Bristol's Future Space opens its doors to science and tech firms

Future Space, an innovation centre for science and tech businesses, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities in Bristol.

Based in the heart of the University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) at the University of the West of England, the centre provides a home for high-tech health, engineering, creative technology and green tech businesses benefitting from a unique university-partnered pathway to innovation.

Seven new labs and 12 new offices will offer space for up to 130 new people – increasing the centre’s capacity to support up to 70 businesses and bringing new jobs and opportunities to Bristol.

An extra £1 million GVA could be generated a year as a result of the expansion at Future Space, which already contributes around £2.5 million to the city’s economy every year.

New facilities are also on offer for the 50 businesses already located at the UEZ, as a vibrant facelift of its main networking areas are on the horizon – including a new-look reception area, event space, hot-desking and café area.

The expansion means more room to grow for Future Space businesses, such as Albotherm. Albotherm is developing an innovative carbon-saving coating for commercial greenhouses and has expanded from 3 to 7 people since taking a shared lab in 2021.

They will be moving into their own dedicated lab within the centre’s new 10,000 square feet this summer. “This gives us the best of both worlds as we can grow while having access to shared facilities”, says their CEO Molly Allington.

Future Space members benefit from established business support led by Oxford Innovation Space as well as from a newly launched university-partnered R&D pathway working alongside academics, students and facilities based across UWE Bristol, as well as from leading research centres co-located in the UEZ.

“You can meet up with people from all over the University of the West of England”, says Neciah Dorh, CEO at FluoretIQ, “connecting with the Health Tech Hub and Bristol Robotics Lab – we are working with both, and they have been invaluable to us.”

Professor Matt Freeman, Centre Director at Future Space, said: “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to providing top-notch facilities for our thriving community of high-tech businesses inspired to work at the forefront of their sector.

“All new businesses will get access to our award-winning innovation support, including our new university-partnered approach to R&D and business support, allowing them to thrive in partnership with UWE Bristol, one of the region’s leading universities.”

Tracey John, Director of Research, Business and Innovation at the University of the West of England, said: “This expansion signifies more than a new building - it is the start of a fresh approach to nurturing innovation and R&D here at Future Space.

“This environment fosters collaboration, sparks ingenuity, and propels businesses to new heights through its partnership with the university.

“Together we support businesses throughout each stage of the scale up journey, allowing students unique access to the business world, and giving businesses unique access to new talent and exciting research. We’re excited for the journey ahead at Future Space and keen to see where it goes next.”