Nicander’s new software solution for one of the world’s longest road tunnels
Recruiting talent
Billingham-based Nicander Ltd provides innovative and effective software solutions, from simple desktop applications and apps for mobile phones through to complex software systems.
Nicander has worked with Teesside University on various projects in the past to access knowledge transfer activities as well as taking part in our specialist scale-up programme for digital companies. So when Nicander was tasked with the development and testing of the central traffic management system for one of the world’s longest road tunnels they approached Teesside University. 
Once complete, the Stockholm by-pass will comprise of a series of underground motorway tunnels totalling 21km in length. The system will be developed, configured and tested to ensure that the construction remains on schedule and sections are opened on time.
After working with the University’s Grow Tees Valley team to identify the best way to embed this capability within the business, Nicander has taken on a graduate by accessing funding through the Growth Associate Programme (GAP).
The Programme runs for 12 months and the graduate is supported by a University academic or industry expert for up to half a day per week. SMEs are required to contribute a minimum of 50% of project costs, covering the graduate’s salary (including NI and pension), specialist technical support or sector expertise provided by the University.
Dr Farzad Rahimian is jointly supervising the graduate, and this allows Nicander to tap into Teesside University’s expertise integrating Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality interfaces with data modelling.
Teesside University and Nicander have a strong relationship and this has successfully helped bring together the right graduate and academic to deliver this highly complex and strategic project. We are delighted that the Grow Tees Valley project has been able to support Nicander to continue its growth and expansion for the future.
This project is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, securing £300m investment.
The project will make a major contribution to the ambition of the ERDF Competitive Programme 2007-13 and by increasing the numbers and survival of business start ups in the region and increasing business productivity.
