Science, engineering & technology news

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.

Researchers from Durham University's top-rated Biosciences and Chemistry Department have discovered that combinations of metals linked to smoking and pollution may help lung cancer become resistant to chemotherapy.

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Innovation opportunity: Leonardo Solvers Wanted

Satellite communication (satcom) networks have become part of critical national infrastructure. As geopolitical uncertainty grows and global alliances shift, it’s never been more important for nations to take control of the satellite ecosystems their citizens and institutions depend on – from the hardware in orbit to the ground systems providing vital connections between Earth and space.

The Semiconductors to Systems Summit 2026 will take place in London on 26 August, bringing together businesses and organisations from across the UK semiconductor and wider deep-tech ecosystem.

The Government’s latest investment in the UK automotive sector could help drive innovation across industries represented at NETPark, including advanced materials, electronics, sensing technologies, energy storage and advanced manufacturing.

NETPark businesses and researchers working in defence, space and deep technology sectors may be interested in a new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition designed to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative technologies for operational use.

School pupils helped develop and test promising new compounds that could improve the effectiveness of existing tuberculosis (TB) treatments as part of a unique research project.

Professor Pippa Petts, from the Durham University Department of Physics, has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to teaching and learning.

As wearable technologies evolve, they could play an important role in earlier infection detection and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.

The Milky Way may have undergone some cosmic gymnastics during its history with a dramatic disc flip, according to new research from Durham University astronomers.