Innovate Cambridge and Railpen open facility for scale-ups
The Glasshouse is based on the first floor of Botanic House in Hills Road, an award-winning office building, and will act as a gateway for company founders and investors to access the city’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
A glasshouse was the old name for a military prison but ‘inmates’ of this venture will have the key to this and many other doors, the founders envision.
Renowned for its world-leading research and innovation, Cambridge has raised £100 billion of capital in the last decade alone and is projected to have the fastest employment growth in the UK over the next 10 years.
Managed by Innovate Cambridge, the Glasshouse will build on this momentum, acting as a platform for both local and global businesses to pioneer advancements that will continue to shape the future of knowledge intensive industries worldwide.
At a time when UK growth is top of the Government’s agenda, spaces like the Glasshouse will support young and scaling businesses within the technology, life sciences, and engineering sectors in sharing ideas, stimulating growth and connecting with likeminded innovators and investors.
Matthew Howard, Head of Property at Railpen, commented: “Railpen’s investment in Cambridge reflects its commitment to fostering long-term, sustainable growth in one of the world's leading science and innovation hubs.
“We are achieving that by partnering with organisations already leading the way, such as Innovate Cambridge, working with them to deliver lasting value. The Glasshouse is a direct outcome of this approach, and will be a focal point where ideas can be shared, collaborations formed, and new solutions brought to life.”
Dr Kathryn Chapman, Executive Director at Innovate Cambridge, adds: “The Glasshouse represents not only a dedicated physical space for breakthrough ideas but also the strength of the relationships driving Cambridge’s innovation engine.
“Railpen’s active investment in the region brings invaluable resources and momentum, and we can’t wait to work together to create an environment that enables innovators to connect with investors, business and government to get the support they need, ensuring that Cambridge remains at the cutting edge of innovation.”
Botanic House is the headquarters of leading UK law firm Mills & Reeve and from one aspect overlooks the world-famous Botanic Gardens.
The Glasshouse itself forms part of Railpen's broader and equally blooming investment in Cambridge, which includes a cluster of sustainable, premium real estate assets.
Key upcoming developments include Devonshire Gardens, offering eco-friendly office and residential space around a new park adjacent to the station and Botanic Place, set to be the UK's most sustainable speculative development outside London.
Railpen says these projects are designed to provide exceptional workspaces for businesses, including life sciences, setting a new standard for innovation in the UK.