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Emerging Technologies
Overview
The pioneering work being carried out in North East England on two vitally important emerging technologies – nanotechnology and printable electronics – has put the area at the forefront of a global manufacturing revolution.
The technologies are a key growth area for the North East economy and a growing number of companies, including spin-outs from university research departments, are now driving international markets.
There are outstanding facilities in the North East enabling this to develop at an accelerating pace.
On the nanotechnology front the commercialisation of breakthrough products and processes is being supported by NanoCentral, in the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Wilton Central, Tees Valley.
The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), hosted by CPI at its offices in Gateshead, brings together companies, universities and researchers involved in the industry.
NETPark at Sedgefield, County Durham, is one of the fastest growing science, engineering and technology parks in the UK. More than 30 high-tech companies are located there.
The Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) at NETPark has been established by CPI, with strong support from One North East. This is the UK’s first national facility to engage in prototyping design and R&D work.
PETEC occupies a flagship building at NETPark where there is around 3,000 square metres of clean room and laboratory space with state-of-the-art equipment. Teams of scientists and technologists are employed in the centre.
Research work at Durham University into printable electronics brings together PETEC and the Photonic Materials Institute at the university with major companies such as Cambridge Display Technology, Sumitomo, Thorn and Sumation.
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is an internationally renowned R&D facility for the Advanced Manufacturing and Chemicals sector. 
Companies involved in the nanotechnology aspects of the chemical industry also have access to NanoCentral and the Nano Knowledge Transfer Network, two innovation multipliers that focus on the commercialisation of new R&D developments, and both of which are based in the region. 
Size of site: 25 ha
The Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) is a new design, development and prototyping facility.-
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FEATURED NEWS
IN FOCUS ARTICLES
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
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North East England is leading the way with a technology that allows electronic circuits to be made using specially developed semi-conductive materials. 
Exciting developments are taking place in printed electronics, with PETEC, the national centre for this future industry, located in the North East. Nanotechnology... 
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