New £6m deep tech incubator in final phase of construction

A former stationery warehouse in Old Market is set to house the next generation of science and engineering companies in Bristol.

The new £6m deep tech incubator is in its final phase of construction and is due to open in November, with the potential to bring an estimated 250 “high value” jobs to the city centre.

Details of the “bold and ambitious vision for the future of pioneering science” were first revealed in December 2020 by entrepreneur Dr Harry Destecroix.

In partnership with the University of Bristol and a £1.5m grant from Research England, the founder of Science Creates is turning this vision into a reality with the opening of a facility that will provide 15 laboratories, offices, a community outreach ‘learning lab’ and events space.

Speaking about the potential in the city, Destecroix said: “Bristol has all the elements a science company needs to grow and succeed, but I’ve learned first-hand the challenges companies face finding suitable space to locate their business.

“By working with our partners, we look forward to opening our new home for deep tech companies, who are working on major challenges, from improving healthcare to improving the environment around us.”

The new incubator ties in with the university’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development, which is expected to deliver an estimated £626m of employment and financial benefit to the regional economy over the next decade.

The new £6m deep tech incubator in Old Market is due to open in November – photo courtesy of Science Creates

Professor Hugh Brady, vice-Chancellor and president at the University of Bristol, said: “As we battle the pandemic and rely on the scientific discoveries that have led to new Covid-19 treatments and vaccines, this new partnership reflects our commitment to investing in research and facilities that underpin such important breakthroughs.

“It also marks a significant milestone for the university and Science Creates in developing an inspiring new facility where universities and businesses work together on solutions to global challenges, at a time when they are most needed.”

In an interview with Bristol24/7 in 2019, Destecroix highlighted how the limited availability of specialised incubator space has historically limited growth for deep tech companies in the city.

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Read more: Team behind Bristol’s only science incubator set to expand into new premises

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Science Creates’ first incubator in St Philip’s (previously called Unit DX) has had a constant waiting list from soon after it opened, demonstrating the increasing demand for dedicated space to house startup and university spin-out companies.

The centre will provide 15 laboratories, offices, a community outreach ‘learning lab’ and events space – CGI courtesy of Science Create

Patrick Fallon is the lead designer at Science Creates and says the local community have played an active role in designing the new centre.

“We want to make the space accessible and inviting, so we’ve created an active frontage to Midland Road, opening up the facade and locating the entrance facing the city, putting science front and centre,” said Fallon.

Main CGI courtesy of Science Creates

Read more: New world-class deep tech hub for Bristol