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  • Our Monthly Update is here - April 2025 | Sciopolis

    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

  • The Times: Universities slash equity stakes in tech spinouts | Sciopolis

    3 Apr 2025 The Times: Universities slash equity stakes in tech spinouts Last week, The Times reported that the average stake taken by universities in tech spinout ventures dropped to 16.1 per cent, a ten-year low, having been as high as 24 per cent in 2019 – based on a study commissioned by The Royal Academy of Engineering. I was very encouraged to see this statistic as I have, first hand, seen the tension that comes when a business wants to spin out from a university environment and the university wants to take a significant equity stake. Where businesses can be formed with relatively little capital and can be inspired by concepts that do not need access to significant physical assets to prove them then it doesn’t seem reasonable for universities to take significant stakes in the spin out. However, it seems entirely reasonable that universities should be rewarded appropriately for creating the environment for an idea to become a business and for enabling and supporting the early stages along with providing access to academic insight and supervision. I expect that a more proportionate approach will lead to more businesses being established, as the risk / reward trade off for founders who decide to take the leap to create a business is more favourable to them and I also suspect that such moves will encourage founders to look to the university to help (and therefore they will take a stake) rather than seeking to avoid it. In the long run, I believe this trend will lead to more innovation, entrepreneurship and therefore, one could argue, greater total returns for the university sector. Universities have a key role to play in nurturing and promoting innovation and translation into impact and this modernisation of the equity position they take in spin outs is, I believe, a positive move for all. Read The Times article here Follow us on LinkedIn

  • Monthly Update: final sprint! | Sciopolis

    10 May 2026 Monthly Update: final sprint! As we speed towards opening the building in a month or so, many of you have asked us to keep you posted on progress. So here's what's been happening. The team is coming together Our site team is coming together brilliantly. Amy Bush joined us as General Manager, after years at I-HUB on the White City Campus nurturing and growing a great community there. Sandamali (Sandy) Dissanayake also started as our Lab Manager: working with Imperial Incubator, she will shape how our labs function day-to-day for the scientists using them. Construction is progressing at a furious pace Construction is never without its challenges, but the past few months have been a strong example of what good partnership looks like in practice: solving problems quickly and keeping momentum high. Completion in June is close now, and we're starting to see more of the building's personality emerge, from the evolving reception space to the bold exterior that reflects the energy of the future community inside. The next few weeks will see us finalise labs and offices and bring the reception to life. We can't wait. Old Oak: a cluster coming to life The launch of Grapht Works at Imperial College London's Old Oak cluster (5 minutes from us) is bringing together an impressive group of companies working across materials, energy and advanced manufacturing. We're proud that 1 Portal Way will not just sit adjacent to this community but work closely with it, creating a "R&D to plant in 5 minutes" offering that's very unique for London. A growing, curious community meets on Tuesdays Our Tuesday Tours have been busier and more interesting than ever. This month we've brought together mixed groups of founders, researchers, universities and future tenants — often combining visits to both 1 Portal Way and the neighbouring Grapht Works site. The result has been engaged, cross-disciplinary, cross-university conversations (and good step counts for everyone). From professors at the forefront of convergence science to founders just beginning their journey, the level of curiosity and urgency is unmistakable. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our last few weeks. The sun is shining on 1 Portal Way As someone put it: "the weather has been really playing ball with you guys." With brighter days, North Acton artist David Samuel was able to complete the exterior of the building in record time, and the scaffolding has come off. The exterior is revealing its full palette, bringing colour and identity to the site — a small preview of the vibrant, slightly rebellious and deeply connected community we're building inside. Finalists at the CN Awards We're flattered to be nominated finalists in several categories: Best Developer, Best Retrofit & Reuse, Innovative Workspace Design and Project of the Year. Bringing home one of these in the same month we open would be quite something. Check out CN Life Sciences, Tech & Research Clusters 2026 shortlist Want to join us? If you are looking for cost-effective lab and office space in London, look no further: One Portal Way If you would like to join one of our TuesdayTours, pls get in touch If you would like to partner with us to support innovators, just join our community

  • March Update: our North Acton site is moving fast | Sciopolis

    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

  • Looking for Labs? Here's 5 pitfalls to avoid | Sciopolis

    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

  • News & Insights | One Portal Way

    Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR INNOVATOR STORIES NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT LATEST INSIGHTS 3 July 2026 News, One Portal Way, Sciopolis 1 Portal Way: Open for Business! On July 2, we celebrated the opening of the building with our community. Now we can't wait to welcome you to 1 Portal Way, North Acton. Closer than you think. Read More 16 June 2026 News, One Portal Way, Sciopolis Lab manager, fixer and chief confessor: my first month at 1 Portal Way One month in, our Lab Manager Sandy shares what it's been like learning the ropes and settling into the team(s). Read More 22 Apr 2026 One Portal Way, Sciopolis Lab to Manufacturing. Without the commute. At 1 Portal Way, you can be running R&D in ready to occupy labs, while your manufacturing sits literally 200m or a “five-minute walk” away. Read More 30 Mar 2026 News, One Portal Way, Sciopolis First Tenant announced: Ki-Hydrogen A UK cleantech startup with breakthrough green hydrogen technology is set to call our North Acton Innovation Hub home from June 2026. Read More 17 Feb 2026 News, One Portal Way Not all labs Are "Chemistry Labs": but what is a chemistry lab? (If you can tell us, we’ll try to build it) Read More 18 May 2026 News, One Portal Way, Sciopolis Great science needs great people: introducing Talentmark Growing Your Team at Sciopolis: we are building the talent ecosystem you need Read More 5 Feb 2026 One Portal Way Looking for Labs? Here's 5 pitfalls to avoid Founders often underestimate the hidden costs of spending months on complex lab setups. To help you steer clear of common missteps, here are five pitfalls to watch out for. Read More 27 Jan 2026 One Portal Way Construction Update - Jan 26 Discover how we are getting ready to open our North Acton site in June 2026 (and join us on a #TuesdayTour to see it for yourself) Read More 5 Nov 2025 One Portal Way, Sciopolis Monthly Update From North Acton to Cambridge to Manchester, find out what the team have been up to, and what is coming up next Read More 31 July 2025 One Portal Way, Sciopolis One Portal Way, Old Oak - Sciopolis Appointment Sciopolis is appointed by Imperial to launch new scale-up space for science and technology ventures in Old Oak, London Read More 12 May 2026 News, One Portal Way, Sciopolis New Tenant: P.Happi joins 1 Portal Way Pioneering UK women's health startup will scale up its manufacturing at our North Acton hub Read More 10 May 2026 sciopolis, News, One Portal Way Monthly Update: final sprint! Less than a month to go to the opening of 1 Portal Way and it's all happening: New Team, New look, New Cluster. Read More 22 Mar 2026 One Portal Way, Sciopolis 1 Portal Way: we are on track to open in June Major visible progress at 1 Portal Way, as we move confidently through the final stages of construction ahead of our June 2026 opening. Read More 29 Mar 2026 News, One Portal Way, Sciopolis 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. Read More 12 Apr 2026 One Portal Way, Sciopolis North Acton… where? Closer than you think. That was our reaction too. Then we checked the map. Read More 13 Mar 2026 One Portal Way, Sciopolis A Rare Sight in London: Real Vented Extract Capacity Why 1 Portal Way is one of the few places in London truly ready for Chemistry Innovation Read More 2 Feb 2026 One Portal Way, Sciopolis We are Hiring! General Manager As the first hire, this person becomes part of the story of One Portal Way: not just helping run the building, but helping define it. Do you know anyone who could fit the role? Read More 20 Nov 2025 One Portal Way, Sciopolis Sciopolis wins New Business Launch of the Year We did it! We won the Estates Gazette "New Business Launch of the Year" 2025 Award Read More 16 Jan 2026 News, One Portal Way Why ready-to-occupy labs are a game-changer for innovators By Charlie Mitchell, CEO of Sciopolis Read More 14 Oct 2024 Sciopolis, One Portal Way Imperial announces a major investment in Old Oak Imperial has identified a need for flexible and affordable follow-on space to enable innovators to stay and scale in West London. Read More 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 >

  • How Imperial Incubator Accelerates Innovation for One Portal Way Tenants | Sciopolis

    Learn how Imperial Incubator gives One Portal Way tenants access to advanced scientific facilities, expert support and Imperial’s world class research ecosystem, helping life sciences and deep tech startups scale faster. Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR INNOVATOR STORIES NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT IMPERIAL INCUBATOR IS ONSITE By benefitting from resources that are typically out of reach to early-stage startups, our companies can accelerate their development. A member of Imperial Incubator’s team will be based onsite at 1 Portal Way to link the two operations. Alongside providing hands-on support, they will help our tenants access the resources, expertise and networks of Imperial, a top-tier university. This includes advanced equipment, prototyping facilities and research centres, academic expertise, skilled graduates and valuable industry contacts. OUR MEMBERS GAIN: Technical support Our Imperial Incubator’s onsite Lab Manager provides equipment training and inductions, supports lab safety and best practice and enables access to communal specialist equipment. Business-building support Including peer‑to‑peer mentoring, introductions to investors, connections to specialist business service providers, access to advanced equipment and opportunities to work with graduate talent, from placements to consultancy assignments Community Engagement Access to regular events across the Imperial Incubator and wider Imperial university ecosystem, facilitated member introductions between different Incubator sites, and updates through the community newsletter. DRIVING GROWTH AT ONE PORTAL WAY By integrating Imperial Incubator into our site, we create an environment where science‑led companies can accelerate their development from day one. This partnership strengthens the broader WestTech London innovation cluster and ensures our tenants have the resources, expertise and momentum they need to deliver meaningful breakthroughs. INTERESTED IN OUR LABS? See what's available Book a Tour 1 PORTAL WAY Cookie Policy | Privacy Polic y All rights reserved. ©Sciopolis@OnePortalWay 2026 | Website designed by Jamin Design Home The Building Location Latest Insights Contact Contact +44 7943 980146 info@sciopolis.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn >

  • Scaling Stories: how community can help founders thrive | Sciopolis

    16 Sept 2025 Scaling Stories: how community can help founders thrive When launching a new business, there are a few key things you must consider: what you enjoy doing, location and building a high-performing team. Experienced founders will know that the latter is key to longevity. Building a strong community of people not only fosters a supportive and collaborative environment but it also means you are sharing the scaling journey with other people, which is so important and necessary when you consider how lonely it can be as an entrepreneur. There's the unseen part of being a founder or an entrepreneur. It’s the work you're doing when you're not in the office; the kind of things that tend to consume your mind. You'll find yourself sneaking stuff in an evening and a weekend because you've got to keep up with the pace of everything. Inevitably, that does mean you make sacrifices in your family life. Giving up time to work on getting ready for the week ahead or catching up on the week before. This is where you see the benefits of being near to people who are having a similar journey. As a founder, there is an expectation to know everything, but knowing that you don’t know everything and being willing to ask for help is a very powerful leadership move. What matters is having a supportive network around you. Whether it’s collaborating with your team to get the best out of them as part of the community or talking to a peer in another industry, who just happens to be in the same building about things you're wrestling with, is really helpful. The more someone feels they belong to a community the more likely they are to perform at a high level and the less likely they are to leave. It’s well documented that being a founder and an entrepreneur is a lonely gig. Not only is community vital for helping to combat that, it is key for fostering employee engagement and for boosting productivity. 👉 If you believe in growing in the right community, explore our locations and be part of something big, from the start.

  • LOCATIONS | Sciopolis

    OUR LOCATIONS We are busy building a network of sites across key locations. Watch this space for further announcements! LONDON, NORTH ACTON Exciting opportunity for ready-to-occupy laboratory and office space, with great amenities, in a well-connected location, linked to Imperial. Available in June 2026 FIND OUT MORE CAMBRIDGE We are looking at opportunities in Cambridge for new innovation spaces that would suit early-stage science and technology businesses. Get in touch if you would like to find out more ENQUIRE NOW WANT TO DEVELOP A NEW INNOVATION HUB? Contact us to discuss how we can help convert existing space or build and activate new Innovation Hubs for science and technology businesses. +44 7943 980146 info@sciopolis.co.uk sciopolis

  • Old Modules | Sciopolis

    Cambridge We are looking at opportunities in Cambridge for new innovation spaces that would suit early-stage science and technology businesses. Enquire Now SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Name Email Thanks for submitting! SIGN ME UP Sciopolis needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy . Type Unit Size (sq meters) Size (sq feet) Occupancy Type Unit Size (sq meters) Size (sq feet) Occupancy (Guideline) OUR LOCATIONS We are busy scoping out innovation sites in Cambridge and London, comprising of lab, office and event spaces. If you are looking for space, please get in touch so we can capture your requirements early. One Portal Way, London NEW: Exciting opportunity for ready-to-occupy laboratory and office space located in North Acton, part of Imperial College London Old Oak Cluster Learn More Book A Tour Cambridge We are looking at opportunities in Cambridge for new innovation spaces that would suit early-stage science and technology businesses. Enquire Now WANT TO DEVELOP A NEW INNOVATION HUB? Get In Touch Get In Touch CONTACT US Landlords: we can help you convert and activate your existing space or build new Innovation Hubs for science and technology businesses. Ventures: we are creating exciting lab and office spaces for you, pls contact us early so we can accommodate your requirements +44 7943 980146 info@sciopolis.co.uk sciopolis GET IN TOUCH Are you a landlord, university or local authority looking to create Innovation Hubs in one of your buildings? Or a science and technology business looking for inspiring and ready to occupy lab and office space in London and Cambridge? WHY CHOOSE SCIOPOLIS? Ready to occupy labs and offices Move in straight away, no upfront capital expenditure, no months lost negotiating leases or managing contractors Access to expertise Tap into our “black book” of trusted service providers; from equipment specialists and branding experts to legal advisors and mentors Cost effective, flexible terms We understand the needs of early-stage ventures. Our leasing models are designed to give you room to grow without long term commitments holding you back Operational support We take care of facilities and day‑to‑day operations so you can focus on your science and scaling your business University connectivity We have scoped out access to equipment, academics, and projects that can make a material difference to your discovery Connections to accelerate growth We proactively link you with academics, innovators and industry partners who can help you solve problems, hire talent and open doors Community and collaboration We make coming to work more fun. Great food, lively events, socials and curated introductions spark collaboration and help you hire and retain great people Part of a wider network We are building Innovation Hubs in strategic locations. By joining one, you will gain visibility and connectivity across the network Discover Lab Space Discover Work Space EXPERT HELP AND COMMUNITY Join a connected community of founders, researchers and industry experts. You will be surrounded by people who can help you solve problems, share knowledge and accelerate breakthrough ideas. Our community awaits you Book A Tour View Available Lab Space

  • Lab & Office Space Availability | London, North Acton

    Flexible, fully fitted lab and office space available at One Portal Way, with hot desking, private suites and meeting rooms, plus onsite support from Imperial’s innovation ecosystem. Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR INNOVATOR STORIES NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT LAB AND OFFICE SPACE IN LONDON, NORTH ACTON A cost-effective and inspiring home for ambitious science and technology teams is about to open in North Acton. Move-in-ready CL2 labs, private offices, hot desks and meeting rooms for 3 to 70 people, with flexible leases, all-inclusive bills and the Imperial Incubator on hand whenever you need them. Book a Tour Download Brochure WHY CHOOSE 1 PORTAL WAY Cost-effective Fully fitted, affordable and ready to occupy, with one bill a month. No surprise charges, no separate utilities, no admin headache — just lab & coworking space that works from day one. Future ready space Built for growth, with adjacent advanced manufacturing space to support your scaling needs, so you can start here and stay here. Connected location Central Line/North Acton on the doorstep. White City next door, Heathrow a short hop, Central London faster than most commutes — your team and your investors will thank you. Flexible leasing options Two-year leases as standard for lab and office, with room to grow or shrink as you go. Day or month passes for hot-desking options. Imperial-affiliated Onsite support by Imperial Incubator and access to world-class talent, equipment, expertise and research in nearby White City. Great Community Join a community of scientists and founders who are building what's next, and lean on the experts, mentors and services we bring in to help you get there faster. COME SEE IT FOR YOURSELF We host site tours every Tuesday and would be delighted to show you around. Book a Tour LATEST PHOTOS 1/4 LABS Designed for life sciences, cleantech, chemistry, materials, engineering and deep-tech teams, our CL2 labs are fully fitted and ready to use, with extracted ventilation and a high-spec finish across every unit. Shared equipment available as standard. For more detail, read our FAQs. Imperial Incubator is onsite too, so scientific and commercial support is always close at hand. And if your work has specialist requirements, our team will work with you to tailor the space. HOW MUCH LAB SPACE DO YOU NEED? Not sure what you need? A quick tour usually makes it clear. Have a look at the rough guide below, then come and see the space in person. We'll help you work out what fits. Small Lab 3-5 scientists 40-55 sqm. 430-600 sqft. Medium Lab 5-9 scientists 55-90 sqm. 600-1000 sqft. Large Lab 9-12 scientists 90-120 sqm. 1000-1300 sqft. Lab Suite 13-25 scientists 120-250 sqm. 1300+ sqft. Prices starting from £4,800 per month INTERESTED IN OUR LABS? View Floorplan Book a Tour HOT DESKS, OFFICES & MEETING ROOMS If you're looking for an exciting and cost-effective workspace in the middle of an innovation cluster, look no further. Hot desk by the day, private suite by the month and everything in between. Meeting rooms for 3 to 24, a training room and event spaces for when you're ready to bring the world in. Our open-plan atrium and onsite café are the gravitational centre, where corridor conversations turn into collaborations and our community programme, supported by Imperial Incubator, brings founders, scientists and investors through the door every week. Whether you are a solo researcher needing occasional desk access, a small team looking for a consistent base, or a growing company ready for a private office or lab, we have a workspace to match - with the flexibility to grow into the next one. With us, you are always a member, never a tenant. FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE MEMBERSHIPS Hot Desks £300/month | £40/day Per person, unassigned seating All inclusive Dedicated Desk £450/month Per person, assigned seating All inclusive PRIVATE OFFICES Small Office 3-6 people 20-35 sqm. I 200-380 sqft. Medium Office 8-10 people 35-75 sqm I 380-800 sqft Large Office 12-18 people 75-120 sqm I 800-1300 sqft From £2,250 per month INCLUDED WITH EVERY LAB/OFFICE: High-speed wifi Shared equipment (labs only) Private garden access Onsite Cafe (member discount) Meeting/event catering Complimentary tea & coffee Meeting room credits Business Partners intros Phone booths and quiet rooms Printing credits Free events and socials UK Registered address (add-on) INTERESTED IN OFFICE, MEETING ROOMS & EVENT SPACES? Enquire Now Book a Tour 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 >

  • Businesses FAQs | Sciopolis Innovation Hubs – Ready Labs, Offices & Coworking

    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

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