A research-stage biomedical company investigating treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases has been announced as the first occupier in the shared lab space, part of Bristol’s new science innovation hub, Future Space.
Innaxon is using the laboratory space at Future Space, part of University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), to carry out early stage feasibility studies into a number of biomolecules which act as vaccine adjuvants, immune(chemo)therapy and immunology-modulating agents.
Future Space is a science, laboratory and tech workspace, run by Oxford Innovation, which aims to connect entrepreneurs and tech pioneers with scientists, researchers and graduate talent to spark collaboration, innovation and growth.
With specialised laboratories to rent on flexible terms and local lab technician services on hand, Future Space provides a solution for small research and development (R&D) companies that need to carry out further lab trials or undertake proof of concept projects before they can secure the capital investment needed to set up their own research base.
Offering an inspiring and flexible space for experimentation and testing Future Space supports customers with a range of services which can be accessed as and when required. This reduces the need for long term investment in laboratory space, expensive equipment and experienced technician staff. All the lab space is fully serviced and can be tailored entirely to individual needs.
Headquartered in Tewkesbury, Innaxon took up a place in a lab at Future Space in April and has since been focused on completing the pilot studies of its in-house biopharmaceuticals. These compounds could one day be used to boost the effectiveness of vaccines and the immune system to non-specific resistance to infections such as MRSA.
Dr Neumann, CSO of Innaxon said: “Future Space bridges the gap for companies like us between completing early stage pilot studies and securing the investment we need to conduct wider studies.
“There are very few places like this which offer start-ups and fledgling companies fully serviced laboratory space on such flexible terms and having access to a lab technician onsite is a big advantage.”
Elaine McKechnie, centre director at Future Space, said: “This is the first science innovation hub of its kind to open in Bristol and we hope to encourage more R&D companies to stay and base themselves in this region.
“We have such a wealth of talent coming out of our universities in Bristol but if there is no good quality affordable laboratory space for researchers to use then they will go elsewhere.
“We’re thrilled that we were able to support Innaxon at this vital time in their development and are keen to see many more companies benefit from our services.”
Future Space offers 24/7 access so is ideal for companies running round the clock tests or people on flexible hours. There are also meeting rooms and dynamic co-working spaces together with business support from expert advisors and access to investor networks.
Opened in August last year, Future Space is part of the £16million West of England University Enterprise Zone which provides facilities and services to companies specialising in robotics, biosciences, medical technologies and other high-tech sectors.
