Process Pillar

We are developing NETPark as a centre for research & development at Sedgefield in County Durham, in particular building on strengths in the area of novel electronics.

These technologies represent major opportunities for the development of existing and new businesses in the region, linked to
the Universities of Durham and Newcastle, the process industry businesses located primarily in Tees Valley and electronics and electrical
engineering businesses.

Building from existing strengths at the Wilton Materials Centre, we will establish the most significant new materials-related research, development and innovation cluster in Europe.

Major investments currently being implemented include the National Industrial Bio-processing Centre and the hub of the National Nano-particulates Network. Further investment will build on this and the capacity in the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) / Centre of Excellence for Nanotechnology, Micro and Photonic Systems (CENAMPS).

The North East has approved a £10m project that will put the region at the forefront of revolutionary ‘flexible’ plastic electronics technology. The PETEC Centre will be established as a world class facility offering expertise and services at the heart of the UK-wide network in plastics electronics. One North East and County Durham Economic Partnership is investing a combined £6.2m in the centre.