The initiative has already helped 100 high tech firms

It is the largest award the DTI's Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) has ever made.

The collaboration with Southampton and Surrey universities aims to offer businesses greater access to research which may lead to new products.

The money will also be used to help entrepreneurs succeed in new ventures.

Key role

The collaboration has already led to an interactive learning resource for special needs teachers and carers working with children with Asperger's Syndrome.

The University of Bristol has formed a research collaboration known as 3C Research, aimed at finding new ways of providing remote access to information.

The four universities already work together on a separate initiative which has so far, helped around 100 high-tech companies get off the ground in southern England.