Chief executives from the companies want to develop new markets in cash-rich countries of the Middle East and have just returned from a visit to Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

A key opportunity is seen in the new Riyadh Technology Valley project, which is King Saud University's $10bn investment in specialist business hosting and science parks.

The Leeds spin-outs, including Chamelic Ltd, Xeros Ltd, Structure Vision Ltd and Getech, want to capitalise on opportunities presented by this and other major capital investments.

Professor Simon Biggs, of Chamelic, which offers anti-dusting coatings for buildings, cars and ships, said: "Our technology has a potentially global market and some products are ideally suited to delivering consumer benefits in the Middle East, providing stay-clean coatings."

Xeros has produced an alternative to conventional washing using low energy and virtually waterless cleaning.

Bill Westwater, the chief executive, said: "The Middle East is a major potential user of new cleaning technology due to its acute dependence on water.

"Saudi Arabia is also a potentially important partner in the supply chain in the production of plastic media that is used in our new generation laundry machines."

Structure Vision provides simulation software for optimising waste management, including nuclear management.

Bob Ward, the chief executive, said the need for chemical industries in the Middle East and India presented opportunities for his company.

Another spin-out, Getech offers oil and gas companies global geophysical data and studies to help them reduce their exploration risk for new resources.

Ian Somerton, the market director, said: "Our global gravity and magnetic data library and exploration studies are increasingly being accepted as vital components. The Middle East and North Africa regions are very important for us."

Professor Richard Williams of the University of Leeds said the visit was the first in a series of exploratory ventures to develop international relationships.

The pro-vice chancellor for enterprise, knowledge transfer and international strategy added: "During our visit we have identified new opportunities and partners for a number of our spin-outs and will continue to build new connections into the region."

Techtran Group, which provides commercialisation services to the University of Leeds, also went on this month's tour.

Rob Rule, managing director, said the businesses looked at the potential for collaboration with King Saud University which is interested in commercialising technology.

He added the Saudi kingdom is working to develop a strong knowledge-based economy. Mr Rule said: "The reason is why the UK needs to turn into a knowledge-based economy. We are entering a period where we are a post-manufacturing economy.

"Saudi Arabia has recognised that in 50 years' time it will not be an oil and energy based economy. It takes a long time to create something so different."

Leeds recently signed a major research agreement in nanoscience and technology with King Saudi University to develop collaborative research. The city also hosted the Annual Saudi Students Innovation Meeting which brought 300 delegates to Leeds.

Brian McCaul, the director of commercialisation at the university, said: "The last two years have been enormously productive for quality companies founded at the university and we see no sign this will diminish despite the economic downturn.

"The university is a major driver of job creation of both new entities and through new partnerships formed between researchers and regional and national companies."


INTO THE VALLEY

The Riyadh Technology Valley project is an ambitious $10bn undertaking by the oil-rich state.

King Saud University said the development forms part of a strategy to develop a knowledge-based economy.

It added the estate would combine public and private investment and help foster innovation, research and development. The university wants local and international companies to invest in the project, which is expected to be open by next year.