Business Incubator (Powered by SETsquared Surrey)

Ready to turn your business idea into reality?

At the Surrey Research Park Business Incubator, powered by the UK’s No.1 business incubator partnership (Financial Times, 2024), we’re here to help tech startups like yours to navigate the tech startup journey with confidence.

Whether you’re just starting out with an innovative product or service, a university spin-out or spin-in, or looking to scale your offering and establish your brand, our incubator offers tailored support, including investor readiness training, professional mentoring, and access to a thriving network of like-minded entrepreneurs, in a strategic location.

With a track record of supporting over 250 companies in raising more than £165 million, and flexible pricing options to suit your needs, SETsquared Surrey provides everything you need to get your startup off to the best possible start.

Explore our services, check out our upcoming events, and hear from those who’ve been in your shoes. When you’re ready, get in touch to arrange a visit or a tour, and discover how we can support your journey to success.

Find the Right Opportunity to Support Your Growth and Needs:

Hybrid*

£140 pcm +VAT

If you’re an entrepreneur eager to get your business off to the best start but not in a position to commit to a full residency, this is a great option for you!

As a hybrid member you will receive:

▪ Hot-desking in our flagship Surrey Technology Centre
▪ Training and skills programme
▪ Access to mentors

A hybrid membership is there to support your as your develop and grow your business. It’s a great cost-effective way to tap into the extensive knowledge and networking opportunities provided through our business incubator, while allowing you to focus on delivering your business strategy.

Community Desk

£321 pcm + VAT

If you’re an experienced entrepreneur or someone eager to hit the ground running with your growth strategy, our Community Desk package is your gateway to the many benefits and unique opportunities Surrey Research Park offers, minus the direct business support from SETquared.

Enjoy a dedicated desk in our flagship Surrey Technology Centre; not only a prestigious address but also your key to engaging with our vibrant business community of innovators, funding opportunities, talent and more.

This package includes:

▪ Dedicated desk
▪ 5 hrs free meeting room usage per month
▪ Co-working space
▪ Monthly contract

*Full and Hybrid SETsquared residency only available to UK registered tech companies that are able to demonstrate research and innovation intentions.

What does ‘Surrey Research Park Incubator powered by SETsquared’ mean?

This is just a way to explain how the Surrey Research Park Business Incubator is part of the award-winning SETsquared enterprise partnership—a collaboration between the UK’s six research-leading universities, including the University of Surrey. As the Surrey Research Park Incubator is supported behind the scenes by SETsquared, you can be confident as a resident and hybrid resident, the you will receive the highest calibre of support from some of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs in residence, business mentors, along with proven investor readiness training.

What kind of support can I expect from the Surrey Research Park Business Incubator?

A full resident you’ll have access to a comprehensive package of support, including bespoke investor readiness training, professional mentoring from a team of entrepreneurs in resident, and office services designed to help you grow your business.

Whether you’re developing an innovative product or service, a university spin-out, or scaling your existing business, our incubator provides the tailored resources and guidance you need to succeed.

Who can join the Surrey Research Park Business Incubator?

Our business incubator is open to startups, university spin-outs and spin-ins, and tech entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. Whether you’re just starting out with an innovative idea or looking to scale your existing business, if you’re driven by innovation and looking for top-tier support, we would be thrilled to welcome you into our thriving community.

How does the Surrey Research Park Business Incubator help with investor readiness?

As a full resident or hybrid resident you will receive help to prepare for funding rounds. This includes personalised coaching, assistance to craft and deliver your pitch , and access to a network of experienced investors.

Our goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence to secure the investment you need to take your business to the next level.

What are the pricing options for the Surrey Research Park Business Incubator?

We offer three flexible pricing options (community desk, hybrid and full residency – full residency is the most popular for businesses that meet the criteria) to suit a wide range of needs and budgets.

Whether you need a full-time office space to operate your business from or prefer a hybrid membership with hot-desking, we can tailor a package that meets your specific requirements. For detailed pricing information, visit our Business Incubator page or get in touch with our team.

Regardless of which package you opt for, everyone operating from the park can enjoy the wider unique benefits being part of the Surrey Research Park’s vibrant community has to offer.

What are the criteria to qualify for SETsquared?

SETsquared residencies offering exciting opportunities to propel your innovative tech business to the next level. However, in some cases, the coaching, mentoring and investor readiness training may not be appropriate for everyone because of their type of business or where they are in their growth journey. To help assess whether your business is going to get value from SETsquared, we ask entrepreneurs to complete an application form, for review by the SETsquared team and some of our mentors. We may also invite you to a meeting to give us both an opportunity to learn more about your needs and how being part of SETsquared Surrey might help you to fulfil them.

What happens if I am not accepted for SETsquared?

If you are not accepted for SETsquared our team will be in touch to discuss their decision with you. If you are a tech-led company involved in some element of research, then we may be able to offer you one of our Community Desks, which gives you a dedicated desk at Surrey Research Park and access to our vibrant innovative business community, minus the business development support.

Four people sat around a table,

Secure Funding for Your Startup via The S100 Club

Looking for the right investors to back your innovative startup?

The S100 Club, our exclusive angel investment network of seasoned investors, is here to help. Beyond just funding, our investors offer mentorship and support to drive your early-stage company’s growth.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, the S100 Club could be your gateway to both equity finance and expert guidance that will help you realise your vision.

Pitch to the S100 Club

Exclusive Events

As a full or hybrid resident of our business incubator you can enjoy exclusive access to networking events and socials, and expert-led workshops on everything from marketing and tax strategies to digital skills and app development, all included.

Events
Woman leaving the STC with a bag under her arm.

Exclusive Offers

As a member of the SETsquared Surrey Business Incubator, you’re not just benefiting from top-tier mentoring and business support—you’re also gaining access to exclusive discounts and free initial consultations with a network of professional services designed to help your startup thrive.

From accountancy and HR to legal and IP advice, through to marketing web designers, our trusted experts are part of the Surrey Research Park ecosystem, providing the specialized support you need to protect and grow your business.

Offers from Experts

Empowering Potential Space Companies

Cosmic Capital is funded by the UK Space Agency and the University of Surrey and delivered by SETsquared Partnership and Space South Central, both of which have a proven track record of supporting startups and businesses in diverse industries.

Discover Cosmic Capital
  • Connect with us
  • Board of directors
    • Caroline Fleming

      Director of the Surrey Innovation District

      Caroline supports the business community to innovate and grow, connecting the student and research knowledge of the university and supporting an innovation ecosystem that solves global challenges for a better future. Her portfolio includes The Surrey Research Park, Enterprise Programmes, Setsquared Surrey and Student Enterprise.

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    • Charlotte Watson

      Operations and Relationship Manager

      Charlotte manages the incubator at Surrey and S100 Angel Investment Club as well as supporting the development strategy and growth plans of the incubator.

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    • Keith Dixon

      Entrepreneur in Residence

      Keith draws on over 25 years’ experience to provide key insights into building enterprise value through the development of sound strategies and the capabilities to execute them.

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    • Ian James

      Entrepreneur in Residence

      Ian has built up an extensive knowledge of business and has been able to advise well-established companies on growing revenues.

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    • Chris Pett

      Entrepreneur in Residence

      Chris Pett works with startup founders and academic researchers to turn technology innovations into high-growth, investable businesses.

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    • Geena Kingswell from the SETsquared Surrey Team

      Geena Kingswell

      Incubation Operations Officer

      Geena has 8 years’ experience in higher education settings improving procedures, managing teams, teaching, and supporting senior colleagues with administration, communications, events, and operations.

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