The North East Space Conference 2026 demonstrated the growing strength and ambition of the region’s space sector, bringing together more than 350 delegates from industry, academia, government and the investment community to explore future opportunities for growth, collaboration and inward investment.
Opened by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the conference highlighted the increasing role the sector is playing in driving innovation, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs across the region.
Hosted by Space North East England at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference focused on a clear ambition: converting the North East’s growing reputation for innovation into increased national and international investment.
While the region’s space sector has developed steadily over the past decade, this year’s event reflected growing confidence that the North East is now positioned to play a much larger role in the UK’s space economy.
A key theme throughout the conference was the strength of the North East’s wider industrial ecosystem and the opportunities this creates for businesses both within and beyond the traditional space sector.
As space technologies become increasingly important to communications, defence, manufacturing and environmental monitoring, opportunities are emerging for companies with capabilities that can be applied across multiple markets. Discussions highlighted how businesses operating in advanced manufacturing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, engineering and defence can diversify into the rapidly growing space economy.
The conference also highlighted the significant supply chain opportunities emerging across the sector. Lockheed Martin’s £100 million proposal to build its UK satellite manufacturing facility at NETPark in County Durham demonstrates growing confidence in the capability of regions such as the North East to support globally significant space activity.
The region is well positioned to capitalise on this growth thanks to its concentration of advanced manufacturing and technology businesses, supported by world-class research and skills assets. Organisations including Durham University’s Space Research Centre (SPARC), Northumbria University’s North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) and New College Durham’s North East Institute of Technology are helping to develop the talent and innovation pipeline required to support future demand.
Growing links between the space and defence sectors were another key talking point. As satellite technologies become increasingly important to national security and resilient communications, collaboration between the two sectors continues to strengthen.
County Durham is already home to a number of companies operating across both markets, including NETPark-based businesses such as Filtronic, Kromek, RED Scientific and Graphene Composites. Their expertise in advanced materials, semiconductors, communications and defence technologies aligns closely with future space sector requirements.
Alongside innovation and skills, the conference reinforced the North East’s wider proposition for new businesses moving to the region. Businesses can access specialist facilities, connect to strong digital connectivity, a highly skilled workforce and, importantly, the space required to grow and scale.
Speaking after the event, Lisa Mullen, Cluster Director for Space North East England, said: “The North East has established a strong reputation for collaboration, innovation and manufacturing excellence. This year’s conference demonstrated the growing interest from investors and industry leaders who recognise the opportunities our region offers.”
The conference reinforced a clear message: the North East’s space sector is no longer an emerging opportunity. It is becoming an increasingly important contributor to the UK’s space ambitions and a compelling destination for investment, innovation and growth.
