Exeter Science Park joins Growth Forge as Science Park Partner

Exeter Science Park is the Science Park Partner as part of the Growth Forge programme.

Exeter Science Park is a STEMM business park and conference venue in the heart of the South West. It provides state-of-the-art offices and laboratories to rent, coworking facilities, conferencing & meeting space and an onsite acceleration and innovation partner. They are building a growing community of like-minded collaborative businesses.

Nurturing Innovation from Inception to Expansion

The heart of Exeter Science Park’s mission is to help innovative STEMM companies to deliver extraordinary growth. We support a range of tech businesses, from early-stage and scaling ventures to those who are more established.

Through the Exeter Innovation Accelerator, in partnership with SETsquared Exeter, startups gain access to tailored programs encompassing business fundamentals, sustainable product development, and investment readiness. This structured 6–12-month program is bolstered by experienced business support managers, Entrepreneurs in Residence, and Advisors in Residence, providing a comprehensive support system for flourishing enterprises.

The Park’s infrastructure is designed to accommodate businesses at various stages of growth. With the main Science Park Centre for earlier stage businesses, Grow-Out Space as they start to scale up, George Parker Bidder and Ada Lovelace buildings as they grow further, the Park offers flexible office and laboratory spaces, serving as a transitional environment for companies moving beyond incubation, but not yet ready for large-scale operations. Our leases are designed to support and encourage growth.

These facilities underscore the Park’s commitment to providing scalable solutions that align with the evolving needs of tech businesses.

Specialised Support in Emerging Tech Sectors

Exeter Science Park is home to a diverse array of specialist facilities and initiatives, and represented by businesses in key sectors

• Clean mobility: The Centre for Future Clean Mobility in the University of Exeter Engineering building focuses on developing hybrid and electric powertrain technologies, contributing to the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions.
• Human environment interaction: The VSimulators facility provides a unique platform for multidisciplinary research into human interactions with built environments, offering insights that can inform the design of future technologies.
• Key sectors at the park include: Cleantech, Life Sciences, Agritech, Marinetech and Engineering are all represented by early stage and University spin out businesses based at the science park, many of whom have and/or are raising various levels of investment.

Facilitating Access to Capital

Recognising the critical role of funding in business growth, Exeter Science Park hosts The FSE Group, a funding and investment organisation that has access to significant financial resources, including the £200 million South West Investment Fund. This presence ensures that businesses within the Park have direct access to advice on loans and equity investments, facilitating their expansion and development.

The park is also the chosen venue for finance focussed events for British Business Bank and Barclays Eagle Labs, many with a very specific sector focus.

A Collaborative Ecosystem for Sustainable Growth

Beyond physical infrastructure and financial support, Exeter Science Park fosters a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and innovation. The Park’s integration of high-quality, energy-efficient buildings with communal spaces and an extensive suite of conference facilities, onsite Net Zero Carbon hotel, networking and collaboration opportunities through a regular programme of business focussed and social events, all creates a vibrant community where businesses can thrive collectively. Why not come and join us!

Expertise and Knowledge from the Science Park team

From finance to business development, property to project management the small but dedicated team can support your venture at various stages.

We can signpost you through our extensive network of both private and public sector organisations, industry associations such as the UK Science Park Association and its network, Government bodies, regional development, and international trade contacts. 

We can facilitate introduction and collaboration opportunities with the Exeter Science Park community in key sectors including cleantech, marine, health, and life sciences. The science park mentors, connects and hosts emerging and growing tech companies and is always looking to understand their needs to support growth.

From coworking to small offices and labs to something much larger we can offer advice on various flexible property solutions that match the needs of your business growth cycle.

By providing resources tailored to each stage of a business’s lifecycle, the Park not only nurtures individual enterprises and helps them to survive but also contributes to the broader economic vitality of the region as a key economic anchor.

Dr. Sally Basker CEO of Exeter Science Park said “Our mission is to help innovative STEMM companies to achieve extraordinary growth, be resilient and to survive. We are excited to be working with the scaling business on the Growth Forge programme to help them achieve their goals for growth. We look forward to welcoming them all on the first growth day being held at Exeter Science Park and collaborating with them throughout 2025 and hopefully beyond.”

Applications for Growth Forge are still open. For more information and to apply, visit the Growth Forge website: https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/growth-forge/