Cambridge has established itself as a global powerhouse in scientific research and innovation. At the heart of this ecosystem lies the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), one of the most significant hubs for medical research and biotechnology in Europe. For businesses and research teams looking to thrive in this dynamic environment, the South Cambridge Science Centre (SCSC) offers unparalleled opportunities—made even more attractive by its proximity to CBC.
Here are reasons why its location next to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus makes South Cambridge Science Centre an ideal choice for tenants.
1. Access to a World-Class Research Ecosystem
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus is home to some of the world's most renowned medical institutions, housing over 21,000 researchers, clinicians, and support staff. It is a collaborative hub where academic research, healthcare, and biotechnology converge to drive scientific progress.
Key Institutions Nearby:
University of Cambridge Clinical School – one of the world’s top medical schools
AstraZeneca’s Global R&D Headquarters – a £1 billion facility driving drug discovery
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Clinical Unit – pioneering early-stage clinical trials
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology – home to 12 Nobel Prize winners
Royal Papworth Hospital – a leading cardiothoracic hospital with cutting-edge research in heart and lung medicine
Being just minutes away from these institutions gives South Cambridge Science Centre’s tenants the ability to collaborate easily, form partnerships, and access state-of-the-art research.
2. Unparalleled Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
For startups, scale-ups, and established businesses in biotechnology, life sciences, and medical technology, proximity to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus means the opportunity to interact with the best minds in the industry. With over 450 life sciences and biotech companies in the Cambridge cluster, businesses in south Cambridge are surrounded by potential collaborators, investors, and partners.
Benefits of CBC Proximity for South Cambridge Science Centre Tenants:
Regular networking events and symposiums hosted by institutions like the University of Cambridge and Wellcome Trust
Easy access to industry conferences (e.g., Cambridge Science Festival, Cambridge BioTech Week)
Partnership potential with NHS Cambridge University Hospitals, which supports clinical trials and research collaborations
With leading pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research bodies all within close reach, South Cambridge Science Centre tenants benefit from an ecosystem designed for innovation.
3. Funding and Investment Opportunities
Cambridge’s life sciences sector attracts billions in funding annually, with major investments from government bodies, private equity firms, and venture capitalists.
Recent Investments in the Cambridge Life Sciences Cluster:
In 2023, Cambridge-based biotech firms raised over £2.4 billion in venture capital.
AstraZeneca announced a £450 million investment in new lab space and expansion in Cambridge.
The Cambridge Innovation Capital Fund manages £1 billion+ to support startups in the region.
The UK Government’s Life Sciences Vision Strategy committed £1 billion+ in funding to accelerate biotech and medtech growth in Cambridge.
With such a well-funded ecosystem, companies based at South Cambridge Science Centre are well-positioned to attract grants, venture capital, and partnerships with major industry players.
4. Access to Highly Skilled Talent and Expertise
Cambridge boasts a highly concentrated talent pool of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The city is ranked among the best places in the UK for research talent, drawing experts from top-tier universities, medical institutions, and global corporations.
Talent Statistics:
The University of Cambridge alone produces 3,000+ STEM graduates annually.
Over 63% of the Cambridge workforce holds a higher education degree, making it one of the most educated workforces in Europe.
More than 15,000 scientists and researchers are actively working in biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical fields in the Cambridge cluster.
For businesses looking to recruit the best minds, location near CBC makes it easy to tap into a deep well of talent, offering opportunities to attract postdocs, PhD candidates, and experienced professionals.
5. Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Transport Connectivity
Beyond its proximity to Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the South Cambridge Science Centre benefits from excellent infrastructure and transport links, making it a convenient and well-connected business hub.
Transport and Infrastructure Perks:
Cambridge South Station (opening 2025): Direct access to London King’s Cross in under an hour and connections to Oxford, Birmingham, and the north.
M11 Motorway (Junction 11) – offering seamless access to London, Stansted Airport (30 minutes), and other UK science hubs.
Cambridge International Airport – 10 minutes away for private aviation and global business travel.
State-of-the-art lab and office spaces at SCSC with cutting-edge facilities tailored for life sciences, biotech, and research-intensive companies.
For companies that need easy access to London, global airports, and world-class research infrastructure, SCSC provides the ideal business location.
Conclusion: A Strategic Advantage for Science and Innovation
The South Cambridge Science Centre is more than just a workspace—it’s a gateway to one of the most advanced scientific hubs in the world. Its proximity to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus offers unmatched advantages in collaboration, talent acquisition, funding, networking, and infrastructure.
For businesses seeking to establish or expand in the life sciences and biotech sector, being based at South Cambridge Science Centre is not just convenient—it’s a strategic advantage that could define the future of their innovation and success.
South Cambridge Science Centre