QinetiQ has joined forces with the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands in a multi-million pound project to encourge local businesses to use innovative sensor technology.

The £20 million Advanced Sensors Programme will see Malvern-based QinetiQ share its world-leading technical expertise with other companies to help them use advanced sensors in new and exciting ways.

Sensors play an important role in a wide range of industries and products from household smoke detectors to vehicle reversing aids and the aim of the project is to encourage companies in the midlands to exploit such technology to develop new commercial products.

Businesses which successfully apply for funding from the project for their ideas will be given access to QinetiQ's research and development.

Simon Bennett, managing director of QinetiQ's commercial business, said: "QinetiQ employs some of the world's best minds who will work with businesses to develop advanced sensors. We will help businesses integrate sensors into innovative products that make a big difference in everyday life."

The sensors project will be launched at QinetiQ's Malvern Technology Centre on Thursday, June 7. The launch will give companies a chance to find out more about the project and sensor technology and see demonstrations of products developed by QinetiQ.