THREE companies created by University of Durham academics are thrivingin a business unit in Sedgefield.

They are the first research-led firms to move into the NetPark business site in County Durham.

As well as moving into space tailor-made for their needs, the start-up companies will also have a package of support to help them grow.

Durham Scientific Crystals, Farfield Photonics and i2B, all developing cutting-edge technology, have moved into the incubator units at NetPark.

Farfield was recently awarded a £200,000 Government research grant to develop a new laser for communications and medical equipment.

Sarfraz Mian, managing director, Farfield Photonics, said: "The achievement of our R&D grant and our move to NetPark has given our business a flying start to 2005. We are expecting the combination of NetPark's enhanced facilities, support services and the proximity to on and off-site research activity, to help our development project to succeed.

NetPark's Research Institute is already home to two world-class research projects in astronomical instrumentation and digital enterprise technologies.

The projects became NetPark's first research tenants in October last year and their work is expected to attract more research-led firms.