Old Oak
London W3 6RS
Available from mid-2026, One Portal Way, Old Oak will support up to 30 innovative science and tech ventures by offering competitively priced, ready-to-occupy laboratory and office space with flexible terms and all-inclusive costs, plus access to onsite amenities such as event spaces, meeting rooms and a café.
Welcome to London’s
next innovation community
Opening mid-2026, One Portal Way, Old Oak offers ambitious science and tech ventures the opportunity to scale in one of the UK’s largest regeneration zones. It combines ready-to-use labs and offices with on-site support from Imperial Incubator and direct access to the research strengths and networks of the UK’s leading STEMB university.
Located minutes from North Acton tube station (Central Line), two stops away from White City and part of Imperial’s Old Oak Campus, One Portal Way brings together affordable premises with outstanding transport links and a growing innovation community.
The building lies in close proximity to the future Old Oak Common station, which will become one of the UK’s best connected transport hubs. From 2030, it will be the only location where HS2, the Elizabeth Line and the Great Western Main Line meet – offering fast, direct links to central London and major research and business centres nationwide.
Your base for growth
At One Portal Way, Old Oak, scale-ups get the space, support and community they need to grow. With fully fitted labs and offices, cost effective flexible terms, and direct access to Imperial’s ecosystem, companies can move
in and start building, without the delays, overheads or long-term commitments.
Affordable, ready-to-use labs
From lab infrastructure to day-to-day essentials, every detail has been designed to support scientific progress. Enjoy a high-spec lab environment, handy shared equipment and a full suite of facilities, ready from day one.
What’s here
- 24 fitted labs and 29 modern offices designed for flexibility and easy occupancy
- Shared core equipment including autoclave,hazardous waste disposal, ice machine, glass wash, gas and waste solvent stores, clinical waste store and demin water system
- Social amenities such as meeting and event rooms, café and social areas to support collaboration and bring people together
Supported by the Imperial Incubator team
Imperial Incubator will have an active presence on-site, providing hands-on lab support and facilitating access to specialist equipment, academic expertise and top-tier talent. Regular community events and close collaboration with partners across White City and other Incubator sites will ensure a vibrant, interconnected environment where science ventures can collaborate and thrive.
Meet your neighbours
One Portal Way, Old Oak puts you in the heart of a major regeneration zone that is already taking shape.
Watch the One Portal Way video to learn more
Where innovators get ahead
Being part of the Incubator enhanced our credibility as a deep-tech startup, showcasing our potential to investors. The access to state-of-the-art labs and Imperial’s entrepreneurial ecosystem played a key role in securing significant funding rounds, including our Series A funding, which totalled over £16.9 million.
Puraffinity
Graduated member since 2022
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?