Search Results

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. (https://www.sciopolis.co.uk/oneportalway-contact) 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. 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 >

Be part of West London’s growing science and startup community. We offer ready to occupy labs and workspaces, Imperial connections, peer networks, specialist support and programmatic activity for growing ventures. Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT WHERE INNOVATORS CONNECT AND GROW TOGETHER At 1 Portal Way, North Acton, you get more than high‑spec labs and flexible workspace. You join a brand-new community built around collaboration, shared learning and practical support - deeply connected to Imperial College London and surrounded by fellow pioneers shaping the future of science and technology. From curated events and peer‑to‑peer learning to targeted help from specialist advisors, everything here is designed to help you grow faster, solve problems earlier and feel part of something bigger. DIRECT LINKS TO IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON Being based here means being embedded within the Imperial Old Oak Innovation Cluster ecosystem. This level of proximity, both geographic and programmatic, to one of the world's top science institutions creates a unique springboard for partnerships, joint projects and talent attraction. Tenants benefit from: Peer support From shared equipment rooms to open breakout spaces, our building is designed to encourage interactions. Our programme of activities brings founders, researchers and teams together. Scaling Support We have lined up a trusted network of service partners, covering all aspects of business building, who can step in quickly when you need help. Talent Attraction Finding the right people is one of the biggest challenges for growing ventures. Here you’re not hiring alone - you’re hiring with the support of a connected network, plugged into Imperial College. Marketing Support We actively champion the companies based with us, seeking out meaningful spotlight opportunities. Your success becomes part of the building's identity, and we are here to amplify it. Lab Support via Imperial Incubator Because we partner with the Imperial Incubator, your team has access to dedicated support that covers both lab operations and the business side of scaling. You benefit from an onsite Lab Manager who understands scientific workflows, compliance and day‑to‑day lab needs, while also connecting you into the Incubator’s wider network of mentors, advisors and commercial expertise. Learn More WHO ELSE IS HERE? The neighbourhood around 1 Portal Way is rapidly becoming a West London centre for science, technology and advanced manufacturing. Designers, makers and R&D teams work side by side, sparking fast collaboration and innovation. And with Imperial’s White City campus close by and Imperial Grapht Works just minutes away, you’re surrounded by experts tackling major challenges in chemistry, biotech, climate, engineering and deep tech. Biotechnology & drug discovery Learn More Sustainable material from used coffee cups Learn More Creative and Makers Workshops - at nearby Republic of Park Royal Learn More Medtech & diagnostics Learn More Advanced materials & engineering Learn More Climate tech & Cleantech Learn More EVERYTHING HERE IS SETUP TO BACK YOUR BUSINESS Whether you’re looking for lab advice, a great collaborator, a new hire or your next investor meeting, the network around you makes it easier. You bring the ambition. We provide the connections, support and space to grow. Get in touch For us community isn’t a slogan, it’s an operating system. 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 >

Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT GET IN TOUCH One Portal Way, Old Oak will be opening its doors in mid 2026. Please contact us if you are looking for lab and office space and want to know more or book an early tour. info@sciopolis.co.uk +44 7943 980146 sciopolis Sciopolis@OnePortalWay 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 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 >

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

25 Mar 2025 UK Life Sciences miss out on £15bn to global rivals By Mark Sanders, Chairman of Sciopolis UK Life Sciences are missing out on billions to global rivals: isn’t it time to act before it’s too late? The SCI report yesterday highlighted a competitiveness gap costing us £15 billion annually. Despite being identified as a key sector for economic growth, the UK is falling behind international rivals. Key findings from the report were: - The UK has dropped from the second to eighth place in global life sciences FDI - Clinical trials initiated in the UK have decreased by 8% since 2017/18. - Employment in life sciences has remained flat in the UK while growing by 20% in Europe. - The UK’s share of global pharmaceutical exports has dropped from 5.4% in 2018 to 3.8% in 2023. These findings are not encouraging and even less so in the context of the ambition for the UK to be a Science Superpower. My perspective is that we need to not only focus on the desired outcomes, but also the process and infrastructure to get us there. One positive way to react to this crisis would be for the government to focus on physical infrastructure that can retain and support innovators in the UK. Innovation Hubs similar to what Imperial has built at White City Innovation District - well connected, with density of researchers and industry, supported by the local authority as well as by a top university- increase the chances for innovators to attract investment, develop their ideas and make it through their commercialisation journey We need to quickly refocus on the needs of innovators and build places for them to come together, and robust networks that help them to connect the dots. This, of course, is in addition to the other measures suggested by the report, i.e. tailored incentives, streamlined regulatory processes etc. We can celebrate the UK at the forefront of life sciences invention, but we need to better sustain innovation through the other tricky phases too- including scaling and manufacturing. The risk of not doing it may mean losing the battle to other ecosystems that can cater for the entire journey. Read the full article here

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

8 Apr 2025 Can your building be turned into an Innovation Hub? Only a Feasibility Study can tell. In the last 18 months, we have conducted several feasibility studies for universities and landlords who wanted to ascertain whether an existing building could be converted into an Innovation Hub or to confirm if their plans to develop a new building make sense. Our team loves getting its teeth stuck into such projects, as they allow us to reach a definitive yes or no answer in a short period of time, while also absorbing everything there is to know about a new area or ecosystem. We are very passionate about creating innovation for the benefit of UK plc. Therefore, we understand the great responsibility of providing the right answers, ensuring our clients avoid spending time and money on projects that lack potential. So what do we look for in assessing these buildings (existing or new) ? We use what we call an “A-B-C methodology”, which consists in asking ourselves the following 3 questions: A for Attractive: will the space and the area be a ttractive to the target market? B for Building: can such a space be b uilt economically? C for Cluster: can the space become part of a c luster and an innovative community? Across everything we do, the building is only ever 50% of the answer. The other 50% is the potential for the building to be activated in a way that drives innovation. That’s why our feasibility studies focus on both aspects; Technical feasibility of constructing a suitable physical space, including consideration of design, MEPH adjustment, taking into account budget constraints and the overall business case. Ecosystem feasibility – identifying the right target tenants and creating a narrative around how this location will form a distinctive place for science and technology, how it links to universities and to other adjacent hubs, and what its specific purpose may be, based on its geographic characteristics or the pre-existing nature of a place. Once we believe that a location is potentially suitable both from a technical and ecosystem perspective and that it can be delivered, we develop a business case based on our experience of designing, developing and operating innovation spaces. This model will include sensitivity analysis of potential returns under stressed assumptions. In our experience, if a building is well connected transport wise, it’s close to a university, has a landlord with a strong idea they want to implement (i.e. there’s a strong potential thematic angle that the Innovation Hub will pursue) and has certain characteristics from a building standpoint which allow the creation of labs and amenities (ceiling height, reception space, floorplates that can allow convergence etc) then the answer tends to be that yes, it can be turned into an Innovation Hub. Are you thinking about developing an Innovation Hub and want some help? Get in touch

2 June 2025 Our Monthly Update - May 2025 In May we focused on building 3 things: team, network and pipeline. On the team front, we’re thrilled to welcome Zara Davidian as our new Operations Manager —a milestone moment for any startup. With years of experience at Imperial, she’s already bringing structure and clarity to the chaos ( including how to address the challenge of dealing with mountain of chairs and cables on her first day—thanks, Charlie ). She’s hit the ground running, and honestly, we’re not sure how we ever managed without her. Oh, and if you’re curious about those chairs… Read our recent post on "desolate chairs" here Building a “network of experts” that innovators can rely on Long before the first tenant moves into one of our sites, we’re actively building a trusted network of partners across key services: legal, marketing, finance, F&B, lab supplies, and more. Why? Because innovators should be focused on discovery—not Googling “IP lawyers.” We’re walking the walk, curating a network of vetted partners so our tenants don’t have to. This isn’t marketing spiel—it’s a foundational part of our vision. When a tenant chooses a Sciopolis site, the building is only 50% of what they get. The other 50% is a support system designed to accelerate their success. And we’re building that before the walls even go up. PS: If you would like to become part of our network of experts, have a look at our new brochure here Immersing ourselves in Cambridge We’ve been spending more and more time in Cambridge, mapping out the departments, institutions, networks, and equipment that could be game-changing for our future tenants. It’s become a bit of an obsession. Cambridge is accelerating like never before (if you need datapoints, look no further than the recent Dealroom report ), and every trip we make or person we speak to deepens our understanding of the drivers of this momentum. This month we focused on Cambridge West as we wrote about in this post —where we were warmly welcomed at the Maxwell Centre, got a close-up look at Henry Royce’s impressive facilities, and peeked inside IdeaSpace. A few days later, we also had the privilege of attending the Founders at University of Cambridge “2025 Investment Day”, a showcase of ingenuity and polished pitches that reminded us why this city breeds unicorns. (#Morechem) labs with windows, please One of our favourite connections this month happened at London Lab Live , where Charlie chaired a lively panel on lab supply vs demand . A standout moment came from Ella Churchill at MedCity, who summed it up perfectly: “We are witnessing the renaissance of labs as nice places to work.” Turns out, scientists really do love labs with windows. At the same event, we discovered the #MoreChemLabs campaign by the Royal Society of Chemistry—an initiative that sparked a great conversation with Kate Carlisle, captured in this blog post, on the urgent need for university-adjacent, cost-effective lab space to support spinouts Last but not least, Charlie travelled to a surprisingly sunny Leeds for UKREiiF, where he never saw the sun, so busy was he talking to various Universities, Local Government and landlords about building future Innovation Hubs, and building them fast. Feasibility Studies: From Beautiful Building to Innovation Hub? While we can’t share details just yet, we’re deep into a feasibility study in London, exploring whether a nearly completed development could become a true magnet for creativity, science, and innovation. The building is truly beautiful—but does it have the right ingredient to attract the right tenants and spark that elusive magic of innovation? That’s what we’re going to find out, working to a tight four-week deadline to deliver a clear verdict. We genuinely love feasibility studies. Done right, they can accelerate thinking, challenge assumptions and unlock new possibilities for our clients. Curious about what these studies involve ? Take a look at our blog post here. We hope to be able to talk about this one next month! Follow us on Linkedin for more updates

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

20 Nov 2025 Sciopolis wins New Business Launch of the Year We’ve just been recognised as the New Business Launch of the Year at the Estate Gazette Awards 2025 . And yes, we’re thrilled! The judges said: "Given that limited track records often challenge young companies, the judges were looking for ambition, innovation, and a business plan capable of shaking up the sector. SCIOPOLIS stood out for addressing a clear market gap, combining cutting-edge innovation, social impact, scalability, and strong institutional backing" Recognition like this matters. It shows that the flywheel is starting to move, our vision of building innovation hubs across the UK is gaining traction, and the wider industry is taking notice. The category celebrated ambition, innovation, and a business plan with the potential to shake up the sector, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do. It’s great to be recognised by a prestigious Built Environment publication, but here’s the irony: at Sciopolis, we’ve always believed that building is only a small part of what we do. The real story is what happens inside the building. More Than Bricks and Mortar Our CEO Charlie Mitchell put it best in a recent interview: “I’m an engineer, so I get really excited about buildings. But in reality, building are only about 50% of our proposition. The more important 50% is the service proposition we wrap around it, and in particular the work we do to create a useful community, to connect our tenants with the right people and to help them grow their businesses.” That other 50% is where the real value lies. It’s about: Taking away the pain, by offering ready-to-occupy labs and offices, so growing companies don’t waste months negotiating leases, hiring lawyers or managing contractors. Building an active and supporting community through events and installing collaboration as a culture. Creating places that innovators and their teams want to be. Supporting tenants with their innovation, by linking them with trusted partners who can provide equipment, materials, branding, advice of all kinds, mentors, and connections into universities and institutions they’d otherwise spend months trying to find. That doesn’t mean the building isn’t important. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you design it well, you stop it from ever being a problem. You systematically remove friction in the way tenants use it. You design spaces that promote collaboration. You make reception permeable and exciting, not a security moat. You create a building that fades into the background because it works so well that people don’t even need to talk about it. Recognition and Expansion So yes, we’re proud of the award. It’s recognition of the hard work we’ve put in, and a sign that other people think we’re heading in the right direction. But we’re even prouder of the fact that Estates Gazette has recognised the bigger picture in their coverage of our UK-wide expansion plans, showing how the right infrastructure can accelerate innovation and help grow the UK economy. Because while the award celebrates the launch of our business, the coverage highlights what makes us different: the way we’re putting innovators first and building a network of hubs across the UK, where they can thrive. Are you a landlord or university looking to build an innovation hub? Or a science and technology venture looking for ready to occupy lab and office space with great ecosystem support? 👉 Read Sciopolis for landlords and ventures and get in touch 📍 Find out more about our current locations

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 .