Six UK companies have won funds of £1.2m to help conduct technical feasibility studies into more energy efficient lighting for homes – the first phase of a major development initiative.

Each company has been given up to £40,000 from the Technology Strategy Board and DEFRA, through the Small Business Research Initiative, to assess the feasibility of their proposals over three months.

These will be reviewed and a decision on full development contracts made in October, with the most promising plans set to be given up to £450,000 for development and evaluation of prototypes and demonstrators, including a six month field trial.

The six companies are: Cambridge Consultants Ltd, Juice Technology Ltd, Marl International Ltd, PhotonStar LED Ltd, Tridonic Atco (UK) Ltd and Zeta Controls Ltd.