MORE jobs are being created in the region's growing nanotechnology industry.

Innovation in Nanotechnology Exploitation (Inex), a leader in microsystems and nanotechnology research, yesterday announced 13 new jobs at its base at Newcastle University.

Director Professor Ken Snowdon said: "This expansion is in response to the explosive demand for micro-device prototyping services across all sectors of UK technology-based industry."

The positions range from business development through to engineering and research.

They are part-funded by the Government, which last year gave Inex £3m to help turn concepts into prototypes.

Nanotechnology is a relatively new industry, dealing with products invisible to the human eye. One nanometre is a billionth of a metre - about 100,000 times thinner than a sheet of paper.

The company last year produced models of the Angel of the North and the Tyne Bridge that were smaller than a pinhead.

Products being developed include security sensors, medical implants and devices to identify bacterial infection.

Business director Richard Carter said: "Senior executives and R&D directors are becoming increasingly aware of the significant impact that small-scale technologies such as microsystems and nanotechnology are having, or will have, on their business."

For details on the jobs, visit www.inex.org.uk