A business incubator is bucking the trend in the technology sector and expanding.

The Sussex Innovation Centre (Sinc), which is based on the University of Sussex's Falmer campus, is one of the largest bases for new IP (intellectual property) businesses in the South-East.

A new extension has increased capacity to 48,000sqft, which means the centre can now accommodate 28 more companies - bringing the total to 50 - and, in turn, create more than 150 new jobs.

Executive director Mike Herd said: "After a relatively quiet end to last year we've been very excited at the quality and quantity of the new companies applying to join the centre.

"The combination of accommodation and in-house business support is attracting companies from all over the region."

The new companies moving in represent a variety of sectors.

Dogwash has designed a dog wash and has installed about 150 around Europe in petrol station forecourts, supermarket car parks, garden centres and country parks.

The Panalytical Research Centre, a spin-off from Dutch electronics giant Philips, will be concentrating on X-ray science for use in industry.

The specialists have already worked with Nasa to evaluate the quality of proteins grown during space missions.

Lime Studios is developing technology to enable people to play 3D games on satellite and cable TV.

Tenant companies are encouraged to "graduate" from the centre after three years so there is a constant turnover of new faces.

Prospective tenants are invited to apply at an early stage in business development so they gain full benefit from the centre's resources.

Mr Herd said: "Of the 100 or so companies we see each year, about ten are accepted. Most new tenant companies are usually within their first year of trading.

"Space is created for new companies as established concerns graduate to new premises."

Centre manager Chris Hudson said: "We believe a first-class business environment in which to grow a new business is vital.

"We also offer the benefits of a high level of business support as and when required together with a network of key industry professionals and investors.

For more details, call Sinc on 01273 704400.

*Wednesday March 19 2003