Many business incubators have sprung up recent years, and not just in London. Business and startup incubator programs are designed to offer workspace, mentoring and in some cases early-stage investment or other financial support to early-stage companies, presenting an excellent base ambitious entrepreneurs to grow their startups and businesses from. There is a wide range of business incubators in the UK catering to startups and more developed companies across a variety of different sectors.
Think of incubators as office space with additional perks and a focus on the entrepreneurial community. There are broadly two types of incubator, private incubators run by businesses renting office space as their primary business model.
Then there’s the second type which is typically free or subsided and operated by a government agency or university to support start-ups and business growth in a particular region. Below you will find a list of business incubators who cater to many different stages of businesses, however the majority focus on early to mid-stage companies.
Google Campus London
Google Campus in London is a well-known hub for tech entrepreneurs in London. The cafe is a popular meeting point, the events space is well known for quality, and of course, internet speed is second to none.
They also run a range of educational workshops and events for entrepreneurs! As a meeting point, events space or for being based there, the campus has a vast amount of benefits for entrepreneurs in London.
Location/Contact details: Google Campus is based in East London; you can contact them at by clicking the “Become a member” button this page.
Level39
Level39 is arguably the most significant incubation space for fintech, retail, cybersecurity and the smart-city technology companies in London and possibly even the United Kingdom. Based in the heart of Canary Wharf one of the financial epicentres of London, Level 39 offers access to innovative amenities and run a range of fantastic and well know networking events.
To even rent space or become a member of the incubator, the application process is rigorous; this means if lucky you will also be around an elite network of fellow entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders.
Location/Contact details: Level39 is based in Canary Wharf, London. You can contact them via the form on this page.
White Bear Yard
White Bear Yard is one of London’s best kept entrepreneurial secrets; it houses some of London’s significant startups, including AngelList and Tide. It also houses one of the UK’s most prolific and respected early to mid stage investors, Passion Capital.
They have office hours, a range of events and always a lot going on. The monthly desk price includes super fast WiFi, shower rooms, full kitchen, free lunch once a month and much more.
Location/Contact details: White Beard Yard is based in Clerkenwell, East London. You can contact them at info@whitebearyard.com.
IDEALondon
One of the more recently started business incubation centres IDEALondon is owned and managed by University College London. The centre is not limited to purely students/graduates but is open to all London based or planning to be London based early stage digital technology ventures.
There is also a range of investors based at IDEALondon as well as government schemes such as Capital Enterprise. The centre is a hub for some of London’s most innovative companies and provides all the standard amenities and a great community.
Location/Contact details: London
Advanced Technology Innovation Centre (ATIC)
The Advanced Technology Innovation Centre (ATIC) provides a business incubator programme based at Loughborough University. The programme is part offers flexible terms or renting space, café facilities, bike storage, electric car charging, meeting rooms and more, its aimed at new deeptech businesses and those looking to scale.
Location/Contact details: Loughborough / Croydon
Cardiff Medicentre
Built in 1992, the Cardiff Medicentre is situated in East Wale. This business incubator focuses on providing lab and office facilities for health and wellbeing, life science and biotech companies. Aside from specialist medical services and labs, they offer a range of support in the form of funding and business advice, networking and access to further expertise.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board runs the incubator an economic development project in partnership with Cardiff University.
Location/Contact details: Cardiff, South East Wales
London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC)
Based in London and managed by the Royal Veterinary College, the London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC) was initiated in 2001. The incubator provides life sciences companies with state of the art lab facilities, office space and much more.
Location/Contact details: London
The Hive
The Hive is a well-regarded midland business incubator run by the Nottingham Trent University with an 80% survival rate of businesses up to 3 years after incubation. The incubator provides a range of solutions and services to start-ups including workspace, meetings rooms, mentoring and more.
The incubator has been one of the premier choices for startups and early-stage businesses in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas since it was founded in 2001.
Location/Contact details: Nottingham
European Marine Science Park
The European Marine Science Park since 2005 has been dedicated to providing service to early, mid and late stage marine science companies. The incubator is based in a remote area of the highlands and offers fantastic access to untouched nature and ocean environments. They are also open to life science, energy and environmental companies.
The incubation programme offers workspaces, lab space, direct funding from the park as well as mentorship coupled with legal and financial support. The programme also enjoys significant links into academia, research institutions and policy makers in governments, beneficial to any company.
Location/Contact details: Argyll
Institute of Life Science Incubator
Based in Swansea, the Institute of Life Science Incubator is a business incubator to support advances in medical science to improve hum health by incubating life sciences companies. The incubator can provide access to lab spaces, experts, and working space with a competitive package for any business.
Location/Contact details: Swansea
Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT)
Founded in 2008, the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) is a startup and business accelerator for new ventures developing solutions and technologies in the cybersecurity space. The incubator is run by Queens University of Belfast and available for cybersecurity startups and companies in the Northern Ireland area.
They can offer start-ups a range of support including mentoring, technology/development support, investment training and more.
Location/Contact details: Belfast
3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3MBIC)
The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3MBIC) is a University of Huddersfield run business incubator offering support to businesses in the Leeds City area.
The incubator boasts fantastic scientific facilities, including laboratory space, with all the typical incubator support/amenities. The facility is a purpose-built innovation centre to encourage business growth and collocation between startups / SME’s and academia.
Location/Contact details: Huddersfield
London Cleantech Cluster
A clean energy incubator founded in 2012, London Cleantech Cluster specialises in supporting renewable and clean energy businesses and technology development.
The cluster brings together many cleantech initiatives in London and will provide cleantech businesses with access to mentors, office and a like-minded community for entrepreneurs building sustainable energy production alternatives.
Location/Contact details: London
Evolve Derby
Founded in 2013, the Evolve Derby is an incubation program run by the University of Derby and based in the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire area. The incubator offers a range of services to startups including office / Workspace, Seminars / Workshops, Mentoring
The University of Derby’s business support and incubation service are here to give you the best possible chance of success, helping you access all the support you need to establish and grow your business, wherever you are located.
Location/Contact details: Derby
Seedcloud
As an incubator for B2B companies, Seedcloud is has been based in London since 2012. They provide a range of support to startups particular focusing on creating a clear roadmap for entrepreneurs, building formidable go-to-market strategies and in finding suitable seed investors.
All the standard facilities are included, such as office space, accountancy support and legal advice from partners.
Location/Contact details: London
Innovation Factory
The Innovation Factory is based in Northern Ireland and provides flexible office space alongside business incubation services including mentorship, networking and more.
They also have a range of flexible spaces for coworking, shared working and meetings/events alongside virtual address services. The incubator is suitable for all types of SME.
Location/Contact details: Belfast
Seed Haus
Founded in 2017, Seed Haus is to be found in Eastern Scotland, more specifically Edinburgh. The incubator provides a range of facilities and services including mentorship, seminars, investment advice, network access, startups events as well as legal and accountancy support through partners.
The Seed Haus team look for startups who are solving significant problems and benefit from their expertise.
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
Newcastle Bio-Incubator
Started by the University of Newcastle in 2016, the Newcastle Bio-Incubator is located in the medical school within the university, offering incubator spaces for companies between 2 – 5 people.
There explicitly looking for early-stage companies with some traction in the life science/ health arenas and can provide laboratory and research space alongside usual office facilities.
Location/Contact details: Newcastle
Imperial College White City Incubator
The Imperial College White City Incubator is an incubator program run by the Imperial College London. It offers incubation facilities for startups involved in deeptech, life sciences, engineering and manufacturing. Alongside workspace, they can provide a range of virtual office services.
Location/Contact details: London
MedTech Incubator
Founded in 2010, the MedTech Incubator specialises in incubating businesses developing digital technologies that could be used by the NHS to improve patient care.
The incubator is based in Manchester Science Park and can provide medtech businesses with workspace, networking and access to state of the art design and manufacturing facilities.
Location/Contact details: Manchester
Techtopia
An incubator for new startups and existing small companies wishing to grow, Techtopia provides serviced office space, investor access and many other amenities to technology-based SME’s. They also boast having a network of successful entrepreneurs who form the basis of their office community.
Location/Contact details: London
Centre for Nanohealth Incubator
Founded by the Swansea University in 2014, the Centre for Nanohealth Incubator provides a range of services and amenities to life science companies developing the latest nanotechnology.
These services include access to nanotech experts, legal and accountancy advice, lab space and office space. The centre has been designed as a state of the art nanotechnology facility through the award of a £22 million government investment.
Location/Contact details: Swansea
Cloud Innovation Centre
The Cloud Innovation Centre is a joint initiative from The initiative Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC), Newcastle University Digital Institute and Newcastle City council. As an incubator, the centre focuses on providing space and support for digital technology businesses, particularly those who are developing cloud technologies or technology in big data analytics.
They are looking for early-stage startups and offer access to experts, networks and technology events alongside office space.
Location/Contact details: Newcastle
Nest
First built in 2016, the Nest is incubator run by the University of Portsmouth, it’s available to current students and students who have graduated in the last five years.
The incubator is for very early stage businesses in many ideas supporting entrepreneurs from business idea to minimum viable product (MVP). The Nest also provide classes on raising investment, running a business and more.
Location/Contact details: Portsmouth
Rain Cloud
The Rain Cloud is a specialist accelerator for supporting startups who are working to create and build the next generation of civtech startups (technology that improves the lives of citizens). The incubator is based in London Victoria and provides access to office space and mentorship.
Location/Contact details: London
Tetricus Incubator
Created in 2000, the Tetricus Incubator is an incubation program run by the Porton Science Park. They focus on incubating life science companies and have a sophisticated network in place ideal for any new or growing biotech business to utilise in developing further.
The incubator can provide both lab and office space and is already home to a high number of biotech businesses.
Location/Contact details: Wiltshire
Tech Hub
Tech Hub is a well-known office provider and innovation space across the world, particularly in the UK and Europe. Founded by the editor of Tech Crunch and other co-founders, Tech Hub has become a significant provider of network/ events space and much more for tech startups.
Location/Contact details: London and Swansea
Innovation Warehouse
They also made our London office space list, but we thought it was essential to include Innovation Warehouse here again due to the sheer amount of services they provide beyond standard office space.
Based in the old fish market in Central London, IW as well as providing office space offers access to a sophisticated Angel Network. They also have great event space and have Accelerator Academy, Capital Enterprise and City of London as partners, among others.
Location/Contact details: London
MyIncubator
Wenta, the overall company runs six incubators across the UK; they run a range of events, training/ educational seminars and much more. If you meet specific requirements, you may get three months for free.
Location/Contact details: Bedford, Luton, Potters Bar, Stevenage, Watford and Ware
Impact Hub
Impact Hub, particularly in London, is well known for being an excellent space for freelancers and small businesses/ tech startups. They run tours at 3 pm every Tuesday and at 2 pm every Friday for anyone looking to check it out in Westminster.
Location/Contact details: London and International (Shown on other lists)
ICE Accelerator
Although described as an accelerator, from the more traditional accelerator definition the ICE Accelerator is more an incubator program by Welsh ICE in supporting early-stage technology businesses.
They’re especially looking for companies who want to base themselves in wales but trade beyond Welsh/UK borders. ICE is funded by the Business Wales Growth Programme in conjunction with the European Region Development fund.
The incubator is designed to support companies in the immediate area but businesses from around Wales. They can provide access to direct funding, mentors and more.
Location/Contact details: Caerphilly, South East Wales / Glasgow
Entrepreneurs for the future
Entrepreneurs for the future is an incubator that can provide up to 6 months of support for new entrepreneurs and startups in the Birmingham area.
Benefits of the startup incubator programme include access to experienced entrepreneurs in residence, development of robust action plans for development and one to one sessions with experts on how to grow your business.
Location/Contact details: Birmingham
London Business School Incubator
A total support incubation programme for startups run by the London Business School, members can get access to all the universities facilities including office, professional service, research and educational materials.
Startups are initiated into the incubator in cohorts of 10, and you will also get given mentoring and further expert support to help progress your business. To be eligible for the London Business School Incubator you must base yourself in London be alumni of the University.
Location/Contact details: London. You can reach Jane at jkhedair@london.edu for incubator related enquiries.
Edinburgh Business School Incubator
Edinburgh Business School (EBS) launched its first Business Incubator in July 2018. Opened by The Duke of York, the Incubator provides a free and safe harbour for early-stage businesses to validate their ideas and identify suitable markets for their products.
Companies have access to fully equipped offices, training, workshops, and mentors. EBS and Heriot-Watt alumni, as well as businesses new to the University, are eligible to apply to join. The Incubator is currently housing a range of firms, from marketing to construction to energy, reflecting EBS’ multidisciplinary approach towards entrepreneurship education and business support.
Firms at a variety of stages of start-up, from proof of concept through to early trading and in any industry sector, including social and charity-based enterprises, are invited to apply to join the Incubator.
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh. You can contact the business school at enquiries@ebs.hw.ac.uk.
Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub
For some background, the Enterprise Hub provides up to £60,000 equity-free, grant funding, as well as a year-long programme of training and mentoring for researchers who are looking to spin-out a technology business and recent graduates who are looking to bring their innovation to market. As the name might suggest, we support engineers to become entrepreneurs, but define ‘engineering’ in the broadest sense, from AI to civil engineering.
We don’t provide a formal working space but do have meeting rooms and coworking areas where our alumni and programme participants can drop in if they need somewhere to work in London.
Location/Contact details: London
Bathtub 2 Boardroom
Established in 2010, Bathtub 2 Boardroom is a not for profit company that provides an excellent incubator space and support program for young entrepreneurs just starting. Given their objective, there membership/ office space rental fees are meagre compared to typical incubators or coworking spaces in London.
Alongside affordable office space, they can provide you with meeting rooms, networking events, funding advice and a fantastic community of fellow entrepreneurs to engage with.
Location/Contact details: London
CodeBase
The codebase is one of the UK’s largest startup incubators and focuses on providing support to more than 100 digital technology companies at any one time. At Codebase, there is a community of diverse technology entrepreneurs all in the early stages of their venture.
You can get access to experts with an extensive range of skills as well and serious business and development support.
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
Health Foundry
Founded by the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, since 2016 the Health Foundry has been running as an incubator for start-ups in the health and well-being space. There focused on supporting startups that create or apply digital technology in innovative ways to improve the well-being and health of people.
They also provide demo days for fundraising, network access and legal/financial training and support. If you are a healthtech startup, this one of the more obvious choices regarding an incubator.
Location/Contact details: London
Sussex Innovation Croydon
Started in 2015, Sussex Innovation Croydon is a business incubator programme run by the University of Sussex alongside the areas local enterprise partner, Coast to Coast Capital.
The incubator provides members/startups with office space, workspace, network access and investment readiness training alongside other financing advice. It is a community for entrepreneurs building out early-stage ventures.
Manchester Incubator Building
Founded in 2005, the Manchester Incubator Building is an incubation program run by the University of Manchester.
They tend to focus on incubating startups in the life sciences space, providing a range of services including office space, laboratory space and variety of other infrastructure useful to deeptech companies biotech firms, satellite companies carrying out R&D and even pharma companies looking to develop drugs.
Location/Contact details: Manchester
Genesis
Founded in 2001, Genesis is a business incubation programme run by the Barnsley Business & Innovation Centre and based in Leeds. Offering a range of services and support to startups, the incubator assists entrepreneurs by providing flexible office space, funding advice, access to angel investors and legal/accountancy support through partners.
The incubators focus is on business development, aiming to accelerate companies who come through predominantly regarding sales, customers and overall commercialisation.
Location/Contact details: Cudworth
Bright Red Triangle
Established in 2004 by the Edinburgh Napier University, Bright Red Triangle is an incubation program. As a startup incubator, they are offering students and graduates of the University who are starting or want to start their business access to desk space, advice, access to a like-minded entrepreneurial community and more.
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre
The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre is startup incubator operated by the University of Huddersfield. The incubator supports staff, recent graduates and current students of the University in starting and growing their own business in Leeds.
You can be starting a company, becoming a freelancer or becoming self-employed in some way to qualify for access to the centre. There also an enterprise team on hand to help you with every aspect of starting or running a business.
Location/Contact details: Huddersfield
Portsmouth Technopole
Portsmouth Technopole established in 2009 is an epicentre for new businesses in the Solent area. The incubator is run by Portsmouth University and is geared towards startups developing digital technology projects with specifics in fields including energy and environment.
The incubator offers excellent support to SME’s, including flexible workspace, virtual office services, incubator offices, conference rooms and more.
Location/Contact details: Portsmouth
UCL BaseKX
Created by University College London (UCL) in 2010, UCL BaseKX is a business incubator that supports new startups in the Kings Cross area of London.
Aside from office space in central London, you can benefit from expert seminars, mentorship, demo days and helps from UCL’s innovation and enterprise team in making your idea into a successful business.
Location/Contact details: London
Oxford Startup Incubator
Established in 2011, the Oxford Startup Incubator is managed by the Oxford University Innovation. The incubator focuses on providing support to companies before starting (typically for eight months before incorporation or less) who have come out Oxford Universities eco-system (staff, students and recent graduates).
The incubator can also provide investment funding, expertise and introductions to investors for technology and digital startups.
Location/Contact details: Oxford
RGU Incubator
From Robert Gordon University and Accelerate Aberdeen, the RGU Incubator is an incubation program providing students and graduates of the University with access to workspace, mentorship and advice to go right through from idea to set up a company to running a successful company or business.
Location/Contact details: Aberdeen
Open Education Challenge
Started in 2014, Open Education Challenge is an incubator for European EdTech startups, developing and delivering the next generation of education technologies and related tech.
The incubator was initially started in collaboration with the European Commission and endeavours to bring together education practitioners and innovative entrepreneurs to develop innovative edtech. The incubator can provide space, edtech network access and much more.
Location/Contact details: London
Surrey Research Park
Location/Contact details: Guildford
Oxford Centre for Innovation
Location/Contact details: Oxford
St Johns Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Cambridge
Strathclyde University Incubator
Strathclyde University Incubator
Location/Contact details: Glasgow
Magdalen Centre
Location/Contact details: Oxford
Norwich Research Park Accelerator
Norwich Research Park Accelerator
Location/Contact details: Norwich
Edinburgh Research and Innovation
Edinburgh Research and Innovation
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
Granta Park
Location/Contact details: Cambridge
Babraham Bioincubator
Location/Contact details: Cambridge
Cherwell Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Upper Heyford
Malvern Hills Science Park
Malvern Hills Science Park nbhgf
Location/Contact details: Worcester
Roslin BioCentre
Location/Contact details: Midlothian
Harwell Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Didcot
i-SE – Women’s Enterprise Hub
Location/Contact details: Birmingham
Scottish Microelectronics Centre
Scottish Microelectronics Centre
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
Bicester Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Bicester
Culham Science Centre
Location/Contact details: Abingdon
Staffordshire BIC
Location/Contact details: Stoke on Trent
Sparkhouse
Location/Contact details: Lincoln
Sussex Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Brighton & Hove
SPARK Business Incubation Centre
SPARK Business Incubation Centre
Location/Contact details: Wolverhampton
BRL Technology Business Incubator
BRL Technology Business Incubator
Location/Contact details: Bristol
Cranfield University Business Incubation Centre (CUBIC)
Cranfield University Business Incubation Centre (CUBIC)
Location/Contact details: Cranfield
Culham Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Abingdon
Hub for Innovation and Enterprise
Hub for Innovation and Enterprise
Location/Contact details: Canterbury
Sci-Tech Daresbury
Location/Contact details: Warrington
Sheffield Bioincubator
Location/Contact details: Sheffield
University of York Enterprise Support
Location/Contact details: York
Bridge Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Pembrokeshire
Dundee University Incubator
Centre for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence (CEME)
Location/Contact details: Dundee
Centre for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence (CEME)
Clarence Centre for Enterprise & Innovation
Location/Contact details: London
Hayes Business Studios
Location/Contact details: Hayes
Creative Enterprise
Location/Contact details: Canterbury
Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre
Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Dartford
Cornwall Innovation
Location/Contact details: Cornwall
Enterprise Incubation Centre
Location/Contact details: Hertfordshire
Ocean Village Innovation Centre
Ocean Village Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Southampton
Retford Enterprise Centre
Location/Contact details: Retford
Good Ideas Academy
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
Harborough Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Market Harborough
Hethel Innovation
Hethel Innovation
Location/Contact details: Hethel
Innovation Martlesham Incubator Facility
Innovation Martlesham Incubator Facility
Location/Contact details: Ipswich
Mansfield i-Centre
Location/Contact details: Mansfield
Newark Beacon
Location/Contact details: Newark
Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre
Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: London
Scott Bader Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Wellingborough
The Studio
Location/Contact details: Loughborough
Worksop Turbine Innovation Centre
Worksop Turbine Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Worksop
Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub
Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub
Location/Contact details: Bracknell
Innovation Programme
Location/Contact details: Sunderland
Stevenage BioCatalyst
Location/Contact details: Stevenage
The Nova Centre
Location/Contact details: Keele
Tremough Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Falmouth
Witney Business & Innovation Centre
Witney Business & Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Witney
BizzInn Business Incubator
Location/Contact details: Birmingham
BU Student Incubation Centre (BUSI)
BU Student Incubation Centre (BUSI)
Location/Contact details: Bournemouth
Haatch
Location/Contact details: Stamford
Henley Start-up Business Incubator
Henley Start-up Business Incubator
Location/Contact details: Reading
Live Lab
Location/Contact details: Oxford
Stockport Business & Innovation Centre
Stockport Business & Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Stockport
The Enterprise Network
Location/Contact details: Salisbury
Warwick Ventures Software Incubator
Warwick Ventures Software Incubator
Location/Contact details: Warwick
Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI)
Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI)
Location/Contact details: Hull
Innospace
Location/Contact details: Manchester
MedBIC
Location/Contact details: Chelmsford
Momentum Business Incubator
Location/Contact details: Worcester
NoWFOOD Centre
Location/Contact details: Chester
One St. Aldates
Location/Contact details: Oxford
SPACE at Hoo Farm
Location/Contact details: Kidderminster
UHatch
Location/Contact details: Glasgow
Digital Exchange
Location/Contact details: Bradford
Fareham Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Lee on Solent
High Growth Centre
Location/Contact details: Chester
Ideas Factory Incubation Centre
Ideas Factory Incubation Centre
Location/Contact details: Norwich
InTechnology Enterprise incubator
InTechnology Enterprise incubator
Location/Contact details: Leeds
Marine Robotics Innovation Centre Hub
Marine Robotics Innovation Centre Hub
Location/Contact details: Southampton
Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise
Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise
Location/Contact details: Harpenden
SparkUp
Location/Contact details: Liverpool
The BioHub Birmingham
Location/Contact details: Birmingham
The Ingenuity Lab
Location/Contact details: Nottingham
UBC Leeds Digital Hub
Location/Contact details: Leeds
WB100
Location/Contact details: Sheffield
BioData Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Cambridge
Canopy Exeter
Location/Contact details: Exeter
Future Space
Location/Contact details: Bristol
Londoneast
Location/Contact details: London
North East Space Incubation Programme
North East Space Incubation Programme
Location/Contact details: Sedgefield
OpTIC Space Industry Incubation Programme
OpTIC Space Industry Incubation Programme
Location/Contact details: St Asaph
RAU Farm491
Location/Contact details: Cirencester
Roslin Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Edinburgh
Serendip
Serendip
Location/Contact details: Birmingham
Space Incubator
Location/Contact details: Loughborough
The Tontine
Location/Contact details: Glasgow
Ashton Old Baths Innovation Centre
Ashton Old Baths Innovation Centre
Location/Contact details: Tameside
Aurora Cambridge
Location/Contact details: Cambridge
Charnwood Campus
Location/Contact details: Loughborough
EDUCATE
Location/Contact details: London
The Spot Hive
Location/Contact details: Stirling
STEAMHouse
Location/Contact details: Birmingham
UBC Creative Fashion and Textile Hub
UBC Creative Fashion and Textile Hub
Location/Contact details: Leeds
UNIT DX
Location/Contact details: Bristol
Guildhall Creative Entrepreneurs
Guildhall Creative Entrepreneurs
Location/Contact details: London
C11 Cyber Security and Digital Centre
C11 Cyber Security and Digital Centre
Location/Contact details: Cheltenham (Gloucester)
Barclays Labs
Location/Contact details: Across the country
Inactive/closed incubators
City Ventures Launch Lab
First launched in 2013, the City Ventures Launch Lab is an incubation program for graduates and students of City University London, the centre is based in the middle of tech city London. The incubator offers members networking events, training and much more.
Location/Contact details: London
Which incubator is for your business?
The majority of incubators are open to technology companies, with a smaller amount being open to all businesses. Within the majority there are many incubators for many different types of technology startups, either developing specific products in a field or because the startup is operated in a particular area such as life science, manufacturing or geospatial technology. Typically the best potential incubators for your business will the ones dedicated to startups in a specific area you operate.
What support/benefits can incubators provide?
Most business or startup incubators offer the same base services as the majority of serviced office or co-working spaces you might consider. These services include meeting rooms, workspace, catering, telephone lines, virtual office services and all the usual amenities.
Where incubators tend to differ is through a focus on education and community, typically providing workshops for entrepreneurs across a range of different areas, finding mentors for young business leaders, offering access to investor networks, setting up pitching, organising community entrepreneurial events and more.
In essence, your getting a serviced office in a slightly smaller building but with a lot more support from an educational and community point of view which can be significant support in helping you start or grow your company.
Startup incubators Vs. Business incubators Vs. Tech incubators
There’s much confusion usually when it comes to different incubator definitions and even accelerators. So, to clear up that confusion here’s the definitions we have used to sort this list.
- Startup incubators – For businesses starting, in a very early stage or who have yet to set up. These incubators typically provide free or subsidised space to these companies.
- Business incubators – For businesses at any stage from early to mid, these tend to specialise in more specific types of companies. These incubators typically charge commercial rates for membership or renting space.
- Tech incubator – A business or startup incubator purely focused on technology business; we do not use this term as most incubators focus on technology businesses.
What do business incubators cost?
Some incubators are entirely free; these are typically grant funded, government-run or both. The majority will charge you for desk/office space as with any regular office provider; some will also provide discounts through to younger business, watch out for these and do your research.
The actual cost will depend on the space you want and the location; for example; London incubator rental/membership prices are going to be very different from rates in Swansea.