Author: Ryan Blake

New Report Reveals £1.2 Billion Economic Impact from the National Innovation Centre for Data A new independent economic impact assessment has highlighted the significant contribution that the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) is making to the North East and UK economy, demonstrating how data science, artificial intelligence, and skills development are driving growth, innovation, and investment across the region. [NICD-Econo…Report.pdf] Prepared by Ortus Economic Research Ltd, the NICD Economic Impact Report 2026 reveals that NICD’s activities are expected to contribute more than £1.2 billion in economic value over the coming decade while supporting over 2,000 jobs through a combination

The Catalyst & Oxford Innovation Space celebrate The Wire’s first milestone since inception One year after its launch, The Wire has grown into a thriving community connecting businesses across the Oxford Innovation Space network. Created to help customers share knowledge, find support and build valuable relationships beyond their own centre, The Wire now brings together more than 1,600 members from 30 innovation centres across the UK. Whether it’s finding a trusted supplier, exploring funding opportunities, solving a business challenge or making new connections, The Wire gives innovators access to a wider community of entrepreneurs, experts and business leaders who understand

Recognising national leadership in care innovation from our Catalyst community We’re delighted to celebrate fantastic news from our community at The Catalyst, Newcastle, as Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of the TEC Services Association (TSA), has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. Alyson has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to technology enabled care (TEC)—a sector that supports millions of people across the UK to live independently and safely in their homes. Since becoming Chief Executive of TSA in 2013, Alyson has led a significant transformation of the organisation, growing it into a national advisory body that represents

A new, streamlined gateway to collaboration, innovation and growth with Newcastle University. Originally developed by Newcastle University’s Newcastle Innovations team Newcastle University has launched Newcastle Innovations, a new initiative designed to make it easier for businesses, investors and partners to connect with the University and turn ideas into real-world impact. The initiative brings together the University’s innovation, commercialisation and partnership activity under one unified approach—creating a clearer, more accessible pathway for organisations looking to collaborate. Simplifying Access to Expertise and Opportunity Newcastle Innovations acts as a single entry point into the University’s extensive resources. Through this approach, businesses and partners

Driving innovation in Parkinson’s care through AI and collaboration Inspired by original reporting from Newcastle University’s Newcastle Innovations team A pioneering health technology company based at The Catalyst, Gnosis Health, has secured £1.1 million in funding to accelerate the development of its digital solution aimed at transforming the management of Parkinson’s disease. The investment marks an important milestone for the Newcastle University and Plymouth University spin-out, as it continues to move from academic research into real-world healthcare impact. Advancing Patient-Centred Digital Healthcare At the heart of Gnosis Health’s work is MAXine, an AI-powered digital healthcare assistant designed to support people

A new documentary showcases Newcastle Helix’s collaborative model for giving young people meaningful insight into the world of work. A ground-breaking model for work experience has been developed in the North East, led by the Innovation District of Newcastle Helix. The unique collaboration between schools, private businesses, the public sector and voluntary organisations is featured in a new documentary The Future of Work Experience. At the heart of the film (released 1st June 2026) is the BUILDING BLOCKS Work Experience model, which is based around a ‘work placement safari’. Rather than relying on a traditional one-week placement with a single

Celebrating a remarkable woman whose compassion, vision and philanthropy left a lasting legacy in the North East. The North East has lost one of its most influential business leaders and philanthropists with the passing of Helen McArdle CBE, who died peacefully aged 77 following a long illness. Her legacy is woven deeply into the region’s care, education and charitable sectors, and her impact will be felt for generations to come 1. Helen McArdle was a true pioneer of the care industry. Beginning in the 1980s, she founded Helen McArdle Care, growing it over three decades into a network of more

On to the National Finals We Go! The Catalyst, Newcastle’s landmark innovation and events venue, has been shortlisted for a national VisitEngland Award for Excellence, placing it among the very best business events venue’s in England. The recognition follows an exceptional performance at the Destination North East England Tourism Awards, where The Catalyst received a Gold award, securing its place in the national finals. The announcement, made by Destination North East England, highlights the growing national profile of the North East’s visitor economy — and the role forward‑thinking venues like The Catalyst play in showcasing the region’s innovation, sustainability and

TSA relocates headquarters to Newcastle’s landmark innovation hub to strengthen collaboration and drive the future of technology enabled care One of the UK’s leading organisations representing the technology enabled care (TEC) sector has moved into The Catalyst, celebrating a major milestone in its 30-year history. TEC Services Association (TSA), an independent advisory body in technology enabled care, has joined the landmark innovation building and relocated its headquarters from Cheshire to Newcastle, as it looks ahead to the next chapter of its work supporting high-quality, future-focused care across the UK. Working on behalf of organisations that commission, provide and supply technology

Workforce at The Catalyst grows as new businesses join Innovation Centre A thriving innovation hub in the centre of Newcastle is reflecting on a year of growth after welcoming new businesses and seeing its workforce rise beyond 500 people. The Catalyst, a landmark centre for data, health and technology innovation, has continued to expand its community during 2025, with four new companies joining the building,bringing new expertise and employment opportunities to the region. Life sciences marketing agency ramarketing, alongside Essence, Gnosis Healthcare and TEC Services, all moved into the building during the last year, taking occupancy to 99% and strengthening