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- Scaling Stories: prioritising location for a successful growth strategy | Sciopolis
9 Sept 2025 Scaling Stories: prioritising location for a successful growth strategy Choose a location with room to grow Hiring great people is crucial, especially at the early stages. You need adaptable, high-energy people who thrive in ambiguity. Being in a location that attracts that kind of talent gives you an edge. Keeping those people is as much about location as it is about everything else. You have to ask yourself, is there room to expand here so we don’t have to risk losing good people if we are forced to relocate? Design spaces that spark creativity The physical experience matters too. If you’re asking people to come into an office, it needs to be more than a desk in a room. You need spaces that encourage conversation, spark ideas and make people feel proud to work there. Ensure you create a dynamic environment that encourages networking It’s not just about your square footage; it’s about your surroundings. Being near other entrepreneurs creates an environment of informal support. You can swap insights without judgement. Being in a great location that offers opportunities for collaboration, means you share that scaling journey with other people you can trust and whose ideas you can bounce off. That also goes some way to combating the loneliness that comes with being a founder. Be aware of how your surroundings impact morale and performance Surrounding yourself with the best people and giving them the autonomy to thrive is key. If your office environment is cramped, uninspiring or isolating, you’re giving people reasons to stay at home. If it’s energising, connected and well-designed, you make it a place people want to be. Is it a place you are inspired to work from? And does the space encourage collaboration and innovation? If the answer to those is yes, you’re setting yourself up for better growth and maybe avoiding the day when you have to replace yourself sooner than you’d like. Are you a founder or innovator building a science or technology venture? Ready to find the right space to support your growth? Sciopolis has the space for you. 👉 Explore our locations here .
- Sciopolis (sai-op-o-liss) - What's in the name? | Sciopolis
29 Nov 2023 Sciopolis (sai-op-o-liss) - What's in the name? The making of science was rarefied and hardly ever linked to the hustle and bustle of urban dwellings. This view was profoundly changed by the Covid crisis, which almost overnight rebranded Science as an urgent, highly relevant activity which necessitated the convergence of many strands: central and local Government impetus, joined-up talent pools, entrepreneurship, easy access to technology and equipment, laboratory space, and access to capital. Crucially, all of these ingredients required an element of physical proximity and connectivity to jell together in a timely fashion and to generate momentum. Covid made science sexy (demand for STEM courses is higher than it’s ever been) and propelled it from the peripheries to the centre, more specifically to city centres, where virtuous connections are more easily created. While Covid has waned and we have generally returned to normality, it remains clear that doing science in cities is here to stay, because of a number of benefits that make it a compelling choice for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike. Hence the name we chose for our company, Sciopolis = Sci ence in the metr opolis. Our objective is to make “Science in the City” a success, by facilitating the construction and operationalisation of vibrant tech and science ecosystems. Easier recruitment: Access to top talent is the #1 problem for growing science companies. Aside from the simple fact that cities are exciting places which attract young people to live, work and play, they are also often home to world-class universities, hospitals and research institutions, as well as a diverse pool of skilled professionals with a wide range of expertise. Cities create an obvious centre of gravity where excellent talent can be more easily sourced. Easier collaboration: For the same reasons as above, it is also easier in cities to collaborate with top researchers, engineers, and other specialists, and to tap into a rich network of mentors, advisors, and investors. Cities offer more networking events, conferences, informal gatherings, etc. all of which bring together communities of like-minded people, providing more opportunities to connect and advance ideas. In particular this is most important for early-stage startups who face numerous challenges and uncertainties which - in the absence of a supportive and accessible community - they may struggle to solve by themselves. Easier access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources: Many cities have specialised research centres, state of the art hospitals, and other resources such as training and mentorship programs, that are specifically designed to support scientific research and development, and to accelerate the pace of innovation. The right equipment, at the right time, coupled with the right academic expertise can fast track scientific discovery. All of this is made easier when access between different institutions is facilitated by good transport infrastructure which is typically found in big cities, but also by the support of a landlord who makes the effort to create useful networks for their tenants to access directly. The logistics of access to institutions should not be underestimated. Easier to create stickiness: A vibrant environment with wrap-around support, excellent infrastructure and common amenities serviced by the public transport is critical to support scientific innovation. Nurseries are as vital as labs in the creation of stable scientific ecosystems, and choosing locations where – for example- young lab technicians (typically not the highest paid of professions) can live, work and play without driving long distances is key in creating a stable cluster, and increasing its long term stickiness where companies and people choose to ‘stick’ for the long term. Of course, doing science in metropolitan environments also comes with its own set of challenges and trade-offs. They can be expensive, competitive, and fast-paced places which can sometimes, and somewhat conversely, make it more difficult to attract and retain top talent, secure funding, and navigate complex regulatory environments. However, even taking these challenges into account, Sciopolis firmly believe that the opportunity and benefits of doing science in the city far outweigh the challenges. Ultimately we are absolutely convinced that creating flexible spaces to support the development of science activities in well connected metropolitan locations is a logical and strategic step which forms a key reason for our formation.
- OnePortalWay | Contact
Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR INNOVATOR STORIES NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT GET IN TOUCH Please contact us if you are looking for lab and office space or hot-desks, meeting rooms and event space. We run weekly tours, pls get in touch to know the dates. info@sciopolis.co.uk +44 02089121010 sciopolis Sciopolis 1 Portal Way London, W3 6RS Nearest Tube Stations: North Acton (Central Line) Acton Main Line (Elizabeth Line) OUR TEAM Charlie Mitchell Founder & CEO Mark Sanders Founder & Chairman Caterina Rigoni Marketing & Ecosystem Zara Davidian Operations Amy Bush General Manager Sandi Dissanayake Lab Manager, Imperial Anna Oktaba Receptionist 1 PORTAL WAY Cookie Policy | Privacy Polic y All rights reserved. ©Sciopolis@OnePortalWay 2026 | Website designed by Jamin Design Home The Building Location Community Latest Insights Contact Contact +44 7943 980146 info@sciopolis.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn >
- Cat 2 Laboratory Space – Ready to Use Labs | Sciopolis
Move into fully compliant Cat 2 laboratories. Ready to use, scalable R&D spaces with full services and flexible leasing from Sciopolis. LAB SPACES Ready to use labs, for rapid R&D Cat 2 laboratory space designed for teams who want to start work from day one, with no fit-out delays or hidden costs. Each lab is fully equipped, serviced and compliant, allowing scientists to focus on discovery rather than setup. Check out our 1 Portal Way labs WHY CHOOSE SCIOPOLIS LABS? Immediate occupancy in compliant and flexible labs Access to shared equipment, technical support, talent Predictable monthly pricing with all services included Strategic, well-connected locations Scalable laboratory and office space that grows with you Supportive community and business network LATEST PHOTOS 1/3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Our laboratories meet Containment Level 2 standards, ideal for applied and benchtop research. Each lab includes: Six air changes per hour for safe ventilation Gas and compressed air lines Dedicated three phase power and switchboards Vented extract ductwork for a 1 500 mm fume cupboard Power sockets every metre for flexibility Lab sinks with lab water supply Ceiling outlets for modular island benches To find out more Read our FAQs Every Sciopolis lab includes utilities, maintenance and compliance support in one predictable monthly fee. Shared facilities such as autoclaves, glass washers, ice machines and demineralised water systems reduce capital costs and setup time, helping teams move from setup to research in days rather than months. MANAGED, MOVE-IN READY MODEL COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE ECOSYSTEM Get more than lab space. Shared R&D resources and onsite support staff Access to meeting rooms, community events and activities Introductions to curated service partners: from science supplies to IP advice, marketing etc Collaboration with key University partners, and access to equipment Recruitment Support via talent partners Visibility to investors and industry networks across the UK FLEXIBLE LABORATORY LEASING Our lab spaces scale with your team: From two desks to full laboratory suites Short term, flexible serviced leases for simple onboarding and expansion Ideal for startups, scaleups and institutional projects needing flexibility with quality research infrastructure NEXT STEPS Enquire today : we have availability for laboratory space Visit our labs at 1 Portal Way, North Acton Read our FAQs to see how we manage the full workspace experience.
- Feasibility Study: designing the Heart of Innovation in Hammersmith & Fulham | Sciopolis
10 June 2025 Feasibility Study: designing the Heart of Innovation in Hammersmith & Fulham The new Hammersmith Civic Campus is already turning heads— the distinctive RHSP design, bathed in summer light, is a confident, colourful development that reflects an equally bold vision. As the borough’s leader Stephen Cowan put it during our project briefing: “You decide every day if you want to be the most miserable or the best version of yourself. Working in a place like this inspires you to be creative, to bring energy, to be the most innovative version of yourself.” That’s exactly the kind of environment we aim to help create. With Upstream London, Phase 2 of its Industrial Strategy , Hammersmith & Fulham Council is building on the success of the White City Innovation District – its joint collaboration with Imperial College London. The ambition is to extend its STEM³ innovation formula—science, technology, engineering, maths, medicine, and media—across the entire borough. Creating an “Innovation Borough” is no small feat. It demands a clear-eyed understanding of local strengths and gaps, thoughtful integration of existing assets, and the creation of new infrastructure that complements rather than duplicates. Most importantly, it requires a central place—a visible, vibrant hub where this vision can come to life. That’s where Sciopolis comes in. We’ve been commissioned by Hammersmith & Fulham Council to deliver a Feasibility Study exploring what the “innovation heart” of the Civic Campus could and should be. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be working closely with Councillor Cowan and his team to shape a space that reflects the borough’s ambition and supports its innovation ecosystem. What We are Exploring As with all our feasibility work, we’re focusing on two key dimensions: · The Space: What should the physical environment look and feel like? What kinds of behaviours and interactions should it encourage? How can design support collaboration, creativity, and serendipity? · The Mission and Ecosystem: Who will use this space—and why? How do we attract the right mix of people, organisations, and ideas? What makes this hub distinct, and how does it connect to other local innovation assets? We’ll be mapping the borough’s capabilities, speaking with stakeholders, and identifying emerging needs. Our goal is to propose a space that is inclusive, future-facing, and deeply embedded in the local innovation narrative. Let’s Build This Together This is the kind of project we love: ambitious, collaborative, and rooted in place. But before we start designing solutions, we want to hear from you. 📣 Are you based in Hammersmith & Fulham? Do you work in science, tech, media, or innovation and have ideas about how the Civic Campus could support your work or your community? Are you interested in taking space and being part of this ecosystem? 👉 We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a message and help shape the future of innovation in your borough. 👉Read more about Upstream London: Hammersmith & Fulham’s Industrial Strategy
- Imperial announces a major investment in Old Oak | Sciopolis
14 Oct 2024 Imperial announces a major investment in Old Oak
- North Acton… where? Closer than you think. | Sciopolis
12 Apr 2026 North Acton… where? Closer than you think. Ask most people to name London's innovation hotspots and they'll say the same things: Shoreditch, King's Cross, White City. These are great locations. They're also well-established, which means that the space, cost and flexibility you need can be harder to find. 1 Portal Way in North Acton is something different. It sits at the early edge of what is quietly becoming one of the most significant new innovation clusters in the UK. The question isn't whether this area will be on everyone's map. It's whether you'll be here before everyone else knows it. The first thing we checked was the commute - essential for every founder building a team and looking to attract and retain talent. 👇 Check out this video for a quick overview of transport connectivity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR7tdIWkSkE The commute numbers that will surprise you Here's the thing about North Acton that most people don't know until they check: it's on the Central Line. Three minutes' walk from the office, you're on one of London's busiest, most direct routes into the city. No changes, no faff. Add a ten-minute walk and you're at Acton Main Line, on the Elizabeth Line , with direct, no-change access to Paddington, the West End, the City and Heathrow. For founders and research teams who regularly host clients, meet investors, or travel internationally, this connectivity profile is exceptional JOURNEY TIMES FROM 1 PORTAL WAY 3 min walk North Acton tube (Central Line) 10 min walk Acton Main Line (Elizabeth Line) ~12 mins Paddington (Elizabeth Line direct) ~15 mins Imperial White City Campus (2 stops, Central Line) ~25 mins Central London (Central Line) ~22 mins Heathrow Airport (Elizabeth Line, no change) 30 mins* Birmingham (HS2, coming soon) * Projected journey time The ecosystem that makes location matter Connectivity is only part of the equation. What makes North Acton genuinely compelling is who is already here. Imperial College London owns four major sites in the area and is planning additional development as part of its WestTech London strategy. Their White City Campus , home to the Molecular Sciences Research Hub, the Uren Bioengineering Hub and the Imperial Incubator, is two stops on the Central Line. For science and deep-tech companies, that proximity is a structural advantage. Recruitment, collaboration and commercialisation pathways all become materially easier when you're embedded in the cluster. So why haven't you heard of it? Because the best opportunities rarely announce themselves. The areas that become famous for innovation usually do so after the first wave of residents has already arrived and built something. White City is celebrated now because the companies that moved there early took a risk on a former BBC site nobody else wanted. North Acton and the Old Oak cluster is at exactly that moment. The bones are in place: Imperial, the Central Line, the Elizabeth Line, major regeneration investment and an emerging community of science and technology ventures. What's missing is the critical mass that turns a cluster into a scene. 1 Portal Way exists to be part of building that critical mass: ready to occupy lab and office space designed for prototyping, R&D, early-stage hardware, deep-tech ventures that need proper infrastructure and serious neighbours, not a trendy postcode and a coffee shop. If you're building something that requires space to think and room to make big things, North Acton is closer than you think, and earlier than it looks. More about 1 Portal Way Want to come and see it for yourself? We run tours every Tuesday. Book me on a Tuesday Tour
- Lab to Manufacturing. Without the commute. | Sciopolis
22 Apr 2026 Lab to Manufacturing. Without the commute. Last month, Imperial College London inaugurated the Victoria Industrial Estate under its new name: Grapht Works . Names matter. Graft speaks to work, iteration, getting your hands dirty and staying close to the process. It also signals the coming together of things, the building of a new community. And for our tenants at 1 Portal Way , this moment is profoundly practical. What’s been launched next door (a five‑minute walk away)is pilot manufacturing capacity sitting directly alongside our ready‑to‑occupy labs and offices. In London, this kind of proposition is almost unheard of. A proposition that barely exists in London If you are a science or technology scale-up thinking about the next stage of your journey, which is likely to involve manufacturing - whether that’s imminent or still a year or two down the line - the usual London story is compromise. Labs in one place. Manufacturing somewhere else. Here in North Acton, there’s no compromise. At 1 Portal Way, you can be running R&D in fully fitted labs while your manufacturing sits literally 200m/ a “five-minute walk” away. Not in an industrial park beyond the M25, nor a train journey away. We’re talking about two sites designed to operate as one ecosystem- physically, culturally and programmatically: for founders and operators, this level of adjacency matters hugely. Why this matters? Manufacturing is iterative. Distance kills iteration. Manufacturing is not a fixed end state, especially at pilot and demonstration scale. It’s a process of adjustment, refinement, and correction. When your lab is far from your manufacturing site, iteration slows, small teams waste time travelling, decisions get deferred and changes wait until “the next visit”. Here, iteration compresses: you can walk from the manufacturing floor back to the lab. Adjust a process. Test it. Return. Adjust again. Several times in a single day if needed. That is not a marginal gain, it is a structural advantage. It means faster learning, tighter feedback loops, and better decision-making (especially for lean teams where every hour matters.) There isn’t a better place to do this in London There are very few locations in Zones 1 or 2 where manufacturing is even permitted. Fewer still (none?) where manufacturing sits directly alongside labs, offices, and an active innovation community anchored by a world‑leading university like Imperial College London. As far as we can see, nowhere else combines all of the following: Ready‑to‑use lab and office space where teams can refine and adjust their process. Adjacent manufacturing capability the kind where you can literally drive your forklift from one building to the next. A single, integrated community and programme , offering stage‑appropriate connections that accelerate thinking and reduce time to scale. Central London connectivity , making it easier to attract talent and maintain effortless commutes. A position within the Imperial and WestTech London ecosystem , giving companies privileged linkage to research, talent and translational infrastructure. For companies serious about scaling, this is a rare alignment of capabilities, location and ecosystem support. The successful launch of Grapht Works simply formalised what we already believed: 1 Portal Way occupies a genuinely unique position in London’s innovation landscape. Lab to manufacturing. Same day. Same community. Same momentum. Looking for Labs & Office space adjacent to advanced manufacturing? Check us out Want to find out more about Grapht Works? Brochure's here
- Privacy Policy | Sciopolis
Privacy Policy Effective Date: June 2025 Last Updated: June 2025 Welcome to Sciopolis. We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you interact with us—particularly when you subscribe to our newsletter via our website or forms. 1. Who We Are Sciopolis provides science and technology companies with ready-to-occupy lab and office space. We partner with landlords, universities and local government to deliver and operate thriving innovation Hubs for early-stage science and technology businesses. This privacy policy applies to www.sciopolis.co.uk and all digital interactions related to our newsletter. 2. What Information We Collect We may collect and process the following personal information: Name (optional) Email address (required for newsletter subscription) IP address and browser user agent (collected automatically when you visit our website) Subscription preferences Usage data (e.g., email opens, clicks—via third-party analytics) We do not collect or process special category data (e.g., health, race, religion) through the newsletter. 3. How We Collect Your Data We collect data through: Newsletter subscription forms Event or workshop sign-ups Cookies and tracking technologies (for website analytics and email engagement) Contact forms or other direct communication 4. How We Use Your Information We use your information to: Send newsletters, updates, event invitations, and other Sciopolis-related communications Improve our content, services, and outreach Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights We will not use your data for unrelated purposes or share it with third parties for marketing. 5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR) Under the UK GDPR, our lawful bases for processing your data are: Consent – for email communications, which you provide when subscribing Legitimate interests – for improving our website and communications Legal obligations – where applicable 6. Cookies and Tracking We use cookies and similar tracking technologies for: Site analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) Email performance (e.g., open/click tracking through Mailchimp/HubSpot) You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. For more information, see our [Cookie Policy] 7. Third-Party Services We use trusted third-party providers to process your data securely, such as: Mailchimp or HubSpot – for email campaign management Google Analytics – for website traffic analytics These providers are GDPR-compliant and act as data processors on our behalf. 8. How We Protect Your Data We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including: Secure servers and encryption Access controls Regular audits and updates Despite our efforts, no method of transmission is 100% secure. We recommend using strong passwords and being cautious with your personal data online. 9. Data Retention We will retain your personal data for as long as you are subscribed to our newsletter. Upon unsubscribing, your data will be: Deleted from our email lists, or Retained only where legally required (e.g., audit purposes) 10. Your Rights (UK GDPR) You have the right to: Access the data we hold about you Correct inaccurate or outdated data Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., via the unsubscribe link) Request deletion of your data Object to or restrict processing Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@sciopolis.co.uk 11. Children’s Privacy Our newsletter and website are not directed to children under 13. If we become aware that we’ve collected data from a child without parental consent, we will delete it immediately. 12. Updates to This Policy We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the "Last Updated" date above. 13. Contact Us If you have questions or concerns about your data or this policy, please contact us: Sciopolis info@sciopolis.co.uk
- University spinouts are struggling, and here's why. | Sciopolis
23 May 2025 University spinouts are struggling, and here's why. The UK government has been clear: Universities are crucial for scientific innovation. Academics are expected to commercialise their research through spinouts, turning ideas into companies that solve real-world problems. But while the expectation is high, the support is lacking. Spinouts need money to get off the ground. The Government’s £40m proof-of-concept fund was supposed to help, but demand has been overwhelming. According to an article this week by City AM, the first £9m round had 2,750 applicants—far more than the funding could handle. That means thousands of potential startups may never make it past the first hurdle. But even when spinouts do secure funding, there’s another issue: where do they go next? Kate Carlisle from Royal Society of Chemistry presented the spinouts ideal journey at London Lab Live Early-stage science companies need space, flexible labs and business support to grow into something real. They also need for these resources and facilities to be well integrated into their development journey, as “upping sticks” to find affordable lab space elsewhere, when it’s not provided close to their university ecosystem, can sever precious links and lose specialised expertise that has taken time and effort to build, When spinouts exceed incubators capacity and don't find suitable lab space in their ecosystem, they are forced to move elsewhere, which breaks their flow. That’s where Sciopolis' scaling hubs approach and campaigns like # MoreChemLabs spearheaded by the Royal Society of Chemistry come in. Having access to affordable, well-equipped labs and facilities near universities, with supportive ecosystems and room to grow can make the difference between success and failure for university spinouts. Kate Carlisle from the Royal Society of Chemistry made the argument well in her presentation at the London Lab Live event last week (see slide below) and we couldn’t agree more: think ecosystem, not just infrastructure. If the UK wants to stay ahead in scientific innovation and be a catalyst for companies that will change the world, it must do more than just encourage spinouts—it must support them properly, with funding, space, and partnerships. Spinouts need more affordable, ready-to-occupy, university-adjacent labs they can move into after leaving incubators. This allows them to stay rooted in the ecosystems that nurtured them, avoiding disruptive and costly relocations. Otherwise, we risk losing out on world-changing discoveries before they even get started. Click here for more blogs Follow us on LinkedIn
- Cleantech solutions for Real Estate? We want to hear from you | Sciopolis
16 Apr 2025 Cleantech solutions for Real Estate? We want to hear from you Cleantech solutions can reduce the carbon impact of our buildings and provide a better environment for our future tenants. Because we are genuine champions of innovation, sustainability and the circular economy, and we like to support early stage innovative companies, we have been talking to a number of such clever companies over the last 18 months, figuring out whether and how we could implement some of their ideas across our future sites (note: we are currently working on projects in Cambridge and London). This has culminated in us launching the Sciopolis Cleantech Commission, which brings together innovative companies in this space who are keen for their technologies to have the opportunity to feature in future buildings we develop. Here are a small selection of the companies we have been talking to. Over a year ago, we visited Blast Studio, based at The Republic of Park Royal (Old Oak) who transforms coffee cup waste into a durable, fire-resistant material. By repurposing 80% discarded coffee cups with 20% natural binder, they create a fully recyclable material which can be used to create versatile and durable panels - perfect for wall paneling, cladding, and furniture making- as well as original and sturdy furniture pieces, like their signature lampshade. More recently, we have been talking to BioTwin, who create high-performance, sustainable construction solutions. Their hemp-based BioStuds are a “steel stud alternatives” with a 28% lower carbon footprint than standard steel studs. By switching to BioStuds, developers can meet new carbon regulations, cut embodied emissions, and future-proof their buildings with next-gen sustainable materials. We’ve also been exploring sound insulating panels in carbon negative material with Carbon Cell. On a mission to replace plastic foam, this clever company has created a lightweight, strong, insulative foam made of biochar, that acts as a carbon sink, sequestering carbon for thousands of years, making it a carbon-negative solution. Claire Trant at Untap Health has developed an innovative technology that analyses wastewater to detect the presence of pathogens in real-time, allowing them to identify potential health threats (in an office, for instance) before symptoms appear in individuals. This allows building management to implement small actions to prevent transmission including increased ventilation, seating arrangements, surface cleaning, and handwashing campaigns. This is just a small subset of the companies we are in touch with, whose solutions we are considering implementing across our sites. The idea will be to develop pilot implementations in our building of some of these new technologies, which can then be used as showcases to a wider audience, as part of our tenant engagement programme. The Sciopolis Cleantech Commission or open for companies to nominate themselves and we are particularly interested in construction materials, energy solutions and circular economy products. if you have a product or solution that you would like to discuss with us please get in touch at info@sciopolis.co.uk
- A Rare Sight in London: Real Vented Extract Capacity | Sciopolis
13 Mar 2026 A Rare Sight in London: Real Vented Extract Capacity If you’ve walked past 1 Portal Way recently, you may have noticed something unusual on the roof: the 6 newly installed vented fume extract risers. It may not look glamorous, but in the world of chemistry‑led innovation, it is a major milestone for this site and something somewhat rare in London science space. It turns out that many of the so‑called lab‑enabled buildings being delivered across the city do not actually include any vented extract. While recirculating systems such as microbiological safety cabinets can, in some cases-and particularly in life sciences-reduce or even eliminate the need for vented extract, this approach often does not meet the requirements of organisations working across the broader spectrum of science, including chemistry, materials, batteries, and related disciplines, where true ducted extract is essential for safety, process integrity and regulatory compliance. Designed for Chemistry from Day One At 1 Portal Way, being a purpose-built space, we have intentionally taken a very different approach. From day one, we designed the building to support a broader range of science innovation, including chemistry. That means every lab has the capability to install at least one fully vented fume cupboard, or a range of equipment requiring ducted extract, from specialist enclosures to hydrogen storage solutions and other process specific setups that chemistry companies depend on. Occasionally there are workarounds to avoid installing vented extract, but anyone working seriously in chemistry knows they are rarely the right long-term answer. So instead of designing for minimum compliance, we have designed for the reality of how scaling chemistry companies operate. How many vented extracts is "enough"? Now, is one vented fume cupboard per lab enough? If you ask around, chemistry founders will almost always say they want more. However, we also find that there is often a practical and commercial reality for fast growing teams about the difference between what they would want in an ideal world and what they actually need and can afford on day one, which is often a lower requirement. At 1 Portal Way our facility enables you to rapidly develop your science in a ready-to-occupy space with one extract (at least), and then - only when the moment is right and you have proved your concept - you can either take more space with more extract or move into more bespoke space with all the vented extract you could want. For many, that staged path can be a far more sensible solution. We are building 1 Portal Way to support the companies who genuinely need ventilated infrastructure and who rarely find it available in London. With the extract stacks now standing proudly on the roof, the building is one step closer to delivering on that promise. Check out our available labs and office space