Business incubation

The first two to three years can be a critical time for new companies - developing new products or services, establishing a customer base, securing investment for growth and achieving income generation.

Our business incubator units aim to support new company formation by providing a nurturing environment for young start-up and spin-out technology companies. This support in the early years facilitates survival and growth, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

The University operates two technology incubation units:

• The CIDS Biomedical Incubator on the main Gilmorehill Campus
• The Technology Complex on the Garscube Campus

The objective of the incubators is to promote and support interaction between medical, veterinary medical, biosciences, and engineering disciplines leading to research grants, research contracts, patents and commercial licensing, and company formation. Tenant companies currently tend to be involved in highly innovative diagnostics development, screening technologies, drug development, and bioscience services.

The CIDS Biomedical Incubator

Comprises 700 sq.m. laboratory, office and shared space. Facilities include:

• 3 private secure wet laboratories (40, 31, and 46 sq.m. respectively)
• 1 large shared wet lab (170sq.m) with access to basic lab equipment
• 11 offices (ranging in size from 8.45sq.m. to 66.35sq.m.)
• 1 meeting room (18.44sq.m.)
• 1 kitchen with informal meeting area.

The main wet lab is equipped with standard non-specialist equipment including centrifuges, fume cabinet, Class 11 cabinet, balances, microwave, freezers, fridges, and CO2 incubators. Access to this shared equipment minimises start-up costs for new companies, and enables managers to initially invest funds in more specialised equipment specific to their individual operations.

The Technology Complex

Based within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine on the Garscube campus, and comprises 200sq.m incorporating dedicated SME (small to medium sized enterprises) facilities. The complex has a peaceful setting within mature woodland, immediately adjacent to both the Beatson Centre for Cancer Research and the West of Scotland Science Park. Facilities include 4 offices, 2 workshops, and 1 laboratory. Shared space with the veterinary faculty includes a meeting room, a knowledge access point, and a lecture theatre / exhibition hall (seats 135) with retractable seating and video conferencing equipment.

The Complex has been designed to encourage the two-way transfer of skills and experience by introducing animal / health companies to the latest research advances and encouraging academics to mix with entrepreneurs. The facilities are available for use by start-up and spin-out companies specialising in animal health or comparative medicine, and University research staff. Interaction between company and University staff is fostered by the shared use of information technology suites, breakout rooms, and common areas.

All offices in both incubator units are fully furnished to a high standard. Flexible leasing arrangements are available. Both sites have security-controlled access and a 24 hour security presence. Tailored administrative and general office support is available on-site, as well as IT support, business planning, business mentoring, and general management advice. Additional services such as access to the University Library, Sports & Recreation Services, biological and radiological safety advisors etc, can be arranged.

For further information about incubator facilities please contact Dr Sylvia Morrison on +44 (0) 141 330 2690 or email S.A.Morrison@admin.gla.ac.uk.