Oncology incubator is at the heart of the London Cancer Hub

Aviva Capital Partners (“ACP”), Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests in regeneration and infrastructure, and place-management specialist Populate have secured two new oncology companies as tenants at the Innovation Gateway, a leading life sciences incubator at the heart of the London Cancer Hub.

Kindling Bio, a start-up focused on developing cancer gene therapies for children, and Beckman Coulter, a leading developer of cancer diagnostics, will base research teams at the Innovation Gateway, occupying self-contained lab spaces on a flexible basis. They will join other fast-growing companies, including CuResponse, a pioneer in personalised cancer treatments and Vesynta, a spin-out from UCL focused on data-guided precision treatment dosing. The incubator, which provides 3,500 sq ft of lab space over two floors, is now at 85% capacity.

Opened in 2021 by Sutton Council, the Innovation Gateway provides flexible lab space for fast-growing companies adjacent to the world-renowned Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden NHS Trust’s Sutton hospital, which has the UK’s largest portfolio of cancer clinical trials. ACP has taken on the management of the Innovation Gateway and appointed Populate to oversee the delivery of enhanced facilities, including new meeting spaces and a marketing suite.

It forms part of the London Cancer Hub, where plans have been submitted by ACP and Socius for a c. 1 million sq ft development of lab and R&D facilities that will enable life sciences companies to work alongside and collaborate with some of the world’s leading cancer researchers and clinicians.

Works are already underway to enhance the existing infrastructure and public realm. A new pocket park has been introduced to provide a green space for staff, patients and visitors to relax and four padel courts, operated by Social Sports Society, are being installed as part of a wellbeing-focused amenity offer to help attract and retain leading companies and talent.

Sophie White, Head of Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “The Innovation Gateway, which provides space for fast-growing oncology companies to collaborate and grow, is a microcosm of what can be achieved at scale at the London Cancer Hub. Our vision is to help the UK get ready for the future by delivering best-in-class lab and R&D space of all sizes that will enable life sciences companies to work closely with the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Foundational Trust, and unlock further innovation in cancer treatment.”

Olaide Oboh, Managing Director, Populate, added: “The Innovation Gateway is at the heart of the ecosystem at London Cancer Hub, and we are proud to be working with Aviva Capital Partners to provide a launchpad for fast-growing businesses in the oncology space. The workspace is vital, but we are equally focused on the spaces between the buildings, and how we can create a more connected and inclusive district where people want to work, meet, socialise and share ideas.”

Jeff Drew, Co-Founder at Kindling Bio, said: “The Innovation Gateway provides the perfect environment for us to advance our research programme, offering flexible and affordable lab space as well as the opportunity to access specialist equipment and collaborate with researchers and clinicians at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden. We are excited to be part of a dynamic and growing research cluster at the London Cancer Hub.”

For more information on London Cancer Hub, please visit: https://cancerhub.london