Imperial College's science-led incubator and prototyping hub, whose resident startups have raised over £1B since 2006.
- Location:
- London (White City), United Kingdom
- Equity:
- Equity-free
What you need to qualify
- The Incubator supports "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". Members also work in medtech, climate solutions and sustainable fashion.
- No Imperial affiliation is required. The Incubator states: "We welcome both startups with an existing Imperial connection and those that are new to our community."
- Laboratory work is limited to Biosafety Level 1 to 2. No animal research is permitted, and work with human samples requires ethical approval.
- Applications are assessed on the startup's stage of development, scientific merit, team strength, feasibility and alignment with the Incubator's facilities and mission.
- Advanced Hackspace membership is separate and open to Imperial students, Imperial staff and external innovators.
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- All stages
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
How to apply
- 1
Decide which facility you actually need
These are two different things sharing the White City campus. The White City Incubator is licensed wet lab and office space for life science and deep tech companies. The Advanced Hackspace is a prototyping membership covering 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics benches and a machine shop. You join them separately.
- 2
Submit an Expression of Interest to the Incubator
Complete the online form linked from imperialincubator.com, giving your startup details and your space requirements (shared bench, private lab up to 70 square metres, office or co-working).
- 3
Wait for the assessment
The Incubator reviews each application on stage of development, scientific merit, team strength, feasibility and alignment with its facilities and mission.
- 4
Sign the licence
The Incubator states: "Our usual contract duration is a one year license with a two month termination policy on either side." Members typically stay 12 to 36 months. No equity is taken.
- 5
Join the Advanced Hackspace separately if you need prototyping
Apply through the Become a member page at imperialhackspace.com/becomeamember-2/, then book a free one-to-one HackSurgery session with a HackFellow, an experienced engineer, designer or founder, to get set up.