White City
London W12 7RZ
Imperial’s White City campus is home to a dynamic community of innovators, backed by world-class research expertise and cutting-edge facilities.
Join a vibrant innovation neighbourhood
At the heart of Imperial’s White City Innovation Campus, the White City Incubator is an ideal base for ambitious startups. We’re situated in one of the UK’s most dynamic innovation districts that brings together world-class research, cutting-edge facilities, and a growing community of deep science ventures and industry partners. Startups based here benefit from proximity to Imperial’s academic expertise and resources, as well as access to talent, on-campus events and collaboration opportunities within a vibrant support system designed to accelerate ideas into impact.
White City offers outstanding transport connections. There are two Zone 2 Tube stations – White City (Central Line) and Wood Lane (Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines) – right on your doorstep, so you’re less than 15 minutes from Bond Street and the West End. These fast, direct links provide easy access to central London, the City and beyond, keeping your team and collaborators connected to the capital’s business, research and cultural hotspots.
And if you’re looking for entertaining, team-building and leisure options, there are plenty of options within reach. Europe’s largest shopping centre – Westfield London – is right on our doorstep, with over 400 stores, 700 brands and 100 places to eat.
Meet your neighbours
Imperial’s White City Incubator is at the heart of White City innovation district, providing a mix of work and leisure amenities on your doorstep.
Imperial College London
The Advanced Hackspace
Sir Michael Uren Research Hub
Molecular Science Research Hub
The School of Public Health
Hammersmith Hospital
I-HUB
Scale Space
RCA White City
L’Oreal
Novartis
Westfield London
White City House
BBC Studios
BBC Media Place
Hammersmith Park
Queens Park Rangers Football Club
What’s here
8 cat-2 labs
2 large co-working labs
High-spec shared equipment room
Private and shared office space
Meeting rooms, pods and phone booths
Refreshments and chill out area
Settle in and scale up
Everything is designed to help startups hit the ground running and grow with confidence. From fully equipped, science-ready labs to flexible tenancy terms and dedicated on-site support, we take care of the operational details so you can focus on what really matters.
Additional on-site facilities include food outlets and event spaces ranging from a terrace to a full auditorium, ideal for everything from launches to meet-ups. There’s also a dedicated recording studio for videos and podcasts – giving startups the tools they need to host, create and connect all under one roof.
The whole ecosystem here at the White City Campus has helped us nurture the company.
Chief Operating Officer
Multus Biotechnology
Frequently asked questions
What types of startups are best suited to Imperial’s Incubator?
We welcome early-stage life science startups requiring wet lab space, such as those working in the fields of novel materials, biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics and synthetic biology.
What is included in the monthly licence fee?
Our licence covers access to shared lab benches or private lab space, a shared equipment room, co-working or private office space and infrastructure support such as Wi-Fi, waste disposal and mailroom services.
You say that terms are flexible. What’s the minimum contract duration?
We offer flexible contracts tailored to your stage of growth and evolving needs. Our usual contract duration is a one year license with a two month termination policy on either side.
How do I apply for space in the Incubator?
Please complete our online application form with details about your startup and space requirements in the first instance.
Applications are reviewed based on your stage of development, scientific merit, team strength and alignment with our mission, facilities and existing community.
How long can a startup be based at the Incubator for?
Most Members stay with us between 12 to 36 months, during which time they might have moved premises once or more within the Incubator (for example, from a shared facility to a private lab).
What happens if my startup outgrows the Incubator?
We support your transition into larger facilities through our network of property partners and can assist with planning your relocation.
Do you provide virtual office services?
No, we do not provide virtual office services for non-resident companies. Our support is designed specifically for startups that are actively working on-site within our lab and office spaces.
Do I need to have studied at Imperial for my startup to be considered?
No. We welcome both startups with an existing Imperial connection and those that are new to our community.
What are your safety training and compliance requirements?
All lab users must complete onboarding safety training, adhere to our operating procedures and comply with their own company’s health and safety protocols.
Can I bring in my own specialist lab equipment?
Yes, provided it meets our safety guidelines, has suitable utilities connections and fits within the boundaries of your space. All equipment must be approved by our Lab Manager before installation.
Do you provide access to core scientific equipment?
Absolutely. Our shared equipment room and labs offers access to commonly used instruments such as centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, fumehoods and cold storage (a full list is available upon request).
In addition, Members have access to wider specialist facilities through Imperial’s network such as the Hackspace, the Royce Institute and Agilent Suite (consult our “Innovation at Imperial” webpage for more details).
Is clinical waste disposal included?
Yes. We have clinical waste disposal process as part of your membership. All members are entitled to dispose of 4 free clinical bags per month and the cost thereafter will be £25 per bag.
Please note that chemical waste disposal must be arranged separately, as this is not a service we directly provide. Please contact us if you have a query or specific requirement regarding waste disposal.
Is there Wi-Fi and IT support included?
Yes. We offer secure, high-speed Wi-Fi. IT support is managed through the building owner (for example, Scale Space in White City).
What are the hours of lab access?
Members have 24/7 access to the labs and office areas (some restrictions may apply during Christmas and Easter). Out of office hours, each startup should have their own lone working policy in place if applicable.
What type of business support do you offer?
Members have access to a network of mentors, investors and industry experts. Regular programming includes business seminars, workshops and “meet the expert” sessions.
Can I hire interns and staff through the Incubator?
We are always happy to promote job vacancies on your behalf (for example in our newsletters and on our Linkedin channel, as well as via word of mouth).
The Scale Space Careers Fair offers startups a valuable chance to connect with Imperial's talented students, graduates and researchers - ideal for hiring, internships or building a future talent pipeline.
In addition, The White City Internship Fund gives startups the chance to tap into Imperial’s exceptional student talent. It supports summer internships (minimum eight weeks) focused on growth-driven projects, with businesses receiving a 50% salary contribution toward the cost.
Do you take an equity stake in my startup?
No, the Incubator does not take an equity stake in the startups it supports. For academic founders based at Imperial, the spinout formation process sets out terms and determines how much founding equity the university takes. For more information, visit the Founders Choice webpages.
Is funding available through the Incubator?
The Incubator does not directly fund startups, however we assist Members to access funding. For example the Enterprise Lab's Investment Services provides investment readiness support and our Members newsletter highlights relevant grant opportunities and open calls for competitions. We also host joint events with grant-awarding bodies such as Innovate UK.
Are there opportunities for collaboration among startups in the incubator?
Absolutely. We actively promote collaborating through monthly social events, regular seminars and networking opportunities. Members can also communicate directly via our WhatsApp group. Some of our members go on to do business together.
Are there any types of scientific work not permitted onsite?
Explore more
What we offer
Flexible, fully-equipped lab spaces, expert mentoring and business support, access to Imperial’s talent, research and networks - all within a vibrant, collaborative community of founders on a similar journey.
Who we support
The Incubator supports early-stage startups with flexible wet lab and office space in West London. Our curated community includes ventures working in sectors like medtech, climate solutions, biotech, sustainable fashion and therapeutics.
About us
Operated by Imperial College London - a global top ten university - we’re a non-profit incubator that gives new science a strong start. Early-stage startups tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges call us home.