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Technology and Digital

The North East of England is home to one of fastest growing tech sectors in the UK, with key clusters in: games, animation, software development and immersive technologies (behind London).  

The sector accounts for over 2,800 businesses, employing over 27,000 people in the region. Ease of doing business, a skilled workforce, infrastructure and a competitive cost base, means the region has an already thriving ecosystem for new tech and digital businesses to be a part of.

By 2020, it's estimated that the North East's Digital sector will become a £2.5bn industry. 

So why Gateshead for tech and digital?  

Gateshead has strong links to the digital tech sector stretching back to the 1980s. Today, Gateshead Council continues to look to the future and position itself as a global leader in the drive to develop and bring to the market emerging technologies.

PROTO: The Emerging Technology Centre (opens new window) is  a perfect example of this. A central hub for innovation and digital disruption, providing the latest emerging technology equipment such as VR headsets and haptics, as well as motion capture equipment, to support industry in producing cutting-edge digital content.

"PROTO is the first of its kind in Europe, housing a 360° 3D photogrammetry rig, it's just one of the major factors attracting businesses to the coolest space in town."

The rig is special, it's the jewel in the emerging technology centre's crown. It puts individuals into the heart of an action movie or a game - the 121 SLR cameras take a full 360° model of a person and then it's all systems go. But that's just scratching the surface when it comes to what the centre has to offer.

The new facility provides a double height, multi-purpose and acoustically soundproofed complex that can be transformed to allow businesses an environment from which to explore emerging technology applications with no boundaries.

As well as the state of the art kit and R&D space, the centre offers office and white space for emerging tech companies. Businesses are flocking to Gateshead in particular for a taste of the most talked about tech facility outside of the capital, it's not all about the space - it's as much about the people who working from there. Gaming, AI, and digital transformation companies with a range of experts who are working across different sectors but focus on emerging technologies. That community bounce around ideas, network, learn and grow. There's an incredible buzz about PROTO.

 

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