Business Incubation Centres

Incubators have gained a lot of traction amongst start-ups and investors over recent years, and are recognised for the dedicated support they offer to early stage companies with an ambition to grow. Whether it be access to physical space or a network of entrepreneurs, advisors and partners a Business Incubation Centre offers a start-up all the tools it will need.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) manages the following Business Incubation Centres, each suited to different start-up business requirements.

ESA Business Incubation Centre UK

Utilising space technology can offer ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage within their sector. The ESA Business Incubation Centre UK (ESA BIC UK) provides the support and funding that start-up companies need to turn their ideas into profitable products and services using space technology, or to develop technologies for use in space.

STFC manages the ESA BIC UK across its sites on behalf of ESA, offering successful applicants fully equipped office space, as well as access to all the benefits of being part of our flourishing and unique network of science and innovation campuses. Businesses work alongside, and in collaboration with, other businesses, STFC scientists and engineers, accessing a whole wealth of expertise.

Other benefits include:

  • a cash incentive for design, prototyping, IP protection and market studies of over £40,000
  • access to STFC’s test facilities, laboratories/workshops and technical expertise, including up to 40 hours of expert support and 40 hours per year of access to lab facilities
  • hands-on business development support and advice
  • access to a range of funding, investment, networking and collaboration opportunities

For more information please visit the ESA BIC UK website.

Ask a question about ESA BIC UK

STFC contact: William Gault

Email: william.gault@stfc.ac.uk

Telephone: 01235 395219

STFC CERN Business Incubation Centre

The STFC CERN Business Incubation Centre is available to small high-tech companies seeking to accelerate their innovative business concepts in high energy physics technologies.

Alongside a support programme, participants are provided with £40,000 of funding to be used on intellectual property protection, design, prototyping, market studies etc. and up to 40 hours of CERN and 40 hours of STFC scientists and technical expertise.

Additionally, there is the opportunity to use CERN intellectual property at favourable conditions.

For more information on applying for this programme, please visit the STFC CERN BIC website.

Ask a question about the centre

STFC contact: Delyth Edwards

Email: delyth.edwards@stfc.ac.uk

Telephone: 01925 603142

Higgs Business Incubation Centre

This centre is available to high-tech companies seeking to grow their businesses in technology areas related to space, particle physics or another STFC discipline.

Alongside a support programme, participants are provided with £40,000 of funding to be used on intellectual property protection, design, prototyping, market studies and more, and up to 40 hours of STFC facilities access and technical expertise.

This centre is only available at the Higgs Centre for Innovation, Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

Ask a question about the centre

STFC contact: Ruairidh Henderson

Email: ruairidh.henderson@stfc.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 668 8290

Last updated: 27 July 2023

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback.