Great ideas
need strong foundations
Imperial Incubator exists to give early-stage, lab-based startups a strong start. With over twenty years of incubation experience and multiple awards, we know what it takes to succeed and we believe in the founders we support.
We also know that it takes an ecosystem to scale a startup. As a member of Imperial Incubator, you’ll have all the resources for growth within reach and be part of a pioneering deep tech scene.
Why Choose Imperial Incubator
Build right from day one
Founder-friendly
Adapt without the hassle.
Our licences are designed to support the dynamic needs of early-stage startups, balancing stability with flexibility. With no contract setup fees and scalable space options, Members can upsize or downsize as their team and equipment needs evolve.
Enabling environment
Come for the space. Stay for the community.
More than a workspace, we offer an environment where startups connect and collaborate. With a welcoming atmosphere, communal refreshments and coworking areas and Members-only channels and events, you’ll be part of a dynamic network from day one.
Hands-on support
Here to simplify doing science.
From a smooth lab setup with Wi-Fi and utilities all ready-to-go, to managed waste disposal, lab coat laundry, maintenance and parcel deliveries, we take care of the infrastructure and admin so you don’t have to.
What we offer
1
Science-ready workspaces
Our light, bright shared and private labs are designed to optimise productivity. They are already fitted out with utilities connections and have easy access to communal facilities including the refreshments area and equipment room.
2
Tailored business support and opportunities
Founders benefit from free coaching and mentoring, onsite “Office Hours” drop-in sessions with subject matter experts, access to training, accelerator and growth programmes, together with guidance on raising funds.
3
A gateway to Imperial’s deep tech capabilities
Imperial Incubator gives startups insider access to a top-tier university with its advanced equipment, prototyping facilities and research centres, plus academic expertise, skilled graduates and valuable industry contacts.
The incubator could be a perfect fit if…
You need flexible lab space in West London
You’d like tailored business support and introductions
Your startup benefits from specialist facilities
Our impact 2016 – 2024
Companies incubated
£ million raised
Jobs created
%
Startup survival rate
Awards
Incubator/Coworking Space of the Year 2025
Shortlisted UKSPA Best Small
Science Park 2024
Incubator/Coworking Space of the Year 2024
Incubator/Coworking Space of the Year 2022
Case study
Making clean energy a reality
M-Spin Unveils Pilot Lab to Facilitate Green Energy Storage and Conversion
Advanced materials company M-Spin has officially opened its new lab facility at Imperial Incubator, marking the next phase in the company’s scale-up journey as its products begin to be commercially deployed. With pilot-scale equipment now operational, M-Spin is well-placed to supply partners and customers with large-format samples of its ultra-high surface area metallic and ceramic mats.
Co-founded by Professor Nigel Brandon (clean energy pioneer and founder of Ceres Power and RFC Power), M-Spin is set to deliver vital solutions for net zero by building on deep academic research. The company spun out from Imperial with a £1.2M seed round.
M-Spin’s ultra-high surface area mats can dramatically enhance the performance of electrolysers, electric vehicle batteries and grid-based energy storage systems. Its technology could reduce the cost of green hydrogen by 20–30% and it is already working with electrolyser manufacturers to bring it to market.
The company’s lab launch at Imperial Incubator brought together partners, customers, investors and members of the university’s innovation community for an evening of lab tours, live demonstrations and insights from M-Spin’s leadership team.
Watch the highlights from M-Spin’s lab launch event
How do M-Spin’s advanced materials work?
The ultra-high surface area of M-Spin’s metallic mats drives significant increases in current density and efficiency when used as electrodes and porous transport layers in both alkaline and PEM electrolysers.
In batteries, M-Spin has demonstrated a factor of two improvement in peak power density in a polysulfide-iodide redox flow battery, and a factor of five increase in areal loading in a Li-S battery.