NETPark – the North East Technology Park – is an internationally recognised location for science and technology companies in the UK, providing a dynamic and supportive environment to accelerate the growth of ambitious, innovative, high-tech companies into global markets.

NETPark encourages collaborative multidisciplinary links, driving innovation, enterprise, and economic prosperity. We provide companies with access to a focused and international community where talent flourishes, ideas are generated, and businesses have the support and resources to compete with the best in the world.

NETPark supports innovative businesses at every stage of their journey from concept to commercialisation with a wide choice of world-class laboratory, clean room and office space from 150 sq ft to 80, 000 sq ft.

The County Durham science park is the only UK Science Park with two National Catapult Centres – The High Value Manufacturing Catapult, managed by CPI and North East Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications managed by Business Durham.

NETPark works closely with on-site strategic partners CPI and world top 100 university, Durham University. Together we create an ecosystem that fosters, encourages and drives innovation.

CPI manage three national innovation centres on-site: The National Innovation Centre for Printable Electronics, The National Innovation Centre for Formulations and The National Innovation Centre for Healthcare Photonics.

Durham University are on-site providing easy access to facilities, academic expertise and PHD students for NETPark companies.

The North East’s realistic land prices and rentals have already attracted many of the biggest names in industry as well as a host of smaller businesses, providing a range of collaborative and supply chain opportunities.

NETPark Plexus

NETPark Plexus provides businesses with the innovation services, facilities and support necessary to create financially stable, high-growth enterprises.. With over 4,000m² of dedicated incubation space, NETPark Plexus accelerates the success of knowledge- based companies. It offers a mix of quality office, clean room and laboratory space in self-contained units, users can take as much or as little space as needed plus highly flexible occupancy terms. The fit out in each room is generally applicable for science, engineering and technology use; air handling ,  and ESD flooring for laboratories with 3 levels of security throughout. This combines with a full range of business and technology support services, designed to help navigate every stage of commercialisation and growth.

Grow-on Space and development 

NETPark Discovery 1 & 2*, each over 1,800m², provides space for expanding technology companies and offer a choice of facilities in self-contained suites. Explorer offers bespoke laboratory/clean room/ office spaces ranging from 100m² to 470m² each.

Completed to client requirements, NETPark Explorer* units enhance the NETPark offering and provide additional grow-on space for graduating incubation companies as well as established businesses.

The success of NETPark is such that expansion space is needed so that companies can reach their full potential. The first phase of expansion, NETPark Phase Three plans to deliver 270,000 sq ft of additional space with design and build opportunities from 5,000 – 80,000 sq ft in addition to speculative units varying in size to grow, scale-up and commercialise their operations. This initial phase of development is part of larger expansion plans to the park, which includes a Masterplan for up to 433,800 sq ft across the 26-acre site.

The NETPark Research Institute 

First building, the NETPark Research Institute, opened in 2004.  Now houses the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation & Orbit, the new University Enterprise Zone.

The Research Institute is home to Durham University’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI), which collaborates with observatories and space agencies worldwide in the construction, commissioning and exploitation of high- precision instrumentation. Staffed by researchers, technicians and research students, CfAI develops instruments across a wide range of disciplines including astronomical instrumentation, biophysics, remote sensing, and fusion diagnostics. The Research Institute also conducts projects in Astronomical Adaptive Optics, used to correct dynamic aberrations in optical systems.

Businesses at Orbit  have access to the University’s research expertise, support and learning, test facilities and collaborative working opportunities, as well as the opportunity to attend regular workshops and events.

World class facilities

NETPark boasts a facility of international significance which is at the heart of the national High Value Manufacturing Catapult. CPI manages three national innovation centres on site including the National Printable Electronics Centre, the National Healthcare Photonics Centre and National Formulations Centre working closely with industry, from multinationals to high-tech start-ups, investors, government agencies, and leading researchers to stimulate and manage market-led innovation. NETPark is also home to the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, which operates with the support of the Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, Oxford. The Centre of Excellence works with SMEs and large enterprises to develop new products and services using space technology and data.

Building and Enterprising culture

NETPark makes it easy for companies to focus on successful growth and helps accelerate the success of knowledge-based companies by providing:

• A range of top-class facilities
• Access to finance
• Tailored business support
• Access to world-class research and business opportunities.

Innovative region

North East England has adapted and made itself a key player in the national and global economies. The region is leading the way in fields as diverse as stem cell research, electric vehicles, microelectronics, x-ray detection, printable electronics, automotive components, and the offshore industry. North East England is also home to five world-class universities.

The depth and quality of their combined research is formidable, covering fields such as nanotechnology, bio-science, electronics, chemistry, astronomy, and engineering.