In a joint boost for the region, The Technology Sector Director for North America from the Department of Business and Trade have heard about the strengths of the North East’s tech sector as colleagues from Fresno County Economic Development Corporation based in California were in Newcastle for an event hosted by local robotics company Wootzano - winner of New Business of the Year at the inaugural BUSINESSiQ Awards.The visitors saw some of the region’s premier science and technology parks and innovative digital assets, as well as meeting the region’s collaborative tech networks and specialists.
There was a busy itinerary, which began with a visit to NETPark where a roundtable discussion with local businesses and specialists for delegates learn first-hand why the region is a unique location for tech, science and space businesses. They were also given a tour of CPI’s formulation centre, which supports business and academics to develop innovative formulation technologies and products, as well as Orbit, a new business accommodation space hosted by Durham University.
The delegation also heard more about the phase 3 of the park, a £61m investment which will generate around £650m of GVA for the area.
Day two included a visit to Newcastle Helix, the 24-acre innovation district which hosts three National Innovation Centres, including the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA).
Meetings were held with Newcastle University, Dynamo North East and companies such as Arctic Wolf, a US Cyber Security specialist.
Delegates also attended a lunch networking session hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson at its new office on Helix, with local tech experts discussing threats and opportunities in the trade and investment space.
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Rachel Burdis, Inward Investment Manager at Invest North East England, said: “We have some real technology strengths and assets here, so we welcome the opportunity to promote them to our US colleagues.”
Sara Williams, NETPark Manager, said: “This visit underlines our vision and growing reputation as a global hub for science, engineering, and technology firms, highlighting companies that integrate materials into high-impact, innovative products.”
Dawn Dunn, Digital and Tech Sector Lead at Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “Tech companies are increasingly aware that Newcastle has the people, place and purpose to accelerate their growth.”
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