Demand grows in Bristol for lab space for deep tech

More than half the lab space at a converted 30,000 sq ft former stationary warehouse in Old Market, Bristol is already under negotiation with ambitious deep tech start-up companies. The companies, which are seeking to unlock the next great waves of innovation, plan to move in this Autumn.

The project is Science Creates’ second incubator, as its first building is now bursting at the seams, despite only opening late last year.  In partnership with the University of Bristol, Science Creates aims to establish Bristol as a global centre for deep tech by providing a combination of specialist incubator facilities able to house wet labs, a network of strategic partners and £15 million investment fund.

https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/new-ecosystem-launches-to-drive-deep-tech-in-bristol/

Metro Mayor, Dan Norris, elected earlier this year, backed the organisation's plans to make the West of England a global centre for deep tech.

Science Creates founder Dr Harry Destecroix, said: “In the next ten years, we’d love to see Bristol develop one million square feet of lab space for deep tech companies. Alongside these facilities, we also need specialised venture capital to fund these companies, which is why we launched our first £13.5M Fund with Science Creates Ventures. Together this will help unlock Bristol companies, so they can match the ambition of start-ups from Boston and Silicon Valley.

“Because of the current pandemic and the impending climate crisis, the value of science has never been so clear to society. Bristol is home to world-leading research that if used correctly, could help to address global challenges.”

Dr Ashley Brewer, Centre Director at Science Creates Incubators, said:“We support over 35 science and engineering companies, working across a range of deep tech sectors. This work ranges from developing new vaccine platforms that could remove the need for refrigeration in the vaccine delivery chain, to developing better battery technologies that could help in the move to electrification.

“Our second incubator, opening in November, just around the corner in Old Market, will provide workspace for an additional 150 science and engineering jobs. This kind of usage allows for a much higher employment density than the building's previous use for storage and distribution.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “From Brunel to Concorde our region has always been home to the great engineers and scientists of our times. Today is no exception and we are still creating some of the most exciting science and engineering companies in the country. We need a critical mass of deep tech businesses to really get cut through, which is why I’m backing Science Creates call to see one million square feet of lab space developed in Bristol over the next ten years. Where this kind of infrastructure for science companies has appeared elsewhere in the world, it’s had a huge benefit not just to the regional but also national economy. This is a model we must follow to get the best for the West of England and also UK PLC Science Creates is doing an amazing job of building for the future.”