A group of colleagues standing outside the Campus Technology Hub building at Daresbury Laboratory.

Facilities

We provide access to a wide variety of fully equipped specialist labs and unique, facilities, alongside the deep technical knowledge and expertise needed to supercharge R&D.

With specialist consultancy, dedicated training, calibration and knowledge transfer offered as standard, our service is unrivalled – turning equipment into capability and giving founders the space to test, iterate and prove.

Since our model is built around public value, not profit, we help science-led businesses access the infrastructure they need to truly accelerate growth.

Our facilities

Two 3D printers sitting side by side on a workbench with a softly lit printing area.

3D Printing

Our cutting-edge additive manufacturing facilities support deep tech businesses accelerate product development. These facilities enable rapid prototyping for design validation, user testing, field trials, and pre-production evaluation. SMEs can access six distinct additive manufacturing technologies, capable of producing components using over 50 different polymer and metal materials.

A person using a VR headset while working at a dual-screen computer, viewing a 3D digital prototype.

Digital Prototyping

Digital prototyping tools are increasingly utilised to virtually model and showcase key features during new product development. STFC’s Development Team specialises in delivering immersive solutions through Virtual and Augmented Reality, as well as producing high-quality digital assets for MP4 presentations and web-based applications.

A close‑up hand holding a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B single‑board computer.

5G Ecosystem

Our recently installed 5G Ecosystem offers a range of Future Telecom technologies that can be used for testing and validation of 5G enabled IoT devices. The range of equipment includes enhanced open 5G connectivity, dedicated high-performance private network, high-performance mobile open network, secure data storage and a dedicated lab for building, calibrating and deploying IoT sensors.

A person wearing protective gloves removing a large circular 3D‑printed component from a 3D printer.

Living Laboratory

The Living Lab at the Campus Technology Hub offers SMEs a unique opportunity to test, develop, and showcase innovative technologies in a real-world environment. Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure including 5G, LoRaWAN, IoT platforms alongside 3D printing and VR/AR technologies. The facility enables small and medium-sized enterprises to accelerate product development, validate solutions, and access expert technical support.

Laboratory Equipment Access

Our shared laboratory facilities provide businesses with access to high-quality analytical equipment without the burden of heavy investment to purchase. Through our easy and affordable pay-as-you-go model, businesses can carry out their own research and development using calibrated, well-maintained equipment in a safe and professional environment.

Learn more about our equipment