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INSTRUMENTEL SECURES FURTHER FUNDING FOR UNIQUE LOCKING TECHNOLOGY
Originally a spin-out from Leeds University, Instrumentel Ltd’s core technology focuses on using miniaturised, battery-less electronics to collect data from tight spaces in adverse environments. Instrumentel has now applied the technology to develop a unique locking system called IntraLock. The IntraLock system provides high level security to containers by means of a novel battery-less electronic lock and coded key. What is unique about this system is that the ‘smart’ container lock will only actuate within a designated area by a trained individual. This means that the container controls and secures access to its contents, restricting who opens it and where it can be opened. The system also allows point-to-point asset tracking. IntraLock can be applied to containers of any size, making it suitable for a range of applications: from securing sensitive documents for the Government or large organisations through to securing high value goods in supermarket supply chains, as well as the secure locking of freight containers. The investment is announced today by the White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund (WRTSF), which supported the creation of the company in 2001 with £250k funding. The new investment, alongside that of a private business angel investor, will enable the company to bring its unique IntraLock product to market. Instrumentel’s CEO, Steve Couchman said: “The commercial opportunities for this locking technology are enormous as it can be applied to such a wide range of markets, such as ensuring that forensic or pathology samples are not interfered with en route from crime scene or hospital to the laboratory. We are currently in talks with the police force about its possible application in securing evidence, and with the US Government about the potential uses for Intralock in its Container Security Initiative. This investment will enable us to capitalise on the commercial opportunities out there.” WRTSF Investment Director Gerry White said: “We are very excited about the potential of the IntraLock product and are looking forward to the continued development of Instrumentel and its products, under the excellent guidance of CEO Steve Couchman.” The WRTSF made an initial investment of £250,000 in Instrumentel in 2001 to enable the company to spin-out from the University of Leeds.Instrumentel was spun-out of the University of Leeds in December 2001, following an investment of £250,000 from WRTSF to develop and market piston telemetry systems for Formula 1 racing cars. Steve Couchman is CEO of Instrumentel. He joined the company in January 2004 . Steve is a highly accomplished director with over 25 years experience in sales, marketing and developing customer-focused businesses in the production and distribution of sensors and electronic components. He has held senior positions with Polaron, AMP, TRW and RS Components, and holds a BSc in Electronics and the IOD Diploma in Company Direction. Dr Greg Horler is Technical Director of Instrumentel. He joined the University of Leeds in 2000 from the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside where he was Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering. He holds a PhD in applied piston telemetry from De Montfort University and an MSc in advanced microelectronic design from the University of Durham, which included a placement at British Telecom Research Labs working on Precursor technologies for JPEG and MPEG. He also has extensive experience of clean-room fabrication and device testing having worked at Inmos Ltd before embarking on his academic career. Steve Couchman http://www.whiteroseseedcorn.com
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