THE hunt is on for people to run a new innovation centre that aims to help the next Sir Joseph Swan have their own lightbulb moment.

A manager, two technicians and volunteers are needed to ensure that the North-East is plugged into the global network of FabLabs when the University of Sunderland opens its new creative learning-and-making workspace in the city centre this September.

Tony Ikwue, Director of Enterprise and Innovation at the University said: “Sunderland has a history and a passion for enterprise and innovation, so bringing the first FabLab to the North-East demonstrates our commitment to build on this.

"At its heart FabLab is a technical hub for innovation and invention, stimulating entrepreneurship and a culture of learning and creativity.

"Developing the FabLab is part of the University’s strategy to increase regional enterprise and innovation by creating more opportunities for collaboration between the University and businesses in the North-East."

Mr Ikwue wants to hear from people keen to work in the FabLab, and volunteers to help run activities and workshops.

The site combines a workspace, community maker-space and learning zone –encouraging people from all walks of life to collaborate, exchange ideas and make things using the specialist equipment on site.

Each FabLab is a unique space, but linked to a global network of 350 other labs across the world on every continent except Antarctica.

Since their inception at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston in 2001 FabLabs have become an important part of innovative regions across the world.

At the Wearside site equipment will allow users to sketch their ideas, learn how materials work and test the movement of objects in practice.

People can develop their ideas using the latest software, digital fabrication equipment and tools to create functional prototypes and parts from many materials.