Stevenage BioCatalyst

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst is the UK's first open innovation biomedical catalyst. Here fast growing biotech, pharma and medtech businesses can draw upon world-leading expertise, networks, academic support and scientific facilities.
 

Launched in 2012 with significant backing from organizations like GSK, Wellcome Trust, Innovate UK, and BIS, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst was purpose-built to connect academia, biotech, and pharma, accelerating advances in healthcare research. The campus offers both Incubator and Accelerator spaces, providing around 5,500 square metres of laboratory, office, and networking facilities—all co-located alongside a major R&D centre.

The ‘incubator plus’ model at Stevenage brings the added advantages of proximity to large pharma partners and access to a diverse pool of technical services. This collaborative hub is tailored for high-quality, IP-driven tenants, and continues to attract cutting-edge initiatives, such as the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Centre—a £55 million investment supporting the development and manufacture of advanced therapeutic medicinal products.

Whether you’re a start-up seeking your first lab bench or an established company scaling up production, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst provides an environment designed for growth, innovation, and the development of next-generation healthcare solutions.

Collaborative Innovation with Leading Organisations

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst is not just a hub for pioneering biotech and pharma companies—it’s also home to some of the world’s most respected innovation partners. Major academic powerhouses like the University of Cambridge and University College London have chosen to base high-impact translational research and drug discovery projects right here on campus.

The site also benefits from the expertise of technology transfer organisations and leading industry players. For example, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Eli Lilly, and the BioIndustry Association (BIA) each maintain a strategic presence via partnering desks, helping to foster connections that propel breakthrough ideas forward.

This blend of world-class academia, established industry leaders, and entrepreneurial ventures ensures that SBC remains at the forefront of biomedical innovation in the UK and beyond.

Additional Amenities and Shared Facilities

Alongside world-class lab and office space, tenants and visitors at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst can take advantage of a wide range of thoughtfully designed amenities. Flexible conference and meeting rooms—including a state-of-the-art lecture theatre—provide the perfect setting for collaboration, seminars, or pitching your next big idea.

Specialist shared facilities offer technical support and equipment for a variety of scientific needs, while communal zones make networking easy, whether you’re discussing a new project or grabbing a quick coffee.

For those burning the candle at both ends, there’s convenient access to electronic journals, an onsite fitness suite to recharge, and handy onsite dining options—from classic cafés to more substantial meals. A complimentary shuttle bus from the station ensures your focus stays on innovation, not logistics.

Workspace Layout at a Glance

The Incubator Building spans an impressive 4,750 square metres, thoughtfully divided to support both research and business operations. Approximately 60% of the facility is dedicated to cutting-edge laboratory space, while the remaining 40% offers flexible office environments. For startups looking for even more agility, options like hot desks and virtual office services are also available—meaning whether you bring a laptop or a pipette, there’s a space that fits.

Cell Therapy Manufacturing Centre

The Cell Therapy Manufacturing Centre exists to support companies advancing cell-based therapies through the later stages of clinical trials and into commercial production. Businesses benefit from flexible, state-of-the-art lab and manufacturing spaces that can be tailored to match their scale and production needs. Spaces and specialized facilities are available on a licence basis, giving users the ability to rent exactly what they require—making it easier to accelerate novel treatments towards market viability.

The Community Lab: Flexible Innovation Space

The Community Lab offers an adaptable workspace designed to support both resident organisations and external startups. Whether you’re a newcomer looking for your first lab bench or an established tenant seeking additional space, the Community Lab provides a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish.

Within the Community zone, you'll find access to essential laboratory equipment for day-to-day research, ensuring you can hit the ground running. For those with more advanced or specialised needs, a broader selection of high-tech instruments is available to rent by the hour—ideal for scaling scientific discovery without a hefty upfront investment.

This flexible approach means entrepreneurs and growing companies can focus resources where they matter most: developing breakthrough innovations.

Accelerator Building Facilities

The Accelerator Building offers a thoughtfully designed environment to support innovation and growth. Inside, you'll find a total of 400 square metres of space, divided to accommodate both scientific research and business operations. Approximately 60% of the building is dedicated to fully equipped laboratories, giving your teams the resources needed for hands-on research and development. The remaining 40% is allocated to comfortable, modern office areas—providing a productive space for up to 150 professionals to collaborate, plan, and connect.

Campus Capacity Upon Completion

As the campus continues to expand through its multi-phase development, the 25-acre site is projected to eventually support a thriving community of around 1,500 professionals. This growth will provide new opportunities both for existing innovators looking to scale and for fresh talent eager to join the ecosystem.

Ambitious Expansion for Innovators

Looking ahead, the campus has bold plans to grow well beyond its current footprint. Over several development phases, the site is set to expand to five times its original size, ensuring that both established companies and new arrivals have the ideal environment to scale their operations. Once complete, the 25-acre site will be able to support around 1,500 talented innovators, creating even more opportunities for collaboration and discovery within the biotech, pharma, and medtech sectors.

Conference and Meeting Space Hire

In addition to nurturing ambitious life science ventures, the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst campus features a modern suite of conference and meeting facilities—perfect for anything from board meetings to larger events.

You’ll find a range of versatile rooms to suit your needs, each equipped with up-to-date audio-visual tech, comfortable furnishings, and that all-important reliable WiFi. Spaces can be booked for an hour, half a day, or a full day, offering flexibility for teams on the move or longer day-long sessions.

The events team here is responsive and experienced, on hand to ensure everything from the initial inquiry to the event’s close goes smoothly. Whether you need a quiet space for brainstorming or a larger room for presentations and networking—for example, a pitch presentation or a workshop for AstraZeneca collaborators—there’s an option available.

To check availability or request more details, simply reach out to the support team via events@stevenagecatalyst.com or by calling 01438 906906.

Government Engagement and Official Visits

The Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst has attracted the attention of national leaders, underlining its reputation as a hub for scientific innovation. Recently, senior government figures—including the Shadow Health and Science Ministers—chose the site as the venue to unveil a major life sciences strategy. Their visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand how the centre is accelerating state-of-the-art research and supporting the scale-up of cutting-edge biotech and medtech initiatives. These engagements highlight both the sector’s strategic importance and Stevenage's central role in shaping the future of healthcare innovation.

Academic and Research Partners at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

The collaborative spirit at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst is strengthened by the presence of leading academic institutions and research organisations. Among the partners, the University of Cambridge and University College London both carry out translational research and actively develop innovative drug discovery projects from within the SBC laboratories.

Additionally, organisations such as MRC Technology help nurture new technologies, while industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Eli Lilly, and the BioIndustry Association (BIA) maintain partnering desks on-site. This mix of academic and industry expertise ensures a vibrant, forward-thinking environment for life sciences innovation.

Workspace Options at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Whether you’re a fledgling start-up or an established innovator looking to scale, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst offers a range of environments tailored to support discovery and growth.

• Incubator Building: Perfect for early-stage biotech firms, this flexible space combines modern offices and state-of-the-art laboratories. With roughly a 40/60 split between desks and labs, teams can easily transition from brainstorming to bench work. For those not ready for a full office, there’s a hot-desking option and virtual office services.

• Accelerator Building: Designed to accommodate larger, fast-growing teams, this facility offers both laboratory and office areas. The balanced layout ensures your team—up to 150 strong—has room to collaborate, experiment, and expand as new opportunities arise.

• Community Lab: Need specialist equipment but not a permanent base? The community lab provides pay-as-you-go access to essential tools and infrastructure. It’s a convenient solution for on-site tenants and external companies needing flexible lab time or access to advanced equipment without long-term commitment.

• Cell Therapy Manufacturing Centre: When your focus shifts to scaling up for clinical trials or commercial production, this centre offers customisable, license-based manufacturing spaces. It’s a practical bridge from R&D to bringing products to market.

No matter where you are on your journey—concept to commercialisation—there’s a workspace designed to help you thrive.

Backed by Leading Innovators

The creation of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst was made possible through a joint investment of £38 million. This funding came from a powerful partnership of major organizations in the sector—BIS, GSK, the Wellcome Trust, and Innovate UK. Their combined support reflects a commitment to advancing biomedical innovation and fostering collaboration across research, industry, and academia.

When Did Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst Open?

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst opened its doors in 2012, marking the start of its mission to accelerate innovation in the life sciences. Since then, this collaborative hub—sharing a campus with GlaxoSmithKline’s renowned R&D facility—has offered a dynamic mix of incubator and accelerator spaces, covering around 5,500 square metres of laboratories, offices, and networking areas. Here, ambitious companies have a place to thrive alongside global leaders and pioneering researchers.

Career Opportunities at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Alongside access to world-class networks and facilities, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst also offers a range of job opportunities for those looking to be part of a thriving life sciences community.

Recent openings have included roles in finance and operations, from managing day-to-day campus logistics to strategic leadership positions. For example, positions such as Facilities Officer and Interim Finance Manager call for individuals eager to help support and shape a cutting-edge research environment. Leadership opportunities occasionally arise as well, such as the chance to head up operational teams and help guide the ongoing development of the campus.

Roles at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst typically focus on supporting innovation, the smooth running of laboratory and office facilities, and building connections within the local and international bioscience ecosystem. If you're interested in a dynamic work environment where scientific progress and collaboration are at the heart of everything, it's worth keeping an eye on current job postings.

Location and Address

Conveniently positioned for both road and rail access, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst sits near Junction 7 of the A1(M), nestled between the motorway and the main Stevenage-London rail line. The full address is Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2FX—placing it right at the heart of a thriving life sciences community with excellent connectivity for growing companies.

Latest News and Leadership Updates at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Recent Highlights

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) continues to foster growth and innovation within the UK’s bioscience sector. In its ongoing mission to support fast-growing biotech, pharma, and medtech ventures, several notable updates have taken place:

• Leadership Appointments: Samuel Atack has been named as the new Operations Director, bringing his experience in campus operations to further strengthen SBC’s collaborative ecosystem.

• Key Roles Open: SBC is currently seeking a Facilities Officer to help maintain the site’s high standards and support day-to-day scientific activity.

• Finance Expertise Sought: There is also an opportunity for a part-time Interim Finance Manager to join the team, emphasizing the Catalyst’s commitment to robust financial stewardship as its community expands.

These updates reflect SBC’s dedication to providing a thriving environment for breakthrough science and entrepreneurship, in partnership with leaders such as GSK, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and LifeArc.