Students have been handed a multi-million pound deal to turn their university projects into reality.

Oxford Brookes University has won £5m from the Department of Trade and Industry, it was announced yesterday.

The Higher Education Innovation Fund funds will allow talented and bright students to work with multi-national firms, including Nokia and Microsoft, to get their projects into the global market.

Neil Bailey, 33, of Oxford Brookes University, has already had his Wild Key invention for bug-hunters developed by the Spatial Ecology and Land Use Unit.

Oxford Brookes University's Director of Research and Business Development, John Francis, said: "We've already got a number of ideas with real commercial potential and can provide academics and students with support and funding to help develop them further.

"For example, scientists at Oxford Brookes have developed software that can be used in schools to help students with biology projects.

"The Wild Key project means children can identify different species using hand-held devices and help promote understanding of biodiversity issues."

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said: "Oxford Brookes University is leading the way in linking innovation for business and it's vital they work with business to help translate new ideas and technology into increased productivity and regional growth."

Universities across the country have received a total of £52m from the Government.