Science, engineering & technology news

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

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

H&E staining of the REPROSKIN full-thickness model showing a well-organised, stratified epidermis supported by a fibroblast-populated dermal compartment, replicating key structural features of native human skin NETPark tenant REPROCELL Europe has announced the commercial launch of REPROSKIN™, an advanced bioengineered human skin model designed to support drug discovery, dermatology research and product testing. Developed using REPROCELL's proprietary Alvetex® scaffold technol

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

There was plenty of creativity on display at NETPark this week, as businesses and staff came together for the technology park's first ever Bake Off. Swapping laboratories and offices for mixing bowls and baking trays, colleagues from across NETPark showcased their culinary talents, bringing along an impressive selection of homemade sweet and savoury treats. The event brought together teams from NETPark businesses including Graphene Composites, STERIS, Magnitude Biosciences, A

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

NETPark-headquartered Kromek has announced the appointment of Jane Pearce as a Non-Executive Director. Jane will join the Board following the company’s Annual General Meeting on Friday 23 October 2026 and will also become Chair of its Audit Committee. A qualified chartered accountant, Jane brings significant senior-level financial-markets experience to the role. Her knowledge and expertise will support the Board as Kromek continues to develop its advanced imaging and radiatio

Kromek welcomed a team from Innovate UK, including Executive Chair Tom Adeyoola, to its headquarters at NETPark. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss Kromek’s development from a Durham University spin-out into an international business specialising in advanced imaging and radiation and biological-threat detection. Kromek has delivered 15 Innovate UK-funded projects to date. During the visit, the company showcased three technologies at different stages of commercialisa

NETPark-based Filtronic has published a new article examining why nations need greater control over the satellite communications infrastructure that supports everyday services and national security. Written by Mark Bown of Filtronic, the article explains how satellite networks now underpin mobile communications, broadband, emergency response, defence and financial systems. As geopolitical uncertainty increases, building resilient infrastructure and reducing reliance on a smal

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

Kromek chief earns engineering Fellowship

North East manufacturers join forces with aerospace alliance

With £4.2m raised to date, a new high-throughput screening platform moving towards commercialisation and a five-year growth plan in place, Durham University spin-out Magnitude Biosciences is preparing for its next phase of expansion from its base at the North East Technology Park (NETPark). Magnitude’s ambition to screen one million compounds through a whole-organism model – giving drug researchers meaningful biological insight much earlier in the development process – is mov

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