North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NE RDSC)

Driving opportunity and innovation for North East SMEs

Provided by: North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NE RDSC)

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:

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.

Take the next step...

For further information about this scheme, including how to apply, visit the provider website.

Find out more