Incubation: a curated growth environment
Our growth ecosystem is at the heart of Daresbury Laboratory, giving research-driven businesses the foundation from which to start and scale. As part of a leading science and innovation Campus, we offer world-class facilities and expertise.
From state-of-the-art equipment, fitted labs and deep technical expertise, STFC Incubation empowers a diverse range of science and technology companies. Our incubation companies also benefit from access to expert business support, routes to finance and early-stage funding, as well as a national network of public and private sector partners who can support their growth journey. More than purpose-built, well-equipped infrastructure, companies constantly have collaboration opportunities, cluster environment, access to a skilled talent pool and much more.
Support for startups and scale ups
We create an environment for the innovation, start-up and growth for science and technology start-ups and spin outs. With a range of incubator facilities, prototyping expertise, grant funding opportunities and a network of technical support. Offering flexible lease terms and short notice periods for termination, we enable true agility as businesses grow and evolve.
A place to grow
We create growth ecosystems at the heart of the UK’s leading science campuses, giving research-driven businesses the foundation from which to scale. STFC Incubation offers a diverse range of facilities that empower businesses to scale without incurring proportional increases in cost. Our wider Sci-Tech Daresbury Campus provides a long-term base, a true ‘home for life’, for ambitious companies of all sizes, benefiting from shared infrastructure, flexible space, and support services.
As a Campus, we actively foster collaboration, among companies across Campus and also with the range of facilities at STFC. This vibrant ecosystem encourages the exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, creating the ideal environment for innovation to thrive. Whether you’re looking to spark new partnerships, gain insights from leading researchers, or simply connect with like-minded innovators, our community is built to help you grow.
Our expertise
From prototyping expertise, testbed facilities to national laboratories, we cater for a vast range of research & development requirements.
With specialist consultancy, calibration and knowledge transfer in rapid prototyping offered as standard, our service is unrivalled. We turn equipment and expertise into capability, giving innovators the space to test, prototype, iterate and prove their concept.
We provide dedicated health and safety support, along with expert laboratory services, so companies can focus on driving innovation while we provide the world-class facilities. Our facilities are equipped with specialised equipment and environments tailored to biology, materials science, chemistry, and advanced engineering, supporting a wide range of research and innovation needs.
Biotechnology
I-TAC Bio offers fitted wet biology laboratories (up to class II) equipped with biosafety cabinets, and access to shared biological equipment and labs facilities. Designed to support companies that require space for biology, biotechnology, or broader life sciences development, I-TAC Bio provides an environment for cutting-edge research.
Engineering
The Campus Technology Hub offers light assembly areas and workshop spaces. These spaces are designed to support working in engineering, robotics, electronics, electrotechnology development and other mechanical works.
Materials
I-TAC offers fitted wet chemical laboratories with extraction fume hoods, access to analytical equipment and shared labs facilities. Designed to support companies that require laboratory space for chemical, materials or broader scientific development, our labs provide a conducive environment for high quality research and development.
Benefits
- World-class facilities
- Funded incubation programmes
- A location on one of the UKs leading science campuses
- Access to Additive Manufacturing expertise
- Access to visualisation, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality expertise
- Business support and access to funding
- National network of supporting organisations
Funded incubation programmes
Find out more about our funded incubation programmes and how they fund and accelerate the commercialisation of deep tech innovations.
