Bradford University has helped academics in the region produce the highest number of spin-off companies in the country.

A new survey shows there were 29 new companies spun out of universities in Yorkshire and the Humber compared to 27 in London, 24 in the north west and 11 in the east midlands.

The survey, Higher Education - Business Interaction shows most of the new firms are knowledge-based, using research to develop a new marketable product or service.

Those type of companies tend to grow the fastest and demand the highest levels of skills in their workforce.

Among the success stories out of Bradford are Advanced Gel Technology (AGT) and Bradford Particle Design (bpd), now Nektar Therapeutics.

AGT spun-out from the University of Bradford in 1999 when two university scientists revealed plans for a revolutionary water-based gel. Since then the company has opened a production plant at Lister Science Park and signed major contracts within days of gaining an international patent. The hydrogel, which has the ability to absorb virtually any liquid and is capable of supporting a variety of living cells and bacteria, is already being used to seal cracks in Canadian oil wells.

Nektar Therapeutics was born as bpd but was sold to an American firm for $200m. bpd was established in 1994 to develop and manage fluid and particle technology to help drugs be taken and absorbed more efficiently.

Michael Noble, chief executive officer at Yorkshire Universities - the universities' regional body - said: "Our members attract the highest amount of research investment for any region outside London. This survey shows we are now gearing up to use that knowledge and skill to create new high-growth businesses and so make a real visible impact on the region's economy."