Building a sustainable science community NETPark

Jun 30 2010 by John Hill, The Journal

At the centre of the North East's fast-growing science industries is the Netpark in County Durham. As its second phase opens today, John Hill finds out why it is so successful.

NETPARK TENANTS

INCUBATOR

Kromek: A Durham University spin-out whose main product is a bottle scanner that can detect explosive materials.

ROAR Forensics: Provides a forensic toxicology service which allows it to detect and measure drugs and poisons. Specialises in drugs such as heroin, morphine and GHB.

Ithaka Life Sciences: Offers business advice and management services to the life sciences sector, specialising in commercialisation of technology.

Lovle: Software-based company that handles information collection and distribution to clients. Currently working with non-profit firm Creative Commons.

U2T: Develops and builds generators for light pulses, which are transmitted along fibre optic cables. Can be used for transmitting data across continents.

Durham Mag-Lev: Produces a magnetic levitation system used to lift scale models of race cars, so their aerodynamic characteristics can be evaluated effectively in wind tunnels.

3C Colour, Co-ordinate Communicate: Developed a 2D platform for pinpointing the direction and location of objects on industrial sites.

Thermastrate: Manufactures extremely thermally-efficient insulated metal substrate technologies for electronics applications.

Reinnervate: A Durham University spin-out which has developed a more effective way of cultivating cells in laboratories, which will be available this year.

Advance Imaging Systems: The Wisconsin company has set up in County Durham to continue development of fully-digital confocal microscopes which provide 3D images.

PETEC

Printable Electronics Technology Centre (Petec): National flagship centre developing printable electronics technologies, including thin flexible TVs and display monitors, low- energy lighting and low-cost solar cells.

Evince Technology: Venture capital-backed start-up marketing a breakthrough semiconductor technology for the high-power electronics industry.

PolyPhotonix: Works with architects, designers and creative industries to develop new applications for low-carbon energy-efficient lighting.

INSTITUTE

The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation: Part of Durham University’s physics department. Working on areas such as adaptive optics, advanced spectroscopy and precision engineering.

Semi-conductor Crystal Growth and Ceramics Group: Grows large diameter crystals for use in X-ray detections. Can be used in substance detection in airports and in the medical field.