Reputation in science and technology grows
Aug 21 2009 By Andrew Mernin, The Journal
AS the appetite for green technology and ideas aimed at a sustainable future grows, so too does the demand for the services of the world class innovators who call the North East home.
The last 12 months has seen public, private and international players beating a path to the region to tap into the melting pot of emerging industries sprouting up around the Tyne, Wear and Tees.
Perhaps the most significant milestone was the news of the Government’s ongoing support for the growth of a printable electronics sector in Sedgefield, County Durham. The recent £20m boost from Whitehall could see the emergence of a mass employing, mass manufacturing industry which will give the world new-age devices such as computerised newspapers, interactive wallpaper and solar-powered clothing.
The Petec project is run by the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), which continues to support the development of forward- thinking businesses with ideas that could revolutionise existing technologies.
Meanwhile, the region is fast becoming a hub for security-based technology firms as they look for new ways to protect assets, property and, more importantly, people. Earlier this year, the Secure Futures conference, hosted by CONNECT North East, highlighted the wealth of talent in the sector in this part of the world.
Newcastle-based UK Biometrics, which pitched for financial backing at the event, attracted interest from a number of major investment houses, while Consett’s Biotechnix looks set to grow its global presence though its pioneering security access technology based on the recognition of a person’s vein pattern and blood flow.
This year has also seen the continued emergence of the region as a centre of excellence for micro and nanotechnology. Newcastle University spin-out INEX is
gearing up for expansion on the back of 145% revenue growth last year and aims to take on around 70 new members of staff in the next three years. The company, which develops special microchips made of diamonds, has already begun to grow a portfolio of international clients. It is also in the running to supply ‘low noise amplifiers’ for the Square Kilometre Array – a £1.15bn project to build the world’s largest radio telescope ever constructed.
Fellow nanotechnology firm Orla, also based in Newcastle, has this year stepped up its presence in Asia by signing a deal with one of Japan’s biggest glass manufacturers. The collaboration with Japan’s NSG Group follows Orla’s lengthy partnership with Japan’s leading electronics company, Japan Radio Company (JRC), to develop the next generation of miniature, handheld diagnostic biosensors, which are used to diagnose infectious diseases. The partnership with JRC could spawn technology which would enable mobile phones to be used to detect diseases.
This year has proved a tough one for the region’s video games industry, with one of its biggest players, Midway, closing down due to the failings of its American owners.
However, the North East’s digital sector continues to throw up success stories despite the recession, such as Enigma Interactive – a digital agency which services some of the biggest brands on the planet.
