Get together with other visionaries

Apr 2 2009 by Stewart Watkins, The Journal

WORKING with exciting, visionary science and technology companies at NETPark, we are aware of the considerable breadth of talent in the North East.

They are world leaders in their field, designing and manufacturing products which are making a real difference to people’s lives.

These dynamic companies include the award-winning Kromek, with its groundbreaking 3D X-ray technology, and Roar Particles, which uses nanotechnology to enhance fingerprint detection.

Now, the next generation of forward-thinking companies has the chance to follow in their footsteps and build on the North-East’s innovative reputation.

The networking organisation CONNECT North East is hosting a major security-themed investment conference which is attracting millionaire money-makers from across the country.

Held at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield on Tuesday, April 28, the Secure Futures Investment Conference will give nine technology companies the chance to pitch for up to £1m of funding each.

Through NETPark Net, we are supporting the conference which will focus on three main themes.

The first looks at how we can make our cityscapes and communities more resilient to threats – everything from flooding to terrorism.

The second analyses how we can improve our collective ability to spot unfolding problems more quickly.

And the final one seeks to minimise the damage caused by security breaches.

The difficulty for the companies developing these innovations is where to get the money from to fund them to commercialisation.

The conference addresses this issue head on, and, for those who are not pitching, there will be a myriad of potential customers attending.

A quiet introduction in a corridor could prove to be priceless to the business which simply needs to meet the right people to take off.

Equally as important, is the aspect of promotion. The event is a showcase for what the region has to offer in the way of bright ideas.

We know from our experience at NETPark and NETPark Net that the North East has some of the most innovative technology companies in the country. This is our chance to shout about them.

It’s time to get CONNECTed.

For more information on the conference log onto www.connectnortheast.com.

Stewart Watkins is managing director of County Durham Development Company, which is driving the development of NETPark and NETPark Net.