Search Results
Search this site
80 results found with an empty search
- 1 Portal Way: Open for Business! | Sciopolis
3 July 2026 1 Portal Way: Open for Business! We are open for business! 1 Portal Way, North Acton, London 1 Portal Way- Sciopolis's new science and technology hub, developed in partnership with Imperial College London - has officially opened its doors. After an 11-month retrofit, this purpose-built 55,000 sq ft home for innovation is ready to welcome science and technology entrepreneurs in search of an inspiring, well-connected base. Our first tenants have already moved in. (Likely) the most cost-effective labs in London Inside is an Innovation Hub built to match ambition: 24 ready-to-occupy CL2 labs , 29 flexible offices, bright workspaces and flexible event areas, all designed for focus and breakthroughs, cost-effective and backed by Imperial. P.Happi and Ki Hydrogen have already moved into their labs, with Sandy, their trusted on-site Lab Manager from Imperial Incubator, facilitating the settling-in and getting the common equipment rooms in good shape. Built by/for this community This building was never just for us. It's for the scientists, founders and makers of North Acton, Park Royal and beyond, the wider community we're proud to now call neighbours. We can't wait to welcome people in to see the space, walk the labs and meet those already working here and welcoming new ones. So much of the community is built into the space: exterior and sculpture by David Samuel , shelves by Blast Studio and furniture (and pretty much all the molecules in the building) from the POW workshop in Park Royal. Do ask us about them if you want to be connected. Spend your summer here: there is no better place for it Hot desks, meeting rooms and event space are all bookable now, tenant or not, and with the next heatwave set to hit London in the coming days, we're eager to host anyone looking for a dynamic space, a sense of fun and proper aircon! That's alongside our food activation with our partner, Genuine Dining , who started last night with our first BBQ and will continue into next week with a whole week of food extravaganza. And they'll be with us for the long run, supplying our community with well-priced, nutritious and varied food choices. They'll be able to cater for all types of events, so put them to the test in the coming weeks. Want to spend the summer with us? Hot desks: available for a day, a week, or the whole summer Meeting rooms: fully fitted and ready for pitches, workshops or team days Event space: the space that hosted our own launch is ready for whatever comes next Garden: bookable for BBQs or for informal meetings Get in touch to discuss your needs Start here. Stay here. 1 Portal Way sits five minutes from Grapht Works , Imperial's advanced manufacturing site: R&D next to production, which doesn't really happen in Zone 2 London. Lab to pilot plant in five minutes.Visitors keep telling us the same thing, unprompted: this changes how fast a company here can actually get from idea to product. The other thing they keep telling us? "This was so much easier to get to than I thought," usually while standing in reception fifteen minutes early for their meeting. Central Line at our doorstep, Elizabeth Line 10 min walk away. This is just the beginning. The formal launch follows in September, but there's no need to wait until then. The building, and this community, are open now. Get in touch to book a tour, pop in for a coffee (from next week, our coffee machine is up and running properly) or come spend the day with a hot desk, a meeting room, or the event space. And just in time for launch: say hello to Anna Oktaba on Reception. She's Polish, fluent in Norwegian and always up for a chat in either language if you're in the building. The team can't wait to welcome you. Pop in, whenever. We're here. www.sciopolis.co.uk/oneportalway
- Insights (List) | Sciopolis
LATEST INSIGHTS Report Blog News 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 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 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 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 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 10 Oct 2025 News Notes from Italian Tech Week 2025 What are the emerging trends in AI and Life Sciences? Our Director of Ecosystem explores some findings from her recent trip to Italian Tech Week in Turin. Read More 16 Sept 2025 News Scaling Stories: how community can help founders thrive Executive Chairman Mark Sanders explores how fostering a culture of empathy and understanding in the workplace is key to high performance and combating founder loneliness Read More 10 Sept 2025 News Summer Update 2025 Monthly Update: We're Back! New appointment, awards, and exciting developments — all in one place. Read More 16 July 2025 Sciopolis UK startups: brilliant at the baby stage, but what about adolescence? Sciopolis reacts to today's UK Government's Life Sciences Sector Plan Read More 10 June 2025 Sciopolis Feasibility Study: designing the Heart of Innovation in Hammersmith & Fulham We have been appointed to run a feasibility study for Hammersmith & Fulham's Civic Campus Read More 23 May 2025 Sciopolis University spinouts are struggling, and here's why. University spinouts are struggling to get funding and infrastructure to grow. Read our analysis. Read More 25 Apr 2025 Sciopolis What can we learn from Dubai’s Innovation Hub? A masterclass in developing an ecosystem that integrates work and life seamlessly. Read More 8 Apr 2025 Sciopolis Can your building be turned into an Innovation Hub? Only a Feasibility Study can tell. If you are thinking of converting an existing site to host science, a feasibility study is what you need. Read More 3 Apr 2025 Sciopolis The Times: Universities slash equity stakes in tech spinouts Sciopolis Chairman Mark Sanders reacts to the news that University equity stakes in tech spinouts have fallen to a ten-year low of 16.1% Read More 25 Mar 2025 Sciopolis UK Life Sciences miss out on £15bn to global rivals Isn't it time to build infrastructure to retain innovators and help them grow? Hear from our Chairman, Mark Sanders. Read More 11 Mar 2025 Origin, Sciopolis Origin Public Consultation: see what is being proposed and have your say. View the developing plans for The Crown Estate’s first Innovation Hub, in Cambridge Business Park. 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 9 Sept 2025 News Scaling Stories: prioritising location for a successful growth strategy The entrepreneur and Sciopolis CEO/Executive Chairman explores how your company’s physical space can make or break your scaling ambitions 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 Sciopolis Five Things Every Life Sciences Founder Must Get Right - by David Montgomery From breakthrough science to scalable companies 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 25 Feb 2026 News February Update: did you miss us? Here's what we have been up to since the start of the year: build, colour, vented extracts, coffee and tours.. Read More 5 Jan 2026 Sciopolis 2026 is here! 5 things we look forward to As we step into a new year, we can’t help but feel a sense of momentum: here are five things we’re most looking forward to in the year ahead. 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 28 Nov 2025 London Spinouts: we are building space for you Spinouts were everywhere this November cropping up in reports, events and the press. And we are building space for them! Read More 20 Oct 2025 News University Spinouts ascend as scaleup capital deepens, but is the infrastructure ready? Insights from the recent Beauhurst and Parkwalk report on UK spinouts reveal a striking 44% year-on-year increase in equity investment, underscoring the growing momentum behind frontier innovation Read More 17 Sept 2025 News #1 Reuse first A series exploring the everyday decisions that shape a more sustainable future. From fixing instead of replacing to reusing what already exists, we believe sustainability starts with common sense. Read More 6 Oct 2025 News October - Monthly Update From Strategy to Execution: find out what we've been up to, and what is coming up next Read More 4 Sept 2025 News Scaling Stories: how do you know when to step aside as a founder? Our Executive Chairman discusses the challenges of stepping aside as a strategy for accelerating business growth Read More 8 July 2025 Sciopolis Monthly Update- June As June brought both sunshine and serious conversations, the team been on the move, connecting with innovators, exploring new campuses and diving deep into the future of place-based innovation. Read More 2 June 2025 Sciopolis Our Monthly Update - May 2025 How we built our team, network and pipeline last month Read More 5 May 2025 Sciopolis Our Monthly Update is here - April 2025 We filmed, selected strategic partners, learnt about innovative materials, visited interesting locations and went to the pub. Read what April was all about. Read More 16 Apr 2025 Sciopolis Cleantech solutions for Real Estate? We want to hear from you Do you have a sustainable construction material or product you would like to see adopted? Talk to us! Read More 9 Apr 2025 Sciopolis Record £13.9 billion of R&D funding unveiled to boost innovation Our Chairman Mark Sanders welcomes the announcement in our latest blog. Read More 31 Mar 2025 Sciopolis Our Monthly Update - March 2025 March was a great month for Sciopolis, with events, a major announcement and many community building moments. Read More 19 Mar 2025 Origin, Sciopolis Sciopolis appointed as Development Advisor by The Crown Estate Sciopolis has been appointed to look at the feasibility of activating science and technology innovation at Cambridge Business Park. Read More 11 Nov 2024 Origin, Sciopolis The Crown Estate to breathe new life into Cambridge Business Park Bold proposals to support the UK’s science, innovation and technology ambitions by providing office and lab spaces for start-ups and established businesses. Read More 29 Nov 2023 Sciopolis Sciopolis (sai-op-o-liss) - What's in the name? Hidden away in out-of-sight locations such as university basements, rural company HQ’s... Read More 18 May 2023 Sciopolis British Land To Turbocharge Massive Life Sciences and Innovation Drive REIT Plans 2 Million Square Feet of Development Including Possible Debenhams Makeover Read More
- What can we learn from Dubai’s Innovation Hub? | Sciopolis
25 Apr 2025 What can we learn from Dubai’s Innovation Hub? We are curious about how other countries approach Innovation Hubs and are interested in learning what can be re-applied here in the UK. As part of our ongoing learning, we will share examples of Innovation Hubs from both the UK and around the world whenever we come across them. The Dubai Innovation Hub, for instance, is a masterclass in developing an ecosystem that integrates work and life seamlessly. Located in the DIFC, we visited it on an early morning this week (hence the lack of humans in the photos), and learned the following. Convenience is King: from pharmacies to hot yoga and dermatology, members have every amenity imaginable on their doorstep, making their place of work blend with lifestyle choices. This is the opposite to many other science parks and buildings, where there is often very little amenity, poor transport connectivity, and hence they can become empty straight after work, as people go elsewhere to find the things they need. It’s important to remember that innovators are “people” and that they sometimes need to buy paracetamol. Prioritisation of social spaces: fine dining from Sexy Fish, and many more, is very close to the work areas, allowing members to quickly and easily unwind with colleagues or entertain clients. Socialising is ingrained in the ‘work culture’ of Dubai, with the ecosystem catering to this need with a variety of dining spots – critically at differing price points. Again, this needs to be an initial consideration in the design of Innovation Hubs rather than an afterthought. The convenience of working from home means that workplaces need to work harder than ever at attracting people through the promise of high-quality face to face interactions, attractive workplace design and great amenity. Entrance experience is key: a standout welcome creates an atmosphere that inspires and sets the tone for what is to come. From architecture (not all Receptions were designed equal …. some are there to attract people in, others to keep people out), to the choice of materials, to art and sound (often underplayed), and even scent. Seeing real people working and having meetings, being able to peek through a glass at an event that is taking place, openness and transparency all contribute to creating a place you want to be in. This subconsciously increases lingering time, and in turn creates opportunities to bump into others. Sustainability that Performs: the building’s credentials are proudly marked throughout the building, including a 24% saving in energy consumption from usage of high efficiency equipment and building envelope performance. Thank you to the team at DFIC Innovation Hub for showing us around! Find out more about @DFIC: https://www.innovationhub.difc.ae Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates
- Sciopolis (sai-op-o-liss) - What's in the name? | Sciopolis
29 Nov 2023 Sciopolis (sai-op-o-liss) - What's in the name? The making of science was rarefied and hardly ever linked to the hustle and bustle of urban dwellings. This view was profoundly changed by the Covid crisis, which almost overnight rebranded Science as an urgent, highly relevant activity which necessitated the convergence of many strands: central and local Government impetus, joined-up talent pools, entrepreneurship, easy access to technology and equipment, laboratory space, and access to capital. Crucially, all of these ingredients required an element of physical proximity and connectivity to jell together in a timely fashion and to generate momentum. Covid made science sexy (demand for STEM courses is higher than it’s ever been) and propelled it from the peripheries to the centre, more specifically to city centres, where virtuous connections are more easily created. While Covid has waned and we have generally returned to normality, it remains clear that doing science in cities is here to stay, because of a number of benefits that make it a compelling choice for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike. Hence the name we chose for our company, Sciopolis = Sci ence in the metr opolis. Our objective is to make “Science in the City” a success, by facilitating the construction and operationalisation of vibrant tech and science ecosystems. Easier recruitment: Access to top talent is the #1 problem for growing science companies. Aside from the simple fact that cities are exciting places which attract young people to live, work and play, they are also often home to world-class universities, hospitals and research institutions, as well as a diverse pool of skilled professionals with a wide range of expertise. Cities create an obvious centre of gravity where excellent talent can be more easily sourced. Easier collaboration: For the same reasons as above, it is also easier in cities to collaborate with top researchers, engineers, and other specialists, and to tap into a rich network of mentors, advisors, and investors. Cities offer more networking events, conferences, informal gatherings, etc. all of which bring together communities of like-minded people, providing more opportunities to connect and advance ideas. In particular this is most important for early-stage startups who face numerous challenges and uncertainties which - in the absence of a supportive and accessible community - they may struggle to solve by themselves. Easier access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources: Many cities have specialised research centres, state of the art hospitals, and other resources such as training and mentorship programs, that are specifically designed to support scientific research and development, and to accelerate the pace of innovation. The right equipment, at the right time, coupled with the right academic expertise can fast track scientific discovery. All of this is made easier when access between different institutions is facilitated by good transport infrastructure which is typically found in big cities, but also by the support of a landlord who makes the effort to create useful networks for their tenants to access directly. The logistics of access to institutions should not be underestimated. Easier to create stickiness: A vibrant environment with wrap-around support, excellent infrastructure and common amenities serviced by the public transport is critical to support scientific innovation. Nurseries are as vital as labs in the creation of stable scientific ecosystems, and choosing locations where – for example- young lab technicians (typically not the highest paid of professions) can live, work and play without driving long distances is key in creating a stable cluster, and increasing its long term stickiness where companies and people choose to ‘stick’ for the long term. Of course, doing science in metropolitan environments also comes with its own set of challenges and trade-offs. They can be expensive, competitive, and fast-paced places which can sometimes, and somewhat conversely, make it more difficult to attract and retain top talent, secure funding, and navigate complex regulatory environments. However, even taking these challenges into account, Sciopolis firmly believe that the opportunity and benefits of doing science in the city far outweigh the challenges. Ultimately we are absolutely convinced that creating flexible spaces to support the development of science activities in well connected metropolitan locations is a logical and strategic step which forms a key reason for our formation.
- OnePortalWay | Contact
Back to Sciopolis 1 PORTAL WAY THE BUILDING AVAILABILITY FAQS LOCATION COMMUNITY INCUBATOR INNOVATOR STORIES NEWS & INSIGHTS CONTACT GET IN TOUCH Please contact us if you are looking for lab and office space or hot-desks, meeting rooms and event space. We run weekly tours, pls get in touch to know the dates. info@sciopolis.co.uk +44 02089121010 sciopolis Sciopolis 1 Portal Way London, W3 6RS Nearest Tube Stations: North Acton (Central Line) Acton Main Line (Elizabeth Line) OUR TEAM Charlie Mitchell Founder & CEO Mark Sanders Founder & Chairman Caterina Rigoni Marketing & Ecosystem Zara Davidian Operations Amy Bush General Manager Sandi Dissanayake Lab Manager, Imperial Anna Oktaba Receptionist 1 PORTAL WAY Cookie Policy | Privacy Polic y All rights reserved. ©Sciopolis@OnePortalWay 2026 | Website designed by Jamin Design Home The Building Location Community Latest Insights Contact Contact +44 7943 980146 info@sciopolis.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn >
- Cat 2 Laboratory Space – Ready to Use Labs | Sciopolis
Move into fully compliant Cat 2 laboratories. Ready to use, scalable R&D spaces with full services and flexible leasing from Sciopolis. LAB SPACES Ready to use labs, for rapid R&D Cat 2 laboratory space designed for teams who want to start work from day one, with no fit-out delays or hidden costs. Each lab is fully equipped, serviced and compliant, allowing scientists to focus on discovery rather than setup. Check out our 1 Portal Way labs WHY CHOOSE SCIOPOLIS LABS? Immediate occupancy in compliant and flexible labs Access to shared equipment, technical support, talent Predictable monthly pricing with all services included Strategic, well-connected locations Scalable laboratory and office space that grows with you Supportive community and business network LATEST PHOTOS 1/3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Our laboratories meet Containment Level 2 standards, ideal for applied and benchtop research. Each lab includes: Six air changes per hour for safe ventilation Gas and compressed air lines Dedicated three phase power and switchboards Vented extract ductwork for a 1 500 mm fume cupboard Power sockets every metre for flexibility Lab sinks with lab water supply Ceiling outlets for modular island benches To find out more Read our FAQs Every Sciopolis lab includes utilities, maintenance and compliance support in one predictable monthly fee. Shared facilities such as autoclaves, glass washers, ice machines and demineralised water systems reduce capital costs and setup time, helping teams move from setup to research in days rather than months. MANAGED, MOVE-IN READY MODEL COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE ECOSYSTEM Get more than lab space. Shared R&D resources and onsite support staff Access to meeting rooms, community events and activities Introductions to curated service partners: from science supplies to IP advice, marketing etc Collaboration with key University partners, and access to equipment Recruitment Support via talent partners Visibility to investors and industry networks across the UK FLEXIBLE LABORATORY LEASING Our lab spaces scale with your team: From two desks to full laboratory suites Short term, flexible serviced leases for simple onboarding and expansion Ideal for startups, scaleups and institutional projects needing flexibility with quality research infrastructure NEXT STEPS Enquire today : we have availability for laboratory space Visit our labs at 1 Portal Way, North Acton Read our FAQs to see how we manage the full workspace experience.
- Feasibility Study: designing the Heart of Innovation in Hammersmith & Fulham | Sciopolis
10 June 2025 Feasibility Study: designing the Heart of Innovation in Hammersmith & Fulham The new Hammersmith Civic Campus is already turning heads— the distinctive RHSP design, bathed in summer light, is a confident, colourful development that reflects an equally bold vision. As the borough’s leader Stephen Cowan put it during our project briefing: “You decide every day if you want to be the most miserable or the best version of yourself. Working in a place like this inspires you to be creative, to bring energy, to be the most innovative version of yourself.” That’s exactly the kind of environment we aim to help create. With Upstream London, Phase 2 of its Industrial Strategy , Hammersmith & Fulham Council is building on the success of the White City Innovation District – its joint collaboration with Imperial College London. The ambition is to extend its STEM³ innovation formula—science, technology, engineering, maths, medicine, and media—across the entire borough. Creating an “Innovation Borough” is no small feat. It demands a clear-eyed understanding of local strengths and gaps, thoughtful integration of existing assets, and the creation of new infrastructure that complements rather than duplicates. Most importantly, it requires a central place—a visible, vibrant hub where this vision can come to life. That’s where Sciopolis comes in. We’ve been commissioned by Hammersmith & Fulham Council to deliver a Feasibility Study exploring what the “innovation heart” of the Civic Campus could and should be. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be working closely with Councillor Cowan and his team to shape a space that reflects the borough’s ambition and supports its innovation ecosystem. What We are Exploring As with all our feasibility work, we’re focusing on two key dimensions: · The Space: What should the physical environment look and feel like? What kinds of behaviours and interactions should it encourage? How can design support collaboration, creativity, and serendipity? · The Mission and Ecosystem: Who will use this space—and why? How do we attract the right mix of people, organisations, and ideas? What makes this hub distinct, and how does it connect to other local innovation assets? We’ll be mapping the borough’s capabilities, speaking with stakeholders, and identifying emerging needs. Our goal is to propose a space that is inclusive, future-facing, and deeply embedded in the local innovation narrative. Let’s Build This Together This is the kind of project we love: ambitious, collaborative, and rooted in place. But before we start designing solutions, we want to hear from you. 📣 Are you based in Hammersmith & Fulham? Do you work in science, tech, media, or innovation and have ideas about how the Civic Campus could support your work or your community? Are you interested in taking space and being part of this ecosystem? 👉 We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a message and help shape the future of innovation in your borough. 👉Read more about Upstream London: Hammersmith & Fulham’s Industrial Strategy
- Imperial announces a major investment in Old Oak | Sciopolis
14 Oct 2024 Imperial announces a major investment in Old Oak
- North Acton… where? Closer than you think. | Sciopolis
12 Apr 2026 North Acton… where? Closer than you think. Ask most people to name London's innovation hotspots and they'll say the same things: Shoreditch, King's Cross, White City. These are great locations. They're also well-established, which means that the space, cost and flexibility you need can be harder to find. 1 Portal Way in North Acton is something different. It sits at the early edge of what is quietly becoming one of the most significant new innovation clusters in the UK. The question isn't whether this area will be on everyone's map. It's whether you'll be here before everyone else knows it. The first thing we checked was the commute - essential for every founder building a team and looking to attract and retain talent. 👇 Check out this video for a quick overview of transport connectivity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR7tdIWkSkE The commute numbers that will surprise you Here's the thing about North Acton that most people don't know until they check: it's on the Central Line. Three minutes' walk from the office, you're on one of London's busiest, most direct routes into the city. No changes, no faff. Add a ten-minute walk and you're at Acton Main Line, on the Elizabeth Line , with direct, no-change access to Paddington, the West End, the City and Heathrow. For founders and research teams who regularly host clients, meet investors, or travel internationally, this connectivity profile is exceptional JOURNEY TIMES FROM 1 PORTAL WAY 3 min walk North Acton tube (Central Line) 10 min walk Acton Main Line (Elizabeth Line) ~12 mins Paddington (Elizabeth Line direct) ~15 mins Imperial White City Campus (2 stops, Central Line) ~25 mins Central London (Central Line) ~22 mins Heathrow Airport (Elizabeth Line, no change) 30 mins* Birmingham (HS2, coming soon) * Projected journey time The ecosystem that makes location matter Connectivity is only part of the equation. What makes North Acton genuinely compelling is who is already here. Imperial College London owns four major sites in the area and is planning additional development as part of its WestTech London strategy. Their White City Campus , home to the Molecular Sciences Research Hub, the Uren Bioengineering Hub and the Imperial Incubator, is two stops on the Central Line. For science and deep-tech companies, that proximity is a structural advantage. Recruitment, collaboration and commercialisation pathways all become materially easier when you're embedded in the cluster. So why haven't you heard of it? Because the best opportunities rarely announce themselves. The areas that become famous for innovation usually do so after the first wave of residents has already arrived and built something. White City is celebrated now because the companies that moved there early took a risk on a former BBC site nobody else wanted. North Acton and the Old Oak cluster is at exactly that moment. The bones are in place: Imperial, the Central Line, the Elizabeth Line, major regeneration investment and an emerging community of science and technology ventures. What's missing is the critical mass that turns a cluster into a scene. 1 Portal Way exists to be part of building that critical mass: ready to occupy lab and office space designed for prototyping, R&D, early-stage hardware, deep-tech ventures that need proper infrastructure and serious neighbours, not a trendy postcode and a coffee shop. If you're building something that requires space to think and room to make big things, North Acton is closer than you think, and earlier than it looks. More about 1 Portal Way Want to come and see it for yourself? We run tours every Tuesday. Book me on a Tuesday Tour
- Lab to Manufacturing. Without the commute. | Sciopolis
22 Apr 2026 Lab to Manufacturing. Without the commute. Last month, Imperial College London inaugurated the Victoria Industrial Estate under its new name: Grapht Works . Names matter. Graft speaks to work, iteration, getting your hands dirty and staying close to the process. It also signals the coming together of things, the building of a new community. And for our tenants at 1 Portal Way , this moment is profoundly practical. What’s been launched next door (a five‑minute walk away)is pilot manufacturing capacity sitting directly alongside our ready‑to‑occupy labs and offices. In London, this kind of proposition is almost unheard of. A proposition that barely exists in London If you are a science or technology scale-up thinking about the next stage of your journey, which is likely to involve manufacturing - whether that’s imminent or still a year or two down the line - the usual London story is compromise. Labs in one place. Manufacturing somewhere else. Here in North Acton, there’s no compromise. At 1 Portal Way, you can be running R&D in fully fitted labs while your manufacturing sits literally 200m/ a “five-minute walk” away. Not in an industrial park beyond the M25, nor a train journey away. We’re talking about two sites designed to operate as one ecosystem- physically, culturally and programmatically: for founders and operators, this level of adjacency matters hugely. Why this matters? Manufacturing is iterative. Distance kills iteration. Manufacturing is not a fixed end state, especially at pilot and demonstration scale. It’s a process of adjustment, refinement, and correction. When your lab is far from your manufacturing site, iteration slows, small teams waste time travelling, decisions get deferred and changes wait until “the next visit”. Here, iteration compresses: you can walk from the manufacturing floor back to the lab. Adjust a process. Test it. Return. Adjust again. Several times in a single day if needed. That is not a marginal gain, it is a structural advantage. It means faster learning, tighter feedback loops, and better decision-making (especially for lean teams where every hour matters.) There isn’t a better place to do this in London There are very few locations in Zones 1 or 2 where manufacturing is even permitted. Fewer still (none?) where manufacturing sits directly alongside labs, offices, and an active innovation community anchored by a world‑leading university like Imperial College London. As far as we can see, nowhere else combines all of the following: Ready‑to‑use lab and office space where teams can refine and adjust their process. Adjacent manufacturing capability the kind where you can literally drive your forklift from one building to the next. A single, integrated community and programme , offering stage‑appropriate connections that accelerate thinking and reduce time to scale. Central London connectivity , making it easier to attract talent and maintain effortless commutes. A position within the Imperial and WestTech London ecosystem , giving companies privileged linkage to research, talent and translational infrastructure. For companies serious about scaling, this is a rare alignment of capabilities, location and ecosystem support. The successful launch of Grapht Works simply formalised what we already believed: 1 Portal Way occupies a genuinely unique position in London’s innovation landscape. Lab to manufacturing. Same day. Same community. Same momentum. Looking for Labs & Office space adjacent to advanced manufacturing? Check us out Want to find out more about Grapht Works? Brochure's here
- Privacy Policy | Sciopolis
Privacy Policy Effective Date: June 2025 Last Updated: June 2025 Welcome to Sciopolis. We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you interact with us—particularly when you subscribe to our newsletter via our website or forms. 1. Who We Are Sciopolis provides science and technology companies with ready-to-occupy lab and office space. We partner with landlords, universities and local government to deliver and operate thriving innovation Hubs for early-stage science and technology businesses. This privacy policy applies to www.sciopolis.co.uk and all digital interactions related to our newsletter. 2. What Information We Collect We may collect and process the following personal information: Name (optional) Email address (required for newsletter subscription) IP address and browser user agent (collected automatically when you visit our website) Subscription preferences Usage data (e.g., email opens, clicks—via third-party analytics) We do not collect or process special category data (e.g., health, race, religion) through the newsletter. 3. How We Collect Your Data We collect data through: Newsletter subscription forms Event or workshop sign-ups Cookies and tracking technologies (for website analytics and email engagement) Contact forms or other direct communication 4. How We Use Your Information We use your information to: Send newsletters, updates, event invitations, and other Sciopolis-related communications Improve our content, services, and outreach Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights We will not use your data for unrelated purposes or share it with third parties for marketing. 5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR) Under the UK GDPR, our lawful bases for processing your data are: Consent – for email communications, which you provide when subscribing Legitimate interests – for improving our website and communications Legal obligations – where applicable 6. Cookies and Tracking We use cookies and similar tracking technologies for: Site analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) Email performance (e.g., open/click tracking through Mailchimp/HubSpot) You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. For more information, see our [Cookie Policy] 7. Third-Party Services We use trusted third-party providers to process your data securely, such as: Mailchimp or HubSpot – for email campaign management Google Analytics – for website traffic analytics These providers are GDPR-compliant and act as data processors on our behalf. 8. How We Protect Your Data We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including: Secure servers and encryption Access controls Regular audits and updates Despite our efforts, no method of transmission is 100% secure. We recommend using strong passwords and being cautious with your personal data online. 9. Data Retention We will retain your personal data for as long as you are subscribed to our newsletter. Upon unsubscribing, your data will be: Deleted from our email lists, or Retained only where legally required (e.g., audit purposes) 10. Your Rights (UK GDPR) You have the right to: Access the data we hold about you Correct inaccurate or outdated data Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., via the unsubscribe link) Request deletion of your data Object to or restrict processing Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@sciopolis.co.uk 11. Children’s Privacy Our newsletter and website are not directed to children under 13. If we become aware that we’ve collected data from a child without parental consent, we will delete it immediately. 12. Updates to This Policy We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the "Last Updated" date above. 13. Contact Us If you have questions or concerns about your data or this policy, please contact us: Sciopolis info@sciopolis.co.uk
- University spinouts are struggling, and here's why. | Sciopolis
23 May 2025 University spinouts are struggling, and here's why. The UK government has been clear: Universities are crucial for scientific innovation. Academics are expected to commercialise their research through spinouts, turning ideas into companies that solve real-world problems. But while the expectation is high, the support is lacking. Spinouts need money to get off the ground. The Government’s £40m proof-of-concept fund was supposed to help, but demand has been overwhelming. According to an article this week by City AM, the first £9m round had 2,750 applicants—far more than the funding could handle. That means thousands of potential startups may never make it past the first hurdle. But even when spinouts do secure funding, there’s another issue: where do they go next? Kate Carlisle from Royal Society of Chemistry presented the spinouts ideal journey at London Lab Live Early-stage science companies need space, flexible labs and business support to grow into something real. They also need for these resources and facilities to be well integrated into their development journey, as “upping sticks” to find affordable lab space elsewhere, when it’s not provided close to their university ecosystem, can sever precious links and lose specialised expertise that has taken time and effort to build, When spinouts exceed incubators capacity and don't find suitable lab space in their ecosystem, they are forced to move elsewhere, which breaks their flow. That’s where Sciopolis' scaling hubs approach and campaigns like # MoreChemLabs spearheaded by the Royal Society of Chemistry come in. Having access to affordable, well-equipped labs and facilities near universities, with supportive ecosystems and room to grow can make the difference between success and failure for university spinouts. Kate Carlisle from the Royal Society of Chemistry made the argument well in her presentation at the London Lab Live event last week (see slide below) and we couldn’t agree more: think ecosystem, not just infrastructure. If the UK wants to stay ahead in scientific innovation and be a catalyst for companies that will change the world, it must do more than just encourage spinouts—it must support them properly, with funding, space, and partnerships. Spinouts need more affordable, ready-to-occupy, university-adjacent labs they can move into after leaving incubators. This allows them to stay rooted in the ecosystems that nurtured them, avoiding disruptive and costly relocations. Otherwise, we risk losing out on world-changing discoveries before they even get started. Click here for more blogs Follow us on LinkedIn