A £2 million research institute dedicated to sparking a digital revolution in the Aire Valley has opened its doors.

The Advanced Digital Institute (ADI), the first of its kind in the UK, was unveiled at Cottingley Business Park, Bingley, yesterday.

The institute will help companies identify and develop new high-value products by providing technical support and business advice in areas such as wireless communications, digital TV, consumer networking and software development.

ADI chief executive Ged Powell said: "There is real scope for small and large companies to co-operate in developing solutions for global markets.

"The enormous wealth of academic expertise available in our region has a vital role to play and the ADI will be the hub around which all the activity takes place."

It is hoped that within five years the institute will be housed in a purpose-built facility in the Saltaire/Shipley area, will employ more than 40 engineers and researchers and have won international recognition.

Mr Powell said: "By bringing together all the elements required for successful innovation and product development, we will be giving companies a competitive edge and the opportunity to increase their share of the rapidly expanding international market for high-tech products across all sectors. In addition, our Solutions Centre will provide businesses with the answers they need to help take innovative ideas through the development stage and to market in the most effective and efficient way."

Since £2 million was secured this year the ADI has employed an administrator and is currently recruiting five senior engineers - including one from as far afield as Southampton.

The launch attracted representatives of major companies in the region including Keighley-based Echo Star Europe, Filtronic Ltd in Shipley and Saltaire-based Pace.

The institute won funding from Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward, the Airedale Partnership and the EU Regional Fund, and expects to provide 160 new jobs and create 25 new companies in its first five years.

Yorkshire Forward's Bill Boffin, who also works for the South East Development Agency with the Department for Trade & Industry championing electronics, said: "There is nothing like this in the UK. It is totally unique. What we do not have in the UK is a research and development body looking at the development side."

Airedale was chosen as the site for the ADI because of the significant and growing number of high-tech companies operating in the district.

Bradford Council's executive member for Regeneration, Councillor Andrew Mallinson, said: "The opening of the ADI is a very important milestone for the Bradford district's regeneration and especially the Airedale Masterplan.

"We already have a number of digital-based companies operating in Airedale and the ADI will help provide them with the expertise and know-how to develop and improve locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, as well as attracting even more businesses to the area so its importance really can not be underesti-mated."

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk