A Ministry of Defence-backed research organisation is opening a new office in Newcastle as it looks to tap into the region's tech expertise.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is planning to create a new unit in the city which will look to increase its capacity in artificial intelligence and data science.
The new team will be based at the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), located at Newcastle Helix. The NICD is supported by Newcastle University and has become a hub for companies looking to improve their use of data.
Dstl said it will use the centre's ecosystem of non-traditional small and medium-sized business suppliers to help solve defence and security data challenges.
Around 15 new jobs will be created by Dstl when it opens its new base in late 2021.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: "As outlined in the Integrated Review, our £6.6bn investment into research and development will supercharge science and innovation to lead the way in developing cutting-edge technologies.
"I am delighted that Dstl are expanding their pioneering work in the North East of England which will benefit from a range of new skills sets, knowledge and expertise."
Opening the office in Newcastle will provide Dstl with "greater resilience, capacity and diversity in artificial intelligence and data science", it said.
The organisation said that moving to the North East demonstrated its commitment to supporting the levelling up agenda and increasing its collaboration with universities.
Paul Kealey, the Dstl division head responsible for the new team, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity to leverage innovation, create jobs and business opportunities, and contribute to the government’s ‘levelling up’ ambitions.
"It will support the º£½ÇÊÓƵ to achieve its vision as a great science power by tapping into the diverse pool of regional talent and highly skilled businesses."
The National Innovation Centre for Data is based inside The Catalyst, a £50m building that opened at Newcastle Helix in January 2020. Along with housing the NICD it is also home to the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's National Innovation Centre for Ageing.
Since the NICD launched it has attracted a number of clients that are interested in becoming part of the big data hub. One such company is Jumping Rivers, a growing data firm that offers analytics services to clients in the manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors.
