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5 Feb 2026 Looking for Labs? Here's 5 pitfalls to avoid As scaleup companies transition out of incubators and into dedicated lab space, the stakes get higher. The right environment can accelerate growth, attract top talent, and unlock funding. But the wrong space? It can drain resources, limit flexibility and slow progress. We’ve seen brilliant innovators trip up, not due to a lack of vision, but because lab space presents a complex and unfamiliar landscape. The opportunity cost of spending months navigating costly configuration missteps is often hidden, but very real. To help founders avoid these setbacks, we’ve identified five common pitfalls to watch out for. Overdesigning Your Lab Space It’s tempting to design the “perfect” lab: state-of-the-art equipment, high-spec finishes, and every possible contingency covered. But overdesigning can lead to unnecessary costs and underutilised space. Why it happens: we often plan for our ideal future state, not our current needs. We may also assume investors expect a polished, high-tech environment. What to do instead: Focus on what’s essential for your current stage. Modular layouts, standard lab designs, shared facilities, and scalable infrastructure can offer flexibility without locking in high upfront costs. Think MVP—Minimum Viable Premises Overpay for Lab Fit‑Out Many innovators are navigating commercial real estate for the first time. Without market knowledge or negotiation experience, they may end up with inflated rents or unfavourable terms. Why it happens: Urgency to move, lack of benchmarking data and unfamiliarity with lease structures can lead to poor decisions. What to do instead: Talk to peers, advisors, or specialist consultants. Benchmark against similar companies. Alternatively, consider ready-to-occupy lab space that grows with you: letting you leapfrog construction delays/costly mistakes and focus on your science. Choosing an Inflexible Lab Lease Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) leases can seem like a solid commitment, but they’re often rigid and long-term. Many scale-ups outgrow their space faster than expected, leaving them stuck or facing costly exits. Why it happens: FRI leases are standard in commercial property, and founders may not realise the implications until it’s too late. What to do instead: Look for flexibility. Managed lab spaces, short-term licenses, or leases with break clauses can give you room to grow—or pivot—without penalty. Underestimating Hidden Costs The headline rent is just the beginning. Fit-out costs, service charges, consultant fees, dilapidation liabilities, and extra square footage requirements can quickly inflate your budget. Why it happens: These costs are often buried in the fine print or emerge late in the process. Navigating these costs often requires specialist advisors—adding both complexity and expense. What to do instead: Ask for a full cost breakdown upfront. Work with a legal advisor who understands lab space. Alternatively, opt for an all-inclusive model. When you compare apples to apples—including hidden costs—it may be more affordable than an FRI lease and will demand far less of your bandwidth. Choosing Lab Space in the wrong location or ecosystem Lab space isn’t just about technical specs, it’s about being in the right ecosystem. The right location can attract talent, investors, collaborators and visibility. The wrong location can make all of the key issues an awful lot harder. Why it matters: Proximity to universities, hospitals, innovation clusters and transport links can dramatically impact recruitment, partnerships, and funding. What to do instead: Choose a location that aligns with your mission and community: being part of a vibrant innovation district can open doors that no amount of spec can. Choosing Laboratory Space Is a Strategic Decision Choosing lab space is more than a real estate decision, it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future. By avoiding these five common mistakes, innovators can secure space that supports growth, attracts talent, and builds resilience. If you're navigating this journey and want to avoid the pitfalls, Sciopolis is here to help. We’re building infrastructure designed for scaleups: flexible, affordable and embedded in thriving ecosystems. Why choose Sciopolis Labs Discover our labs in London, North Acton

5 May 2025 Our Monthly Update is here - April 2025 Despite Easter with all its chocolate and mini breaks, April has been a dynamic month for Sciopolis, marked by exciting developments that we hope to announce in the very near future. Our commitment to supporting early-stage science and technology ventures continues to drive our efforts and conversations, whether they are about sustainable construction materials or how to build ecosystems around our future sites. Key Highlights : 1. Creation of Innovation Hubs We are accelerating work on a major project in West London which we hope to announce very soon, and started filming around the area, as our previous experience taught us that “video says it better”. If you can see it you can, more easily, believe it. A nascent ecosystem requires some imagination, and capturing the key places and characters from the start – and then following them overtime – is what creates substantiation. Filming with an old friend - Panji Kaonga from Fabulr Studios The Origin project in Cambridge with The Crown Estate continues to move forward positively, with the BBC giving labs and farms coverage within the same sentence, for possibly the very first time. This month we have been appointed to conduct another Feasibility Study on a building in West London which we hope to announce soon. We discussed this in our most popular blog this year ( Can your building be turned into an Innovation Hub? ) and explained what we look at when ascertaining if a building or an area is suitable to host science and technology ventures. We also talked about how much we enjoy immersing ourselves in these projects and assessing them both from a real estate and ecosystem potential perspective. 2. Building Strategic partnerships We have been busy talking to old friends and selecting new partners to join our network of service specialists. These partnerships are crucial to ensure we can offer our members the resources they need, from science support to funding and talent, marketing and legal services. At the moment we are particularly focused on Sustainable & Cleantech solutions and figuring out how to use them across our sites. We covered this topic in our blog this month , where we launched our Sciopolis Cleantech Commission and invited innovative companies to get in touch with their ideas . We are actively engaging with makers and artisans in the Park Royal Design District to re-use materials, implement solutions and identify opportunities to pilot technologies: our friends at Blast Studio came in to show us their recycled-coffee-cups panels which would look great in a coffee area! We visited eXmoor Pharma and were very impressed with their setup and ventilation system, as we explore the need for more GMP Manufacturing in the UK. On this point, it’s worth highlighting the interesting GMP Facilities report from Constructing Science this month, which identifies a gap in the market for facilities dedicated to the production of clinical drug trials and personalised medicine. 3. Community Engagement We participated in several industry conferences and explored other Innovation Hubs to learn form their experience. Among our many discoveries, we discussed the importance of both pubs (Park Royal) & pharmacies (Dubai ) in the creation of a good ecosystem. This may be helpful for you to know as you emerge from the Bank Holiday: you were not at the pub, you were busy building an ecosystem! As we move into May, our focus remains on expanding our network, building strategic partnerships and supporting our community of innovators. Stay tuned for more updates and join us on this journey of growth and innovation! Follow us on LinkedIn

Cookies Policy Effective Date: June 2025 This Cookie Policy explains how Sciopolis Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at www.sciopolis.co.uk . 1. What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function effectively and improve user experience by remembering your preferences and activity. Cookies can be: Session cookies (temporary, deleted when you close your browser) Persistent cookies (remain until they expire or are deleted) First-party cookies (set by us) Third-party cookies (set by other services we use) 2. How We Use Cookies We use cookies for the following purposes: Strictly Necessary - Enable core functionality such as security and accessibility. These cannot be disabled. Performance/Analytics - Help us understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g., Google Analytics) so we can improve it. Email Engagement Tracking - Measure open and click rates on newsletters and marketing emails (e.g., via Mailchimp or HubSpot). We do not use cookies for advertising or marketing to third parties. 3. Cookies We May Use Some examples of the cookies we may use include: _ga, _gid – Google Analytics (analytics tracking) hubspotutk – HubSpot user token (form and email tracking) __cf_bm – Cloudflare bot management (security) This list may change as our tools evolve. 4. Your Choices You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Here's how: Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions Please note that disabling some cookies may affect your experience on our website. 5. Consent By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. Where required, you will be prompted to accept or decline non-essential cookies via a banner or pop-up. 6. Updates to This Policy We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in law or our practices. The "Effective Date" will always be noted at the top. 7. Contact Us If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, contact us at: Sciopolis Ltd info@sciopolis.co.uk www.sciopolis.co.uk

16 Jan 2026 Why ready-to-occupy labs are a game-changer for innovators This blog is part of the "Building Momentum" series by Charlie Mitchell, CEO of Sciopolis. Most scientists and innovators didn’t get into research thinking that they would need to become real estate experts. But for years, that’s exactly what they’ve had to do. Just imagine that you’ve got a breakthrough idea, a small team and a ticking clock. But instead of diving into your science or technology development, you’re stuck negotiating leases, hiring contractors, and figuring out how to build a lab or a space for your technical work. It’s nine to twelve months before you can even start. That’s not just frustrating, it’s a momentum killer. And the risks aren’t just delays. They can also be costly mistakes. One of the most promising companies we know had a simple plan: install a shower head in their lab to clean the benches. Straightforward, right? But somewhere along the way, the spec got lost in translation. The builders installed a full residential shower: tray, tiling, curtain- bang in the middle of the lab. The founder laughed about it later as it was a relatively small and low-cost mistake, but think about the disruption, the cost, and the aggro of fixing something that should have taken five minutes to get right. This kind of thing happens all the time. Founders are forced to make decisions about plumbing, lighting, HVAC, and lease terms, all while trying to build a company. It’s a distraction they can’t afford. That’s why we’re building ready-to-occupy lab and office space at One Portal Way, with our laboratories being suitable for a broad range of technical work including life sciences, chemistry, biology, cleantech, robotics, computing etc. Think of it like a hotel room for science. Walk in, plug in, and get going. No delays. No distractions. Just space that works from day one. We’ve seen brilliant founders waste time and money on fit-outs that don’t suit their needs. We’ve watched teams burn through runway before they’ve even run an experiment. We’ve seen scientists trying to decipher lease clauses when they should be designing experiments. So we’re flipping the model. Our spaces come fully equipped: flexible lab space, offices, meeting rooms, event spaces, and even a café ( check out One Portal Way , opening in June 2026) But the building is only half the story. The other, and arguably more important, half is what happens inside it and how we support our tenants to be successful From branding to legal advice, from mentorship to marketing help, we’re building a service proposition that wraps around the space and helps companies grow. We’re not just offering square footage. We’re offering momentum. And for small science companies, that can make all the difference. Find our more about our Labs Labs in North Acton: available June 2026 - Book a Tour

Explore how Sciopolis supports scientists, engineers and founders with flexible lab and office space across the UK. Learn about leases, services, community and the network connecting innovation hubs nationwide. LAB & OFFICE SPACES - FAQs Our hubs offer far more than ready‑to‑occupy labs and offices. We bring scientists, technologists and founders together in flexible, well‑designed work spaces - supported by our onsite community and by our network of specialist service partners. Whether you need serviced labs, furnished offices or hot-desking space, we provide solutions that grow with your business. Frequently asked questions What types of workspace does Sciopolis offer? Our hubs feature flexible lab spaces (which are set up to support Containment Level 2 works, both wet and dry), modern offices, collaborative areas, meeting rooms, event spaces, coworking areas, and a Café. Each site is designed for multidisciplinary innovation across life sciences, engineering, cleantech, deep tech and creative technology. What makes Sciopolis space different from other science workspaces? Sciopolis combines ready‑to‑move‑in labs and offices with an active innovation community. Unlike standard serviced space, our hubs integrate property, operations and ecosystem management: one monthly cost covers rental of the space itself, Wi-Fi, utilities, common equipment use, coffee and tea, compliance, maintenance, etc. while onsite teams connect tenants with mentors, investors and partners. Each hub belongs to a planned national network that will link Sciopolis communities across the UK, giving occupiers access to research, talent and collaborative opportunities that go far beyond a single building. What type of companies are best suited to Sciopolis hubs? Sciopolis is built for early‑stage and scaling science and technology ventures across multiple disciplines. We believe innovation happens at the intersection of sciences, so our hubs promote collaboration and cross‑pollination between sectors. Typical tenants include life‑sciences, biotech. healthtech, medtech start‑ups, engineering and cleantech innovators, deep‑tech and AI developers and creative‑tech teams working with hardware or digital platforms. If your business depends on research, prototyping or technical collaboration, Sciopolis provides the facilities and community to help it grow. What technical standards do Sciopolis labs meet? Labs across the Sciopolis network are built to containment level 2 standards and suited to most benchtop science. Key features include six air changes per hour, three-phase electrical supply, multiple power and data points, dedicated gas and air lines, vented extract for standard fume cupboards, lab sink, and vinyl flooring with coved edges ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance; ground-floor and some of the first-floor labs are built on concrete floors which will provide low vibration performance which can be key for certain experiments. More information on our labs can be found here What equipment and furniture are typically included? Fixed benching around sinks and a series of mobile benches are provided as standard allowing tenants to develop their own layouts. Additional furnishing can be added by tenants, as required. Tenants are generally responsible to provide their own science equipment, however some shared equipment is provided in Common Equipment rooms (see next question). What shared equipment is available? Equipment rooms typically include autoclaves, glass washers, flake-ice machines and demineralised water systems. These can be booked through the Sciopolis app. Does Sciopolis offer office space as well as labs? Yes. Offices are fully furnished with fast connectivity and meeting-room access. Options range from private suites to coworking desks. What common amenities can tenants use? Our hubs typically provide meeting rooms, cafés, breakout zones, social spaces and event areas. Tenants have access to tea points on each floor. Bike racks and showers are standard; limited car parking is typically bookable for visitors. Check out our locations for site-specific information. How do I apply for space? Contact our leasing team. We’ll arrange a tour, discuss your requirements and recommend the hub best suited to your work. How are service charges calculated and what’s included? Sciopolis locations charge an “all-in” rental fee for each office / lab. That includes service charges, meeting room access, utilities, maintenance, cleaning, business rates, security, shared facilities, site management, as well as programmatic community events. A single monthly payment keeps costs predictable. What’s the difference between Serviced and FRI leases? Sciopolis typically offers serviced lease agreements for ready-to-occupy lab and office spaces that bundle all costs into one monthly charge for maximum flexibility. For larger units in certain buildings, Sciopolis may offer FRI leases (Full Repairing and Insuring) which would typically suit larger occupiers seeking longer leases and more control over their space. Can leases be scaled or relocated? Yes. Our flexible approach makes it easy to expand or move between locations within the Sciopolis network as your business grows. How is waste managed across Sciopolis hubs? Sciopolis will hold central contracts for the management of most waste streams and will directly manage and handle standard non-hazardous waste via the cleaning team. Tenants will directly handle clinical, chemical and other specialist streams themselves utilising the central contract (at tenant cost), which will be managed by our local Lab-Manager. Who oversees laboratory standards? Each hub has an experienced Lab Manager who will be responsible to manage shared equipment, waste contracts, gas contracts and safety compliance, amongst other activities. Where are Sciopolis hubs located? Our hubs will be positioned within major UK innovation clusters with excellent connectivity to transport links. For example, our London site at One Portal Way is two minutes from North Acton station and 10 minutes to the Elizabeth Line, with further HS2 connectivity coming in the near future, making it one of London’s best connected Innovation Hubs. Check out our locations page to see where we have sites. What support do tenants receive beyond workspace? Every Sciopolis hub is built around an ecosystem that combines space with people and partnerships. Support includes: Academic and clinical connections – links to universities, equipment sharing and research collaboration. Curated service network – partners provide expert help in IP, HR, finance, legal, marketing and compliance, introduced directly by our team. Access to talent – introductions to recruiters and research networks. Active community management – onsite teams foster engagement and track impact. Check out our Locations Get in Touch

Discover One Portal Way in North Acton, West London: cost‑effective, ready‑to‑move‑in labs and offices owned by Imperial College London. Learn about workspace specifications, amenities, transport links and tenant support. Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT 1 PORTAL WAY - FAQs Part of the Sciopolis network, this purpose‑built innovation hub in North Acton, West London, is created for scientists, engineers and founders who need space that works from day one. It offers some of the most cost‑effective, fully fitted labs and offices in London, combining practical design, flexible leasing and the backing of Imperial’s innovation ecosystem. Located within one of London’s best-connected hubs, and supported by Imperial Incubator - it delivers affordability, connectivity and community in a single address. Frequently asked questions What types of work spaces are available? 24 ready-to-move-in labs and 29 modern offices plus meeting rooms, coworking areas, event spaces, Café, front terrace and rear private garden. Designed for a broad spectrum of science and technology innovation companies including life sciences, health innovation, clean-tech, chemistry, deep-tech, AI, etc. From start-up to scale-up. What technical standards do the labs meet? All labs are developed as Containment Level 2 (CL 2) labs suited to most benchtop science. This includes: o Six air changes per hour o Dedicated three‑phase electrical supply with switchboard o High and low‑level dado rails with power sockets every metre and several data sockets o Ceiling‑mounted 32 amp outlets for island benches or central equipment o One dedicated gas line connected to external manifolds o Compressed air line o One vented extract duct per lab which is sized to support one 1,500 mm fume cupboard in every lab (with capacity for additional units by arrangement) o Hand basin with Hot and Cold potable water o Lab sink with cold lab water o Vinyl flooring with coved edges to contain spillages o Ground‑floor labs and some first-floor labs have concrete floors which will provide better vibration performance o All first‑floor labs are fitted with leak‑detection systems to minimise any damage to ground floor labs in case of a leak. What furniture and fit-out is included in the lab? Fixed benching around sinks and a series of mobile benches are provided as standard allowing tenants to develop their own layouts. Additional furnishing can be added by tenants, as required. Tenants are generally responsible to provide their own science equipment, however some shared equipment is provided in Common Equipment rooms (ref below). Do you offer office space as well as labs? Yes, we have 29 offices of various sizes from 17-85m2. Private and open-plan offices with high-speed connectivity and meeting-room access are ready for immediate move-in. Hot-desking and coworking options available. Can I customise my lab layout? Yes, subject to compliance. Early engagement is key and space can still be adapted during construction for maximum flexibility. How much does lab space cost? Rates are among the most competitive for ready-to-occupy labs in London. We offer short- and long-term leases. Contact our team for a tailored quote. Will Imperial staff be on site? Yes. A lab manager from Imperial Incubator is based onsite to provide technical expertise, operational support and direct links to Imperial’s network. Since 2006, Imperial Incubator has supported science‑driven startups with the space, tools and know‑how to progress breakthrough ideas. Its companies have raised over £622 million, created more than 600 jobs and achieved significant industry recognition. This impact is rooted in its ability to unlock Imperial’s world‑class research environment- from specialist facilities and academic collaborations to graduate talent and industry partnerships. Founders based at 1 Portal Way benefit from: • Streamlined onboarding and equipment access • A connected startup community across West London • Skills‑focused workshops, mentoring and expert guidance • Investor introductions, accelerator pathways and grant support • Advanced scientific capabilities and access to Imperial’s academic network What shared lab equipment and utilities are available? There’s a Shared Equipment room on each floor. Each include autoclaves, glass washers, flake-ice machines and demineralised water systems (Type 1 and 2). Bookable through the Sciopolis app. What shared amenities can tenants use? One Portal Way is designed to foster community and productivity. Tenants can access: o Meeting rooms for team and client sessions (3–12 people, all Teams‑enabled), quiet rooms and phone booths, plus a Training Room for about 30 people with live streaming capability. o Café and social areas for informal interactions o Event spaces to host launches, demos and networking. Our ground‑floor event suite seats 70–80 people and includes full AV for presentations and launches o Private garden at the rear of the site is suitable for relaxation and large events o Regular programming to support collaboration and culture Is there a café onsite? Yes. A public café serves rotating menus of hot food (vegan included) and barista coffee. Each floor has tenant-only tea points with free coffee and tea, fridges and microwaves. How is cleaning handled? Sciopolis staff clean offices, lab floors and shared areas regularly. Tenants clean their own benches and equipment. General waste is handled centrally by the cleaning team; specialist waste is handled by tenants through approved providers. How is waste and chemical storage managed? External stores accommodate non-hazardous waste, chemical materials and LN₂ facilities. Contracts are coordinated by the lab manager. Are utilities included in the rent? Yes. Water, heating and electricity are included within the service charge. How reliable is the network and Wi-Fi? Our sites all have main and back-up high bandwidth internet provision, each offering very high reliability. All sites use Cat 6A cabling with wide Wi-Fi coverage and secure network options. Access control and room bookings are managed through the Sciopolis app. Secure rack space is available for tenant rental in the comms room. Is the building open 24/7? Yes. Tenants have round-the-clock access with onsite security. Lone-working policies apply for labs outside normal hours. What transport links serve One Portal Way? One Portal Way is exceptionally well connected. · North Acton station (Central Line) is a two-minute walk. Acton Main Line (Elizabeth Line) around 10 minutes away, providing fast links to central London, Heathrow and the South East. · The site sits two stops from White City (Central Line) and one stop to Hammersmith Hospital. · When HS2 opens, the Old Oak Common superhub will be the only place in London where the Elizabeth Line, and HS2 intersect, cutting journey times to Bond Street (9 min), Tottenham Court Road (10 min), Canary Wharf (23 min), Heathrow (18 min) and Birmingham (31 min). Is there cycle storage or parking? Yes. Secure covered racks are available for 60 bikes, 3 showers for cyclists, plus limited bookable car spaces for visitors within a gated car park. How are deliveries managed? Smaller parcels will be received at reception and placed in secure tenant post lockers; larger deliveries use the rear logistics bay and goods lift with short-term holding space in the logistics store. What types of leases are available? Flexible ‘all-in’ serviced leases include utilities, cleaning and shared facility management. What is included in the monthly fee? One transparent payment covers rental of space, rates, meeting room access, utilities, operations, cleaning, community activities, etc. Meeting-room and printing allowances are built in. How does Sciopolis support members? Support starts well before move-in. Through our partnership with Imperial College London and a network of trusted collaborators, we offer far more than space. Members can access: o Peer-to-peer collaboration – we connect tenants who can help each other overcome challenges. o Community and learning – events, workshops and socials blend knowledge-sharing and fun o Talent attraction – curated introductions to recruiters and investors to grow teams quickly. o Practical business support – help finding suppliers, mentors and vetted service providers. o Direct links to Imperial – connections into research partners, recruitment pipelines and collaborative projects. o Lab and technical support – onsite expertise and facilities from the Imperial Incubator to aid scaling. o Visibility and brand building – promotion through events and media within the Sciopolis network. Is the site only for biotech companies? No. We welcome tenants across all science innovation, including; life science, biotech, med-tech, chemistry, quantum technology, cleantech, advanced materials, robotics, AI and more. Spin-outs from any university in the UK and beyond are encouraged. Can engineering, hardware or deep-tech companies lease space? Yes. Labs can accommodate light engineering, fabrication and sensor development. Proximity to Imperial Victoria Industrial Estate provides easy access to ‘heavier duty’ facilities. Is One Portal Way suitable for both start-ups and scale-ups? Yes. Flexible space and short- to long-term lease options enable growth from early R&D through production. Can non-science, creative-tech teams lease here? Absolutely. We embrace cross-disciplinary innovation and collaboration with the nearby Park Royal Design District to bring art, design and manufacturing talent into the community. Anchor 1 Back To Building Page Contact Us 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 >

6 Oct 2025 October - Monthly Update Saying Yes to Talent, Chairs and Sustainable Stories September was a month of movement across campuses, communities and conversations. Our Oyster cards and Lime bikes got a workout. From immersive college labs to mustard chairs and air ducts in listed buildings, we saw how small actions and shared values can unlock real momentum. And in Old Oak, the story is gaining speed. Building Talent Pipelines: College Visits We began the month at North Hertfordshire College, thanks to our partners at CK Group. From GMP-ready labs and VR sets to reconstructed hospital wards, the facilities were a powerful reminder of how education and industry can co-create the skills our economy needs. Later, we visited West London College’s Ealing campus, hosted by Daljit Singh Bains and Julie Claridge. Specialist labs and immersive rooms showcased the depth of local talent being developed. These visits are part of our commitment to connect enterprise with education, building future tenant pipelines at One Portal Way while giving students a glimpse of science in action right in their community. We feel very strongly about our duty and opportunity to make an impact on this. Gamification with Purpose: Imperial’s Digital Media Lab We also visited the Digital Media Lab at Imperial College London, where digital media, VR games and immersive STEM experiences are designed to inspire the next generation. What stood out most was the team’s grounded approach. Technology was treated as a tool, not a trend. Huge thanks to Daniel Mitelpunkt and Robyn Lowe for the tour. Plenty of inspiration as we shape our own digital space at One Portal Way, and hopefully we will work with this talented team in the near future. Circular Economy in Acton: A Chair Exchange At 8am, Panji Kaonga from Fabulr Studios collected surplus mustard chairs from One Portal Way, North Acton (AKA Old Oak). By 9am, they were already in use at Scale Space, part of the White City Innovation District. A small but powerful example of circular economy thinking and a reminder of how close we are to our friends at White City. These everyday exchanges build bridges between hubs, between people and across WestTech London’s growing innovation community. Sustainability in Labs: Learning with I2SL We joined the I2SL General Meeting and Summer Party, co-hosted by Pioneer Group and Oxford Properties, for a first look at the transformation of Victoria House in The Knowledge Quarter. The standout feature was air handling units suspended on bridges, with visible ducts threading through Grade II listed architecture. A striking blend of heritage and modern lab design. Sensibly Sustainable #1 : Reuse First Our reuse-first approach is gaining traction. From sinks to chairs to whiteboards, we are re-homing and reusing as much as we can. Given the success of our approach and the feedback we re getting, we’ve launched the first blog in our Sensibly Sustainable series 👉 Read #1: Reuse First here Let us know what you think and share ideas we could pilot next! LEAP Incubator Opens: Optimism in Action LEAP, the new incubator at ARC in Hammersmith powered by Imperial Incubator, is now open. It’s an ode to optimism with inviting design, a roof terrace and access to world-class facilities. A single bench at LEAP connects scientists to a mighty network, and with the LEAP Pass two lucky startups could get it for free, for a year! Apply now. In just a few months, we’ll open our own hub at One Portal Way, with Imperial Incubator , and we can’t wait to link tightly with this network of innovators. Onsite On Tuesdays.. Strategy moves into execution at One Portal Way. We’re building a space that works hard for our future tenants and we’re thrilled by the interest we are getting. Want a tour? We’re usually onsite on Tuesdays, and have plenty of hard tops to share! Just ask Charlie, Cat or Zara to show you around the building and the area.

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.

11 Nov 2024 The Crown Estate to breathe new life into Cambridge Business Park

9 Apr 2025 Record £13.9 billion of R&D funding unveiled to boost innovation In the thick of all of the economic turmoil, it is welcome news that the Government is committed to supporting research and innovation with the announcement of the allocation of the £13.9 billion Department of Science, Innovation and Technology research and development budget. A path to economic prosperity, better employment prospects for all and the solving of major world challenges must surely be underpinned by research and innovation and taking away the barriers that prevent businesses being formed or that limit their growth and impact will benefit everyone. I’m delighted that funding is available for innovators and entrepreneurs. I hope this will inspire them to innovate and seize the opportunity to create businesses that realise the full potential of their ideas. I also hope that the planned investments will help to create the environment for business success by enabling the infrastructure to support innovators, including incubator and scaleup facilities. Scaleup businesses will surely benefit from access to capital, but by removing the barriers to commercialisation of cutting-edge research and by supporting their growth through appropriate infrastructure, we see the potential for a multiplier effect, where the funding will deliver quicker and better outcomes. Failure to invest in the supporting and enabling ecosystems for scaleup businesses will reduce the benefit of the proposed investment and will ultimately constrain the growth of new firms and the realisation of the benefits of their innovations, limiting their opportunity to be global market leaders of the future. Read the Government R&D Fund announcement here

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

29 Mar 2026 March Update: our North Acton site is moving fast 9 weeks to go until the opening of 1 Portal Way , and everything is accelerating. Here's your quick tour of what's happened in the last month. A build you can actually see Steel is up. Floors are in. Infrastructure designed specifically to help science and tech companies scale is being installed. This is no longer a concept, it's a building preparing to welcome innovators in June. 👉 Founders and scientists looking for lab and office space? Check out our latest construction update. 1 Portal Way: we are on track to open in June Imperial Incubator onsite : what it means for tenants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn9IYqW-5Q For science and tech founders, the hardest phase is rarely the discovery. It's the gap between a validated idea and a fundable, scalable business. That's precisely the stage Imperial Incubator is built for — and at 1 Portal Way, they're in the building. ✅ A Lab Manager onsite: real technical support, when you need it ✅ Access to Imperial's specialist equipment, prototyping facilities and research centres ✅ Hands-on business and relationship-building support ✅ A gateway to Imperial's talent pool: skilled graduates, academic experts and industry contacts 👉 How Imperial Incubator Accelerates Innovation for our Tenants Hitting the spot for Chemistry Founders? You tell us. Not every lab is a "chemistry lab", and London has a real shortage of the good ones. Thanks to the Royal Society of Chemistry, we know that properly serviced chemistry spaces- with vented extract, flexible power, external ducting and waste systems that simply work - are hard to find. At 1 Portal Way, we believe we have a positive answer. 👉 A Rare Sight in London: Real Vented Extract Capacity Innovation Testbeds: we walk the talk In February, we were featured in Estates Gazette . For the first time in the UK, BioTwin 's sustainable hemp studs were installed at 1 Portal Way. This matters because: We don't just host innovators, we support them. We help get their solutions tested in real commercial settings. We turn our building into a live testbed wherever we can. And like many good things, this began with a connection through Imperial and the Undaunted Better Futures Retrofit Accelerator. 👉 Watch the video: BioStud Installation at One Portal Way, #TuesdayTours are getting busier What began as rainy mini-tours for a handful of people has become packed 10+ person walkthroughs in the sunshine. Visitors include prospective tenants, London universities and enterprise teams, Accelerators and Partners eager to join a rapidly forming ecosystem. With only two months to launch, this is the moment to see the build before everyone else does. Pick a Tuesday that works for you and contact us to arrange 📍 North Acton (Central Line) or Acton Main Line (Elizabeth Line) Next Month will be big In April we hope to share several pieces of big news: ✨ Our first tenant ✨ Our General Manager & Lab Manager hires ✨ Our Food & Beverage provider for the café Have a great Easter break and see you all soon PS: See what lab and office space is available at 1 Portal Way