Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech Partner on £200M Deep Tech Innovation Hub
In a groundbreaking partnership, Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech have unveiled plans to develop a cutting-edge life sciences and deep tech hub worth over £200 million in West London. The ambitious project, set to transform Imperial’s White City Deep Tech Campus, is poised to elevate the UK’s global standing in science, technology, and innovation.
The White City Deep Tech Campus: A Hub for Collaboration
The project is part of Imperial College’s expansive vision to create a world-leading deep tech innovation ecosystem. The new facility will span 200,000 square feet of purpose-built labs and workspaces, designed to foster collaboration among deep tech startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises. These businesses will have the unique opportunity to work alongside Imperial’s renowned researchers, academics, and clinicians in areas like artificial intelligence, medtech, engineering biology, and climate science.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, emphasized the significance of the development: “This new facility will connect world-leading discovery research with incubators, accelerators, startups, and industry. It will accelerate the rapid translation of ideas into real-world impact.”
A Bold Step into London for Bruntwood SciTech
This partnership marks Bruntwood SciTech’s first venture into the London market, expanding its footprint beyond regional hubs like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool. Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, has a strong track record in supporting life sciences and tech businesses across the UK. Its entry into London represents a significant milestone in its mission to drive innovation across the country.
Chris Oglesby, CEO of Bruntwood SciTech, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Having the opportunity to partner with Imperial to deliver the next phase of their world-leading science and technology campus is a tremendous accolade. This project will help propel the UK to the forefront of innovation and create a connected ecosystem between London and the UK’s fastest-growing regional cities.”
Sustainability at the Core
The £200 million innovation hub is designed to meet stringent sustainability standards, aligning with the UK’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The facility will feature:
- Net zero carbon construction and operation: All communal areas will operate on 100% renewable energy.
- Green design principles: The development will prioritize energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials throughout the build process.
This focus on sustainability reflects Bruntwood SciTech’s broader commitment, evident in its 4.8 million square feet of environmentally responsible properties across the UK.
Creating Opportunities for Economic Growth
The innovation hub will be a significant driver of economic growth at local, regional, and national levels. Although specific job creation numbers have not been disclosed, the development is expected to generate hundreds of high-skilled roles across life sciences, technology, and engineering. By 2032, the Imperial-Bruntwood partnership aims to support 2,600 high-growth businesses as part of its £5 billion UK-wide innovation portfolio.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle praised the initiative: “This partnership demonstrates how combining world-class academic expertise with private-sector investment can create jobs, strengthen the economy, and bring advanced technologies from the lab to the market.”
A New Chapter for West London
Imperial College’s White City Deep Tech Campus is already a thriving hub of innovation. The first phase of the campus, which includes 1.5 million square feet of research facilities, office space, and student accommodations, is home to over 5,000 staff, students, and businesses. Organizations based at the campus are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges in fields such as climate science, chemistry, and medical technology.
The new £200 million development will expand the campus’s capabilities significantly, adding 200,000 square feet of space for deep tech innovation. When completed, the campus will span 23 acres and feature 3.8 million square feet of mixed-use space, including academic, commercial, residential, and leisure facilities. This will create a dynamic environment for more than 25,000 people to live, work, and collaborate.
Professor Brady highlighted the broader impact of the campus: “This investment is a crucial step in our vision for the Imperial WestTech Corridor. It will serve as a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation.”
Building on a Proven Track Record
The partnership between Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech builds on a history of successful collaboration. Bruntwood SciTech’s existing campuses, such as Manchester’s Circle Square and Birmingham’s Innovation Birmingham Campus, have established themselves as thriving hubs for life sciences and tech businesses. These spaces are home to over 1,100 companies, ranging from startups to global enterprises, and provide access to cutting-edge facilities, investment support, and growth programs.
This expertise positions Bruntwood SciTech as an ideal partner for Imperial’s ambitious plans. The joint venture has also secured £500 million in investment to support its growth strategy, with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund playing a key role as a shareholder.
A Catalyst for Local Investment
The £200 million development is expected to further bolster the White City Innovation District, which has already attracted billions of pounds in investment. The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, a key stakeholder in the district’s growth, welcomed the news. Cllr Stephen Cowan, leader of the borough, said: “This landmark investment from Bruntwood SciTech is a huge vote of confidence in our transformative STEM industrial strategy. It will create new STEM jobs for our residents and further solidify our status as a leading innovation hub.”
Since launching its industrial strategy with Imperial College in 2017, the borough has attracted over £6 billion in investment, more than the rest of West London combined.
From Ideas to Impact
One of the key goals of the new innovation hub is to accelerate the journey from discovery to commercialization. The facility will provide startups and scale-ups with access to:
- Advanced labs and workspaces tailored to their needs.
- Growth programs and investment support from Bruntwood SciTech’s extensive network.
- Opportunities to collaborate with Imperial’s leading researchers and clinicians.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the importance of these resources: “With the best facilities and support, researchers here will unlock new job opportunities and strengthen our economy. This is the kind of investment that cements the UK’s reputation as a global leader in innovation.”
Looking Ahead
Construction of the £200 million facility is expected to begin in 2026, pending planning approval. Once operational, the development will serve as a beacon of innovation, attracting businesses and talent from around the globe. It also aligns with Imperial’s larger £2 billion investment in the White City Deep Tech Campus, of which a third has already been delivered.
As the UK continues to prioritize STEM and innovation, the partnership between Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech represents a significant step forward. By fostering collaboration, driving sustainability, and supporting high-growth businesses, this new development promises to be a transformative force for West London and beyond.
The £200 million deep tech innovation hub at Imperial’s White City Campus marks a bold new chapter for UK science and technology. With its focus on sustainability, economic growth, and collaboration, the project will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in the UK. As construction begins in 2026, this groundbreaking partnership between Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech is set to redefine the possibilities for deep tech and life sciences in the heart of London.