RED Scientific: Data-driven wargaming and defence & security innovation from NETPark

RED Scientific (RED) has expanded into the North East Technology Park (NETPark), reinforcing its commitment to regional defence and security innovation.

RED’s operational digital wargaming platform is helping shape high-level defence strategy—supporting mission rehearsal, logistics planning and staff officer training at the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and NATO.

These aren’t games for entertainment—they are cutting edge, evidence-based simulations rooted in mathematical modelling, operational analysis and data science. RED’s digital wargame platform draws on the study of over 160 historical conflicts, using this analysis to generate realistic, testable scenarios. “This is not just simulation for training,” says Marc Brûlé-Walker, RED’s Director of Engineering. “It’s the analytical backbone of effective decision-making.”

Established over 35 years ago, RED Scientific has evolved into a trusted defence and security consultancy, delivering projects across digital engineering, systems integration and supportability and safety assessments. The company is a supplier across key MOD frameworks—including ASTRID, Serapis and the Engineering Delivery Partnership—and works in collaboration with prime contractors.

One of RED’s unique capabilities is its Airborne Equipment Support Service, which certifies frontline equipment including parachutes, oxygen systems and even harnesses for parachuting military dogs. Delivered by a team of engineers with direct UK Airborne Forces experience, this work ensures new equipment is safe, reliable and fit for purpose under real operational conditions.

RED’s decision to open a northern base at NETPark marks a strategic step in its national growth. “NETPark offers more than just office space,” says Marc. “NETPark offers the strategic environment sought by RED Scientific - combining technical infrastructure with the credibility to host high-level defence and security engagements.”

The move has already proven invaluable. RED has hosted secure, high-profile meetings on site, including with clients normally embedded in the South West. “Having this base allows us to deliver professional engagement, invite collaboration and strengthen our role in the region,” Marc adds.

The NETPark office also supports RED Scientific’s broader mission to grow defence and security capability in the North East. Marc is Chair of the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC)—a volunteer-led network of over 140 organisations working to increase regional representation in the UK defence & security sector.

“The North East has world-class capability, but less than 1% of the workforce here is employed in defence and security,” he explains. “There’s huge potential to change that. NETPark plays a key role—not just as a base for companies like ours, but as a magnet for collaboration and innovation.”

RED Scientific is a proud advocate and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. As holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, the company actively promotes the value that veterans, reservists and military families bring to its workforce and society.

Collaboration is at the heart of RED’s operating model. The company delivers many of its contracts in partnership with academia and other specialist organisations, often acting as a prime contractor to build bespoke ‘rainbow teams’ for complex challenges. Being on every major MOD framework gives RED a distinct advantage—access to a wide range of opportunities, which are routed through its ‘single front door’ model of delivery.

Looking ahead, RED is also exploring how its defence expertise could support other high-stakes sectors requiring a robust scientific approach to decision making, such as the UK energy sector. As a member of NOF, a national business development organisation in the energy sector, RED is undertaking a feasibility study into how its modelling and risk analysis capabilities could support resilience and planning in the production and distribution of renewable energy.

“There’s clear demand for high-quality analytical tools in the energy sector,” Marc explains. “We’re serious about diversification, and we’re already in active discussions with industry stakeholders.”

With a skilled hybrid workforce, strong defence credentials and a growing regional footprint, RED Scientific’s presence at NETPark is part of a long-term strategy focused on innovation, collaboration and value creation.

“NETPark gives us the platform to grow,” concludes Marc. “It connects us to the right partners, supports high-level engagement and helps us deliver trusted, evidence-based work that makes a difference—both nationally and here in the North East.”

Welcoming RED Scientific to NETPark, Sarah Slaven, Managing Director of Business Durham, said: ‘It’s great to welcome RED Scientific to NETPark, where they are doing groundbreaking work in defence and security innovation. As the organisation that manages NETPark, Business Durham is pleased to support RED’s efforts in building the North East’s defence sector. We provide a platform for growth, offering not just world-class facilities but also tailored business support to our tenants. NETPark is proud to help RED and other businesses drive innovation, create opportunities, and contribute to the wider development of the sector in the North East."

Find out more about RED Scientidic here: https://red-scientific.co.uk/