Work begins today on a £7.3million centre designed to create new hi-tech businesses and jobs.

Despite the economic downturn, hopes are high that Canterbury Innovation Centre, on the University of Kent campus, will be ready next autumn to take advantage of any upturn.

It will offer expert help and support for budding entrepreneurs with exciting ideas they want to turn into successful commercial projects.

Jonathan Shaw, minister for the south east and MP for Chatham and Aylesford, is due to peform a turf-cutting ceremony at the site later today.

The centre, on the University of Kent campus, builds on work already done by the university to help budding entrepreneurs with hi-tech business ideas.

Canterbury Enterprise Hub has helped several innovative start-up businesses get off the ground, including Oil Drum, winner of the 2008 Kent Innovation Challenge for its fuel-saving technology.

The new centre is funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and will provide nearly 25,000 sq ft of high-tech incubation space, as well as advice and support for budding entrepreneurs.

It aims to be a magnet for enterprises from Kent and beyond, including some from the USA, Israel, Singapore and Continental Europe.

Businesses working closely with university experts on research and development projects have a successful track record and can often compete more effectively in a global market.

The University of Kent’s Vice Chancellor Professor Julia Goodfellow said: "I am very pleased that work is now underway on the new Innovation Centre. It will provide a range of opportunities for both the University and the region, and we are looking forward to working with SEEDA to make it a success."

Lee Amor, Executive Director of Development at SEEDA, said: "The Canterbury Innovation Centre is a real opportunity to develop the links between the east Kent economy and the University of Kent.

"It will provide an ideal environment for businesses to establish themselves and grow, making the most of the knowledge and skills that the local universities are generating."

The new centre is due to open for business in October 2009.