A technology company, which has developed a sterile iPad case for doctors to use in hospitals, has moved to the county.

Futurenova aims to run its sales operation from its new premises in Discovery Park, Sandwich, after it launched its FlipPad this week.

The medical grade iPad case can be used while wearing surgeons gloves and can be kept sterile with standard infection control sprays.

Granted a ‘made for iPad’ licence by Apple, the case can be used in everything from operating theatres to general wards.

Mike Casey, a former NHS director, founded Futurenova in April last year.

He said: “After several years developing the product in close consultation with the NHS, and extensive trials in leading hospitals such as Great Ormond Street, we’re excited to be launching FlipPad this month.

“Absolutely nothing like it currently exists and we anticipate it will make a real impact on infection control rates as well as having psychological outputs by connecting isolated patients to the outside world.

“From our base at Discovery Park, our sales team will now be able to get the FlipPad into the hands of those who need it.

"It’s a key stage for the company with a series of events serving as the platform for our official market launch.”

The company, which is also based in Essex and London, raised £500,000 of funding to kick start the product and establish its base at Discovery Park.

This included equity and loan investments from Kent County Council, the Low Carbon Innovation Fund, grants from Innovate UK and investors from advisors NCL Innovation.

Discovery Park leasing director Anna Stone said: “Discovery Park is welcoming an increasing number of innovative businesses like Futurenova thanks to our now established reputation as a hub for inventions and discoveries.

“Bolstered by the connections to potential funders and all the infrastructure in place, there’s a place here for every type of forward thinking business.”