Our locations
Imperial Incubator spans strategic locations in west London – a top destination for deep tech and life sciences. Our integrated support system empowers startups to grow quickly and sustainably.
Explore our locations
White City
At the heart of Imperial’s new campus, White City 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.
Hammersmith
Available in September 2025
Imperial Incubator has teamed up with ARC West London to create Leap: a new start-up incubator facility in a stunning riverside location.
Nestled on the bank of the Thames within ARC West London’s development, Leap provides access to individual lab benches, shared specialist equipment, expert guidance and scale-up programmes to help founders refine their ideas.
Co-located with ARC’s accelerator ‘Motherlabs‘, this combined resource supports early stage ventures as they move from concept to commercialisation.
Old Oak
Ready mid 2026
Based in Imperial’s newest hub in Old Oak, North Acton, One Portal Way by Sciopolis will support scaling science and tech ventures by offering competitively priced, ready-to-occupy laboratory and office spaces.
Located close to North Acton tube station (Central Line), and only two stops away from White City, the building is currently undergoing refurbishment. Once complete, it will feature 24 laboratories and 29 offices, along with amenities such as meeting rooms, event spaces, a publicly accessible café and a garden.
Goldhawk Yards
Available in 2028
Imperial Incubator is delighted to be collaborating with Yoo Capital to deliver lab-enabled workspace and startup support as part of the future Goldhawk Yards development, being brought forward in conjunction with the regeneration of the iconic 114-year-old Shepherd’s Bush Market.
The new site will feature an Incubator and scale-up laboratory space within a dedicated commercial building for small businesses, alongside a café, co-working facilities, and commercial office space. The wider development will also provide 40 new affordable homes managed by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
Part of WestTech London
WestTech London is a deep tech innovation ecosystem for West London. This initiative brings together industry, investors, universities, NHS trusts, local authorities, developers and government who are collectively developing instructure, attracting inward investment and supporting innovation and economic growth in the area.
West London has a rich legacy of scientific innovation, dating back to the discovery of penicillin at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1928. Today, it’s home to major science and technology hubs, including Imperial’s South Kensington campus, Paddington Life Sciences and the White City Innovation District.
At the heart of WestTech London is Old Oak – one of the UK’s most significant regeneration projects and one of our best connected locations once Old Oak common station opens in 2030.
With world-class research institutions, a highly skilled and diverse talent pool, strong transport connections and a rich industrial heritage, WestTech London will become a recognised centre for scientific and technological innovation that reinforces the UK’s position as a leader in science and technology and solves some of the most intractable challenges facing humanity.
How to join
1
Apply online
Please complete our first-stage application form with details of your startup and space requirements.
Applications are reviewed based on your stage of development, scientific merit, team strength and alignment with our mission, facilities and existing community.
2
Visit the Incubator
If it looks like we could be a good fit for your startup, we’ll invite you to come and visit the space. We’ll walk you through the facilities and talk through any additional questions you might have.
3
Sign your premises licence
If the space and terms are suitable, we’ll send you a formal licence agreement to sign and return. Our minimum contract duration is usually a one year license with a two month termination policy on either side.
Top talent is never far away
When we need to expand our team in technical areas, being close to Imperial is fantastic.
Co-founder and CEO
Multus
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?