In partnership with the Discovery Park, our shared lab space presents an exciting opportunity for early-stage life science businesses. Whether you’re working in cell culture, molecular biology or chemistry, CoLab is the ideal coworking lab space to get started, advance your research and propel your business forward.

In addition to offering flexible bench space in a collaborative coworking environment, our experienced lab technician is on hand to provide essential support and access to a diverse range of specialist equipment, enabling you to scale your operations without the need for heavy capital investment.

With CoLab, you’ll not only have the space and resources you need but also a network of like-minded innovators to collaborate with, fostering growth and innovation in your research endeavours.

What’s Included?

• Coworking lab space Rent a single bench space for up to two people within a state-of-the-art CAT 2 lab plus access to a write-up desk.
• Flexible rental agreement We're offering up to 6 months free membership to CoLab for eligible businesses before benefitting from flexible license agreements thereafter.
• Access to equipment Access a range of scientific equipment including microfuges, autoclaves, fume cupboards, incubators, cell culture facilities, protein and DNA electrophoresis and much more. You’ll also have access to more of our extensive and specialist equipment held at our main campus in Canterbury, Kent. Some equipment use may incur a charge, which will be agreed in advance.
• Lab technician support An experienced lab technician is on hand to support your day-to-day activities, foster close involvement with our university academics and undertake technical services where required.
• Discovery Park support As part of CoLaB, Discovery Park can support you with commercialisation through mentoring from their Innovation team, business support through Barclays Eagle Lab, access to growth programmes, and introductions to investors
• Join a community You'll be located with like-minded entrepreneurs within Discovery Park’s wider scientific community to learn from, share experiences and collaborate with. You'll also benefit from a vibrant programme of industry events and social activities that provide the opportunity to network and connect with peers.

How can collaborating with CCCU support my business?

• Unlock funding - We can help unlock funding to support the development of new products, systems or services, or to support the contribution your organisation might make to the development of your sector or industry.
• Join our major strategic developments - Your business or organisation could connect with the hundreds of businesses and organisations that we collaborate with, supporting regional growth and success
• Enhance your sectors curriculum - Share your professional knowledge and experience with our students, make links with teaching and academic staff, collaborate and advise on academic research activities, and support student and graduate employability.
• Grow personnel and recruit talent through Unitemps - Work with our in-house recruitment agency Unitemps, and our experienced recruitment professionals to increase your business capacity, grow your personnel and recruit talented students and graduates.

What our community say...

“Working together has presented significant benefits to our business. We have been fortunate to collaborate on some key projects which has resulted in valuable data that we are likely to use in the future to further our own product development, possibly leading to commercialisation of a novel assay. I’d encourage other companies to collaborate with Christ Church and academia in general.”

Tom Beckitt , Global Product Manager & Principal Scientist at Genea Biomedx

To explore opportunities, contact our Enterprise & Engagement Team.