About us
Imperial Incubator supports early-stage startups tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges. Operated by Imperial College London – a global top ten university – we’re here to give promising new science a strong start.
A brief history
Empowering your start. Championing you every step of the way.
Around 20 years ago, Imperial opened its first incubator in the basement of the Bessemer building on the South Kensington campus.
Since then, Imperial Incubator has moved and improved several times and expanded to more than one location. We’ve worked hard to build our Member and Alumni community and maintain connections at every step. This is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of our work, and we’re immensely proud to see Incubator startups past and present thrive and expand.
A few founders have scaled their startups in adjacent buildings in White City, and occasionally still pop in to say hello!
Our impact
Results matter, especially for entrepreneurs. We’re tremendously proud of our community’s achievements.
Between 2016 – 2024:
Companies incubated
£ million raised
Jobs created
%
Startup survival rate
What we offer
Space to innovate. Support to accelerate
Flexible infrastructure
Our light, bright labs are designed to optimise productivity. They are fitted out with the necessary utilities connections and are positioned for quick access to communal facilities including the refreshments area and shared equipment room.
Tailored guidance
Founders benefit from technical and business training, coaching and mentoring, drop-in sessions with subject matter experts, access to grant funding and accelerator programmes and 1-to-1 investment readiness support.
Vibrant community
Startups can tap into the research of world-leading Imperial academics, recruit talented students and use advanced equipment, whilst making new connections through focused events, targeted networking and business introductions.
A partner: not just premises
More than a premises provider – the Incubator is a partner in your journey. We roll up our sleeves and do the groundwork with you, creating an environment designed to unlock your idea’s potential and support your growth.
We understand the challenges of building a science-based startup. From day one, our team is here to assist with practical troubleshooting, tailored advice and valuable connections that extend far beyond the lab.
Being based at Imperial, the UK’s only STEMB university, Members harness the specialist facilities, academic expertise and established reputation of a globally-renowned institution.
Case study
MiNA Therapeutics
MiNA Therapeutics is the global leader in small activating RNA therapeutics or RNAa. Harnessing innate mechanisms of gene activation, RNAa therapeutics are a revolutionary new class of medicines that can restore or boost normal function of genes and thereby protein-modulated pathways in cells.
What key progress has the business made since graduating from the Incubator?
The Incubator served as our first wet lab, where we initially had fewer than 10 staff members working. Today, MiNA Therapeutics employs over 30 people. We progressed our first medicine through multiple phase one trials and into a phase two trial, involving approximately 130 patients.
Robert Habib, Chief Executive Officer
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.