Scheme details
Area: Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland
Categories: Business support
Business stage: Start-up, Trading business
Contact email: enquiries@nerdsc.co.uk
Page last updated: 22 September 2025
Unlock Innovation & Collaboration with NERDSC
Driving Opportunity and Growth for North East SMEs
Who We Are
The North East Regional Defence & Security Cluster (NERDSC) champions the region’s rapidly growing and strategically vital defence & security ecosystem. We unite businesses, academia, and government agencies to drive collaboration, innovation, and economic impact across the North East.
Our Missions
- Spark Innovation & Attract Investment: We fuel cutting-edge thinking and help businesses align with evolving priorities.
- Build a Stronger Regional Network: Connecting industry, academia, and government to enhance supply chain resillience.
- Deliver Growth Opportunities: Access to funding, contracts, and markets through specialist networking events.
Why it Matters
- North East SMEs benefit from over £0.5 billion in Innovate UK grants since 2002.
- 1 in 20 adults in the region have served in the armed forces.
- 900 jobs in the North East are directly supported by Ministry of Defence expenditure.
Membership Opportunities
- Full Membership: Organisations based in the North East offering relevant products, services, R&D or tech solutions.
- Strategic Partners: Government agencies, trade bodies, and funding entities providing high-level support.
- Associate membership: UK-based organisations outside the region that fill capability gaps or add unique value.
Join Us & Grow
Members benefit from:
- Targeted networking events and capability showcase opportunities.
- Stategic connections across sectors forging collaborative relationships.
- Support accessing funding, contracts, and new markets.