Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech have partnered to develop a life sciences and tech hub.
- Located in White City, the hub will provide state-of-the-art facilities for tech businesses.
- The UK Government welcomes the project, which will support deep tech startups and scaleups.
- The £200m investment will create jobs and retain skilled talent in the UK.
- The innovation hub strengthens Imperial’s research capabilities and Bruntwood SciTech’s commitment to sustainability.
Imperial College London, alongside Bruntwood SciTech, is embarking on a strategic partnership to create a major innovation workspace dedicated to life sciences and deep technology. This collaboration, involving a £200 million investment, is set to transform London’s Imperial WestTech Corridor with a new facility located in White City. The development promises to deliver cutting-edge laboratories and workspaces that will enable deep tech startups, scaleups, and global enterprises to thrive in conjunction with Imperial’s esteemed academics and clinicians.
Lord Patrick Vallance, the UK’s Minister for Science, expressed his approval of the initiative during London Life Sciences Week, indicating the government’s support for this major investment in the country’s scientific and technological advancement. The 200,000 square foot centre will play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s innovation ecosystem and is expected to provide significant opportunities for commercialising R&D innovations while strengthening talent retention and job creation.
Bruntwood SciTech, which benefits from the support of Legal & General and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, plans to integrate the facility into the existing ecosystem at Imperial’s Deep Tech Campus. The new space will foster connections between over 110 early-stage companies, academics, and researchers, encouraging productive collaborations and growth.
The financial backing from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund exemplifies how institutional capital can stimulate economic growth within the UK innovation sector. This development marks a significant milestone, following Bruntwood SciTech’s recent £500 million expansion in partnership with educational and public sector institutions, further solidifying its influence in major cities such as Manchester and Cambridge.
In line with the sustainability commitments of both Imperial College and Bruntwood SciTech, the forthcoming centre aims to achieve net-zero carbon status in both construction and communal operations. The partnership will also ensure that 100% renewable energy is utilised across all shared spaces, maintaining a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, commented on the potential for this partnership to drive forward advanced technologies by merging the expertise of leading academics with private sector strengths. He acknowledged the state-of-the-art facilities at Imperial’s White City Campus as instrumental in reinforcing the UK’s global reputation as a leading destination for business innovation.
Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer at Bruntwood SciTech, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the opportunity to collaborate with Imperial as a testament to the company’s dedication to advancing the UK’s innovation economy. She cited their comprehensive efforts across cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool, underscoring the momentum gained from their substantial investments and partnerships.
This ambitious partnership between Imperial College and Bruntwood SciTech signifies a transformative step toward bolstering the UK’s technological prowess and innovation capabilities.
