As we step into a new year, we can’t help but feel a sense of momentum: 2025 was a year of strong foundations, 2026 will be the year those efforts take shape, quite literally.

Here are five things we’re most looking forward to in the year ahead.

1. Opening our first hub (June 2026)

This coming summer marks a major milestone for Sciopolis: the opening of our first innovation hub in London’s North Acton. 

More than just a workspace- with 24 labs, 29 offices, event space and a café -it’s a physical expression of our mission to create cost-effective places where innovators can thrive. We are so excited to see it come to life and can’t wait to welcome the businesses who will make it their home!

👉 If you’re a venture looking for lab and office space in London in the next six months, take a look and get in touch for a tour: One Portal Way 

2. Announcing our first tenants: who will they be?

Later this year, we’ll reveal our first tenants: who will they be?

A biotech improving human health, a cleantech driving net‑zero innovation, or a quantum or advanced materials company transforming industry?

Our laboratories are designed to welcome a wide mix of scientific disciplines, so we expect innovators from across sectors and universities (not just Imperial) to be working side by side. One thing is certain: whoever steps in first will be ambitious, impact‑driven and ready to scale.

For now, however, who's stepping into our building site at night is this foxy pioneer..

👉 Venture looking for space? See what we offer to innovators across our hubs (foxes not part of the offering)

3. Introducing our strategic partners

Over the past 18 months, we have been cultivating relationships with organisations that don’t just talk about innovation: they deliver it. In 2026, we will proudly unveil our strategic partners and ensure our members have access to the expertise, resources and connections they need to thrive.

Our first question to everyone is simple: How will you help our tenants? What problem do you solve for them? These partnerships will be a cornerstone of our innovation network, supporting not only One Portal Way but also future Sciopolis hubs.

👉 If your organisation provides services that support innovators and you would like to join our network — or simply learn more about what’s involved — you can read more in our Service Partners Brochure here

4. Revealing our next location(s)

Our first hub in North Acton is only the beginning. This year, we’ll also confirm other locations as part of our mission to create a network of hubs that connect strategic innovation clusters across the UK.

By building a network of science‑led workspaces, we’ll accelerate collaboration, promote research exchanges, share insights and amplify impact. We believe it’s time to collaborate across geographies, universities and sectors.

👉 If you’re a landlord, local authority or university ready to activate your site for science we’d love to talk. Get in touch to explore partnership and activation opportunities

5. Embedding sensibly sustainable solutions

In a challenging economic climate, we remain focused on reusing and on trialling practical, financially sustainable solutions, not passing the cost of greenwashing on to our tenants.

In 2026, we’ll continue turning Sciopolis buildings into active showrooms: real‑world environments where innovators can test, showcase and refine their technologies.

👉 We’re always looking for cutting‑edge sustainability technologies to embed and showcase across our buildings: if this sounds like you get in touch and let’s explore how your innovation can come to life inside a Sciopolis hub.

We wish you all a productive 2026!