THE US firm behind experiments to hatch eggs in space is coming to County Durham in search of business partners.

Space Hardware Optimization Technology (Shot) pioneered testing of the effects of microgravity on embryo development and built an egg incubator for the International Space Station.

It has worked with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) on a number of major projects.

Shot has signed up for Intertech 2003, a two-day meeting and seminar event designed to develop greater opportunities for North-East companies to develop knowledge-based future technology.

Intertech, of which The Northern Echo is a media partner, will bring together companies specialising in biotechnology and life sciences, digital technology and media, medical healthcare, nanotechnology and microsystems, photonics, and scientific innovation at County Hall, Durham, on October 13 and 14,

Signing up Shot as a delegate will be a major draw for the event.

It has developed and integrated life sciences research systems for flight on seven space shuttle missions, three sub-orbital rocket flights and several parabolic aircraft sorties.

The company has a rare agreement with the US space agency that permits it to conduct research in space for its own customers.

Shot's entry on the website www.intertech2003.com states it is willing to consider partnering with companies to market space research opportunities.

"Partnerships in the development, testing and marketing of its (space-derived) products for Earth-based laboratories also may be considered."

Phil Eadon, project director of Intertech, said: "Companies like Shot are exactly the type of companies we would look to attract to Intertech. They will hopefully be of considerable benefit to our local, high-tech businesses."