Science, engineering & technology news

NETPark-based advanced materials company Graphene Composites is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead its next phase of growth as it moves towards global commercial scale. The company, which specialises in advanced materials and nanomaterials technology, is looking for an experienced senior operations leader to help translate its innovative research and development into commercially scalable products. Based at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedg

Filtronic facility at NETPark (image courtesy of Filtronic) As satellite constellations expand and demand grows across telecommunications, defence and space, communications systems are moving into higher-frequency millimetre-wave spectrum. In a new article for Electronics Weekly, Dr Tudor Williams, Chief Technology Officer at NETPark-headquartered Filtronic, explains why this shift requires a different approach to the design and manufacture of communications technology. At fr

The UK’s technology strengths extend far beyond London, Oxford and Cambridge – and investors could be overlooking significant commercial opportunities in regional deep-tech clusters. That is the argument made by Dame Anne Glover, Chief Executive of Amadeus Capital Partners, in a new UKTN opinion piece examining the potential of technology businesses developing outside the established Golden Triangle. She argues that deep-tech companies based in regional clusters can receive l

NETPark-based Filtronic has taken another step in its international growth plans by forming a new relationship designed to expand its access to customers and programmes across India’s space and defence sectors. The company has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Spur Microwave Inc, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation. The agreement will combine Spur’s knowledge and relationships in India with the international reach of the wider Marubeni Group. Filtronic ha

Filtronic has launched a refreshed brand identity to reflect the company’s growth and its expanding role in the international space, defence and critical communications markets. The announcement follows two years of significant development for the NETPark-based company. During this period, Filtronic has increased its workforce by more than 75%, strengthened its position as a supplier to major space and defence customers and moved into a new headquarters and manufacturing faci

NETPark-based Filtronic has secured its largest order from SpaceX to date, worth $68.1 million (£51.3 million). The follow-on order covers the supply of Filtronic’s Cerus E-band gallium nitride (GaN) solid-state power amplifier units, which are used in high-frequency communications, including low Earth orbit satellite networks. The new agreement follows a $62.5 million order announced in August 2025 and further strengthens the company’s strategic partnership with SpaceX. Supp

NETPark welcomed representatives from leading UK semiconductor and innovation organisations as part of a three-day regional tour organised by North East Advanced Material Electronics (NEAME). The delegation included representatives from Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, UK Research and Innovation, Innovate UK Business Connect and the UK Semiconductor Centre. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the North East’s advanced electronics and semiconduct

Businesses across the North East will benefit from a £25.9 million investment designed to make it easier to access advice, finance and support for growth. The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority has announced Business North East, a regional partnership bringing together the authority and the area’s seven local councils. Running from January 2027 to March 2029, the programme aims to create a simpler and more coordinated business-support system across the region. Support at

The Women who are playing an important role in helping shape the North East’s fast-growing space and technology industry have been celebrated at a major event held at Orbit at NETPark. As part of its regular programme of events, Space North East England brought together businesses, academics and individuals who are all working in these industries across the region. And the talks, discussions and inspirational speeches showcased the talent and expertise which is helping both s

NETPark-based Filtronic has been shortlisted for the Company of the Year Award at the AIM Awards 2026. The nomination recognises the company’s continued development, including investment in its people and capabilities, increased manufacturing capacity and the delivery of communications technology for customers across the telecommunications, space and defence sectors. Headquartered at NETPark, Filtronic designs and manufactures RF, microwave and millimetre-wave components and

NETPark-based Filtronic has secured UK Space Agency funding to develop technology that could make future satellite ground networks simpler, more flexible and easier to scale. The funding has been awarded through the UK Space Agency’s Ground Station Innovation Programme, supported by the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme. Supporting more software-driven satellite networks Satellite ground stations provide the connection between s

NETPark-based Magnitude Biosciences has promoted Sara Leighton to Chief Operating Officer, recognising her contribution to the company’s development over the past four years. Sara moves into the role from her previous position as Head of Operations. She has played an important part in strengthening the systems, processes and quality standards supporting Magnitude’s growth, while contributing to its fundraising and grant activity. Her work has also covered company culture and

NETPark-based Kromek has reported increased revenue and continued commercial progress across its advanced imaging and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection divisions. The County Durham company, which develops radiation and biological threat-detection technology, generated revenue of £27.1 million in the year ending 30 April 2026, up from £26.5 million the previous year. Profit before tax reached £2.5 million, slightly ahead of expectations. Growth in

NETPark-based Magnitude Biosciences has secured £1.3 million to accelerate the commercialisation of VivoScan™, its whole-organism drug screening platform. The investment will help the Durham University spinout expand its work with pharmaceutical companies, increase automation and recruit new members of staff. Dr Fozia Saleem, CEO and Dr Chris Saunter CTO at Magnitude Biosceince Supporting faster drug discovery Magnitude Biosciences is a specialist contract research organisati

Global investment in the infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence could reach US$31.6 trillion between 2026 and 2050, according to new analysis from PwC. Its Global Data Centre Outlook forecasts that annual capital spending on data centres will rise from around $800 billion in 2026 to $1.8 trillion by 2050. Growing demand for chips and communications technology Much of this investment will be directed towards the technology inside data centres. PwC expects chi

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £12 million to support collaborative research into advanced materials and help move new technologies towards commercial use. The funding is available through the first collaborative research and development competition under Innovate UK’s National Materials Innovation Programme. Four advanced materials research themes Projects must focus on at least one of four themes: Future healthcare solutions, including biomaterials, medical de

Pragmatic Semiconductor has appointed Dr Paul James as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations. Dr James brings 25 years of semiconductor industry experience, covering fabrication operations, technology transfers, industrialisation and business transformation. He most recently served as Managing Director of Vishay Newport Limited, formerly Nexperia, where he led its transition from an integrated device manufacturer to an independent foundry. In his new role,

Greig Rooney Appointed CPI CEO CPI has announced the appointment of Greig Rooney as its next Chief Executive. He will take up the role on 1 December 2026, succeeding Frank Millar. Greig joined CPI’s Executive Leadership Team in January 2026 as Managing Director for Pharma and HealthTech. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biopharmaceutical manufacturing in the UK, Europe and United States. Before joining CPI, Greig was M

Pragmatic Semiconductor, a pioneer in flexible and sustainable semiconductor technology, has been awarded the RFID Product Gold Prize at the IOTE 2026 Innovative Product Awards for the Pragmatic NFC product portfolio.

Why UK food security depends on climate resilience, novel food technologies and stronger routes from innovation to manufacturing.