Tech hubs where your start-up can flourish

Agile Lab at the University of Oxford, Begbroke Science Park

A shared space to develop and commercialise scientific research.

The Agile Lab provides pre and early-stage chemistry and engineering-based start-up companies space to develop proof of concept and prototype studies. Agile Lab tenants become part of a thriving dynamic hub and benefit from the interaction with other start-ups and businesses based at the University of Oxford, Begbroke Science Park. This entrepreneurial atmosphere can open unexpected and rewarding avenues in the application of new technologies and provide insight and connections into the UK funding landscape. There is a vibrant extremely good value coffee shop which buzzes with activity throughout the day and is a good place to strike up ad-hoc conversations with other innovators.

Agile Lab tenants pay a low initial rent of just £500/month for the first term. This includes a 1.8m bench space with associated shelving along with a range of shared equipment such as fume hoods, gas supply and icemaker fridge along with an adjoining office/write up space. A dedicated Agile Lab laboratory technician is on hand to provide support and assistance. In addition, tenants can use the facilities in the Department of Materials including 3-D printer and a prototyping lab. Access to all the CIE facilities, business-support, meeting rooms, café and restaurant are all included.

A full list of Begbroke Science Park technical services can be found here.
Tenancies are incredibly flexible and agile providing an initial 6-month minimum term and a one-month notice period.

As one of our recent Agile Lab tenants put it: –
“The Agile Lab has been great to help us start….as it has provided a thriving environment with the most cost-efficient lab space in Oxford”

Oxford University, Begbroke Science Park sits in beautiful grounds not far from the centre of Oxford. A regular mini-bus service gives direct access to the city centre, alternatively, there are various cycle routes and plenty of bike storage on-site. Wider connectivity is provided by Kidlington Parkway station and Oxford Airport; both on the doorstep.
Since 1999, over 30 University of Oxford spinouts have benefitted from the flexible, affordable space provided by Begbroke Science Park, many moving on to larger units within the centre. The site team at Begbroke are uniquely placed to understand the challenges faced when transitioning a business from research to industry and provide an environment that allows physical science spinouts to thrive. Significant growth is planned at the Science Park in the coming years so it’s a great time to join this incredible, innovation community.

From top left to bottom right: Shared lab spaces, the Begbroke campus, shared office space,
and the CIE coffee bar. By courtesy of CIE, Begbroke Science Park.

At the CIE, Agile Lab tenants become part of a vibrant entrepreneurial hub and benefit from a wide range of seminars and workshops, coffee mornings at the Begbroke Science Park, and other networking opportunities. As CIE shared lab space manager Claire Morgan puts it: “Here you’re one of the community. It’s a nice site with lots of entrepreneurs around and events happening — and it’s just good to be around that.”

The commercial environment enables tenants to get in touch with other start-ups in a similar situation, and also with more advanced projects. Claire Morgan explains: “You’re in the science park, so you’re around a lot of companies,” which allows for “a gentle breakaway from the university environment into industry.” And while the Science Park is not located in the heart of Oxford, a regular mini-bus service ensures an easy connection in and out of the city centre and there is ample parking.

Growth hubs for tech-based enterprises

Both the BioEscalator on the Old Road Campus and the Agile Lab at the Begbroke Science Park’s CIE are fantastic examples of innovation investment in Oxfordshire. Each with a different emphasis, both provide generous access to a range of lab facilities, on-site services and networking opportunities.

Depending on the type of start-up, the stage of project development, and special requirements in terms of equipment, space, duration, and location, entrepreneurs looking for shared lab space will find great opportunities either way. Ultimately, they provide excellent settings to make tech-and knowledge-based initiatives grow — in both research and entrepreneurial spirit.

Find out more about the CIE and the Agile Lab.
Welcome — The Oxford Bioescalator

For more information or any enquires related to renting an Agile Lab contact: agilelab@begbroke.ox.ac.uk.
We also have virtual tenancies for science-based companies who do not need access to a lab.
For information about a virtual tenancy, email: enquiries@begbroke.ox.ac.uk.