Region can secure a bright future

May 14 2009 by Stewart Watkins, The Journal

IT is a mark of the growing reputation of North East science and technology that investors from around the country and around the world flocked to a recent County Durham investment conference for the sector.

The CONNECT North East conference, held in Sedgefield, showcased some of the most exciting North East research companies, allowing many investors their first look at the burgeoning security sector in County Durham.

The North East Technology Park (NETPark) is a founding partner in CONNECT North East and a number of the companies based at the region’s leading science park were active at the conference, not least Dr Arnab Basu of Kromek who was highlighted as a case study of successful security products.

At the event, 10 innovative young companies pitched for investment before an audience comprising investors and other business people, before being quizzed on their product, its application in the wider world and its commercial potential.

I was extremely proud to see two NETPark companies among the pitchers, impressing the audience and generating a real buzz around their products. Having followed both ANTnano and Roar Particles plc from their inception, it was really exciting to see them demonstrating what phenomenal commercial potential they have.

As both companies are involved in the development of extremely specialised scientific products, it was fascinating to hear how these could be applied to everyday situations and made commercially viable.

ANTnano has developed technology that produces real-time results to warn of any damaging substances in the air that allows companies to protect their workers and comply with health and safety regulations.

ROAR Particles researches, develops and manufactures nanotechnology derived particles and services for forensics and counter-terrorism. Its initial products enable fingerprint analysis revealing highly-detailed information about the suspect.

The two companies’ contributions to the conference demonstrated the exciting range of innovation taking place in the sector. As the conference was broadly based around the theme of security, pitching companies covered everything from energy security to internet security and national security. As a region I hope we will seize hold of this agenda and run with it to make the North East the centre of excellence for the security sector.

Stewart Watkins is managing director of County Durham Development Company