NETPark, the North East Technology Park at Sedgefield, County Durham is the region’s premier science, engineering and technology park and one of the fastest growing science parks in the UK.

Just this month, work began on the Innovation Village, a cluster of 5 bespoke R&D units and work is well advanced on the Plastic Electronics Technology Centre (PETeC), a national flagship centre that will make the North East of England the centre of this revolutionary industry. Computers that can be rolled up and put in a pocket and lighting that can be printed like newspapers are just two examples of the impact plastic electronics will have on the way we live and work.

PETeC is part of the DTI’s Technology Strategy and is managed by Cenamps, a national centre for nano, micro and photonic technologies in collaboration with The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI). CPI/Cenamps provide a hub for nanotechnology nationally, with Cenamps chairing the UK Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network, and CPI housing NanoCentral, a national alliance of leading companies which has been created to unlock the commercial and societal potential of nanomaterials.

Demand for space at the NETPark has outstripped all forecasts and it houses some of the country’s most exciting high-tech companies – one of these companies is ROAR Particles which is busy revolutionising the forensics industry with its application of nanoparticles to fingerprint analysis. Once a fingerprint has been provided, ROAR can detect cigarettes, drugs and contact residues from materials used in terrorism. Another company at NETPark is ANTnano, which uses patented bioreactor technology and micro engineered ‘sniffers’ in either a manufacturing or environmental setting to detect biochemical discharges. Both these companies are featured in NETWorks, the quarterly magazine which showcases the scientific excellence of the North East – the latest issue features nanotech in the North East.

And NETPark is set to expand its horizons with the implementation of NETPark Net, a virtual science park which will link together science, engineering and technology companies, and ensure that they can become part of the innovative community at NETPark that enables companies to flourish, grow and compete with the best in the world.

To find out more, visit: www.uknetpark.net

The development of NETPark is led by Durham County Council in partnership with Sedgefield Borough Council, One NorthEast, and all five regional universities. Helios Properties is the preferred developer for Phase 1. Management and marketing of the site is in the hands of County Durham Development Company, Durham County Council’s inward investment arm. NETPark Net is jointly funded by Durham County Council through County Durham Development Company and One NorthEast through the County Durham Sub Regional Partnership.