Up to 100 hi-tech jobs are expected to be created at a new technology centre being set up by the University of Ulster.
The £2.5 million sterling Technology and Engineering Innovation Centre will give help to fledgling engineering firms.
The 20,000 sq ft facility will allow start-up firms to tap into the university's technological expertise and research facilities.
Based at the Jordanstown campus, it will also provide on-going support for new businesses and joint ventures.
The university has already established similar centres at its Coleraine and Derry campuses and at Springvale in west Belfast.
Chief executive of the University Science Research Park Dr Chris Barnett said the developments reflect the university's internationally recognised strengths at those locations - bioscience at Coleraine, software at Magee in Derry and e-commerce at Springvale.
The new centre is planned for completion in mid-2002.
PA