DigitalCity Innovation at Teesside University has secured a £1.9m ERDF grant, which will create more jobs in the Tees Valley.

The funds will be used to expand and continue fellowships, industry placements and sharing of expertise to support businesses and social enterprises.

Laura Woods, Director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University said: “Digital is becoming increasingly important to this region and DigitalCity Innovation (DCI) at Teesside University is leading the way in encouraging and sustaining digital talent and entrepreneurship.

“This funding allows us to continue and to grow that work. Worldwide, the digital sector is growing and it is becoming an essential part of any business operation.

“In recognition of this DCI will be helping more ‘traditional’ businesses such as manufacturing and engineering to develop the digital side of their business. This in turn can open them up to trading opportunities across the globe.

DigitalCity helps to nurture and grow digital and creative industries, and works to retain talented graduates in the North East.

Laura continued: “Establishing a digital stronghold here in  the North East gives us a real edge. We have already built up a great reputation for digital at Teesside University and DCI which attracts undergraduate and graduate talent to the region.

“DCI gives support to graduates to create their own businesses after graduation. These businesses in turn create jobs for graduates, and others in the community, to work at. Already almost 200 companies have been created by DCI, in turn creating hundreds of jobs in our region.

“DCI also supports digital businesses in the region, and those businesses which are looking to grow their digital side through the sharing of expertise, industry placements and digital fellowships.

“Together with DigitalCity Business in Middlesbrough we have a solid infrastructure which has already allowed a number of companies to flourish and to move on to bigger and better things - while still remaining in the region.”

The DCI fellowship offers £4,000 towards living costs, expert business start-up mentoring and an Innovation Training Programme, which helps to develop business skills.

Mark Hill, Technical Director of DigitalCity Innovation, said: “This funding is recognition of the huge importance ofdigital in the Tees Valley.

“DCI fellowships have created flourishing companies in the digital sector and companies are emerging all the time.

“We are looking forward to working with digital fellows with engineering, science and technology backgrounds to launch even more new companies in the region.

“And we are extending our outreach to more traditional industries so they can see how digital can help their business to grow. Using digital technology quickly and being ahead of the pack can make all the difference and give one firm a direct competitive advantage over another.

“DCI will also be continuing its work with community and voluntary groups in the region to take advantage of the wealth of digital expertise available through DCI.”