Bookham decided to participate

  3.  As a start-up company, the initial reason for Bookham to participate in a LINK project was for the external monetary contribution, which was a vital asset to Bookham allow it develop its technology. In addition to this, the LINK projects provided an enlargement in Bookham's knowledge base by providing a suitable range of partners to form the consortium. The introduction of Bookham to these partners opened additional markets for sensor developed by Bookham, (for example automotive and aerospace markets with the OPTIM and FLAPS projects respectively). In addition to this, the government funded nature of DTI projects meant that there was a reduced risk for Bookham to undertake the development of new products and improve its product base.

1(c)  Ease of initial participation

  4.  The initial participation in the LINK project was felt to be hard. The drafting of the LINK proposal was found to be complex because addressing the correct level of technical detail and organising work-packages that included other companies within the LINK consortium was time-consuming and complex. However, excellent supervision and guidance was provided by the DTI to overcome these difficulties.

(2)  Whether involvement in LINK met Bookham's objectives

  5.  Bookham's involvement in the LINK met all of the objectives. It helped Bookham to develop a new technology with the required financial and technical support. In addition to this it provided less visible advantages including industry access, application driven projects and promoted Bookham to the technical and industrial community.

(3)  The impact that LINK has had on Bookham

  6.  Bookham's first LINK project was OPTIM, which was completed at the end of 1997. This was a technically risky project, but this risk was significantly reduced by the commercial and technical involvement of Ford Motor Company and the DTI. The development project provided Bookham with a successful demonstrator system. With the foundations provided by the LINK project, Bookham is now working with an automotive company to further the development to a production system.

(4)  Any barriers that have prevented Bookham gaining more from LINK

  7.  No barriers prevented Bookham from gaining more from LINK.

(5)  Overall assessment of the scheme

  8.  In conclusion, LINK has assisted in the development of Bookham's sensor products, which are in a market of significant importance for the UK, and provided routes to additional world-wide sensor markets. Bookham believes that LINK projects are essential for many British start-up companies looking for financial and technical assistance to develop an application driven product suitable for the world markets.

OTHER ITEMS

  9.  Bookham would be happy to provide a witness to discuss the operation and effectiveness of LINK in relation to Bookham Technology Ltd.

15 February 1999