Science, engineering & technology news

NETPark businesses looking to grow overseas can book personalised advice appointments through the Export Support Hub: Meet the Export Experts, taking place from 9–13 November 2026. Part of International Trade Week, the Hub brings together specialists offering guidance on entering new markets, customs procedures, trade regulations and export finance. Businesses can connect with organisations including UK Export Finance, the International Markets Team, Chambers of Commerce, Cha

A planned North East apprenticeship service aims to help more young people into work and make it easier for employers to recruit, with advanced manufacturing among its initial priorities. Expected to launch in April 2027, the scheme would support 1,500 additional apprenticeship starts by March 2029, attracting up to £10 million of government investment over three years. At least 375 opportunities would be aimed at young people outside education, employment or training. Dedica

Webinar Series: Understanding the UK Semiconductor Ecosystem

Filtronic recognised by London Stock Exchange

Graphene Composites extends Sun Filter partnership agreement in Southeast Asia

NETPark-based Kromek Group has secured a place in the High Growth 50 2026, which recognises companies demonstrating strong business performance and potential for further growth.

NETPark-based Graphene Composites has announced the launch of its next-generation GC Patrol Shield, with testing verifying protection against specified rifle and shotgun threats just one inch from the shield’s edge. Launched through the company’s GC Shield brand, the new model extends verified protection closer to the perimeter than the two-inch distance required by the NIJ and ASTM standards cited in the announcement. For police officers using ballistic shields, performance

A major trade mission to India is showcasing the North of England's strengths in advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation, with the potential to unlock new international investment and business opportunities. Nearly 200 representatives from across the North of England are taking part in the mission, which aims to capitalise on opportunities created by the new UK–India Free Trade Agreement. UK Government analysis estimates that the agreement could boost Northern econo

An independent evaluation of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has highlighted its growing role in helping businesses across the North access investment, support innovation and achieve their growth ambitions. The Early Assessment Report, undertaken by independent research company SQW Ltd for the British Business Bank, found strong evidence that the fund is addressing regional finance gaps and supporting smaller businesses that might otherwise struggle to se

The Centre for Realisation and Advancement of Future Technologies (CRAFT), led by Durham University, is planned to be based at NETPark as part of a new multi-million-pound regional innovation programme. CRAFT will bring together researchers, businesses and public-sector partners to turn scientific research into practical technologies, products and services. Its work will focus on areas including space and fusion, creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment and bu

An exciting opportunity is now open to join Business Durham as Cluster Manager for Space North East England (SNEE), the regional space cluster based at NETPark. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the continued growth of the North East's space sector, bringing together businesses, universities and industry partners to encourage collaboration, innovation and investment. Managed by Business Durham, SNEE works to strengthen the region's space capabilities

Graphene Composites Team at NETPark 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 Ea

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