A TECHNOLOGY and investment event will bring together North-East science and business communities.

Organised by The Bridge Club, in association with One NorthEast and Bio Sci North, Engines of Creation will raise awareness of bioscience and associated industries as well as providing practical guidance on what attracts investors to the sector and what they seek from bioscience companies.

The event, next Tuesday, at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle, will provide opportunities for academics and entrepreneurs from the bioscience sector to meet and connect with private sector service providers and business support organisations.

Michael Stephenson, chairman of Bio Sci North and chief executive of Helena Laboratories, said: "The development of the bioscience industry in the North-East is an exciting opportunity which must be grasped by both the scientific community and the institutional investors.

"Scientists need backing to commercialise their research and investors can obtain significant returns on their investments.

"The region needs closer collaboration between universities, banks and venture capitalists to stimulate further growth in this immensely promising sector."

Nonlinear Dynamics, of Newcastle, will be the central case study at the event, with managing director and founder Will Dracup offering his views and guidance on growing a bioscience company.

Itwas established in 1989 to develop software for the analysis of 2D electrophoresis gels. The company is now a global leader in the supply of software to this area of the bioscience market.

Mr Dracup said: "Collaborative development and support has been crucial in helping Nonlinear Dynamics reach a position of technical dominance in the market."

Engines of Creation includes participation from Bio Sci North, Eversheds, Ernst & Young & Helena BioSciences.

Anyone interested in attending the conference should contact Lorraine Surtees at Bridge Club North on 0191-261 9824 or by e-mailing lorrain