University of Essex and Oxford Innovation, the UK’s largest Innovation Centre operator, have announced a partnership in delivering a brand new flexible workspace in a £12 million deal.
The Innovation Centre will support up to 50 start-up and early stage technology businesses.
“Focusing on supporting early stage businesses and start-ups from the region and spin-outs from the University, we will provide a range of office space solutions, impressive meeting and conference facilities and access to specialist on-site business support,” said Jo Stevens, Managing Director at Oxford Innovation.
The Innovation Centre will include a cafe for students, a showcasing area, and collaborative spaces. The centre is being backed by £2 million from the Essex County Council and £2 million from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund.
Oxford Innovation manages 23 other centres, including a new space that will be located in the Knowledge Gateway, a research and technology park that is the hub for science, technology and digital-based companies.
“This partnership with Oxford Innovation marks a new phase for the Knowledge Gateway. Our Parkside Office Village is thriving with the latest phase attracting incredible interest from established businesses,” said the University of Essex’s Registrar Bryn Morris. “Now we have this dynamic ecosystem developing for emerging businesses led by Oxford Innovation, I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible businesses which will join us in the months ahead.”