Defence, Security and dual-use Innovators

Surrey Research Park is a discreet, strategically located base for businesses supporting the UK’s defence, security, deterrence and resilience.

Home to a thriving innovation community, it offers excellent access to London, Heathrow and Gatwick, alongside close proximity to key defence hubs, naval facilities and military training ranges across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The Park is managed by the University of Surrey, a member of the Defence University Alliance.

From development of C4 (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers) to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Military Satellite Communications, UAS platforms and lightweight drones and other solutions, Surrey Research Park has a legacy of fostering cutting-edge advancements in defence and security technologies.

Why Choose Surrey Research Park to Innovate?

• Strategically located offering advanced technology companies supporting the UK’s resilience, security and defence easy access to London, Heathrow, Gatwick for international markets, as well as Portsmouth, Hampshire and Wiltshire ranges.
  
• We are also on the doorstep of the Farnborough International Airport and a prime location for the biennial. Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), the UK’s flagship aerospace and defence event, returning 20 to 24 July 2026.
  
• Defence Universities Alliance Member
  As part of the University of Surrey innovation ecosystem, businesses at Surrey Research Park benefit from close links to one of the UK’s leading research universities. The University’s recent selection as one of the first 35 members of the UK’s new Defence Universities Alliance further strengthens Surrey’s role in supporting innovation across defence, aerospace, space, AI and advanced technologies.
  
• Profile Building & Industry Connections
  Elevate your company’s visibility within our ecosystem through targeted introductions and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
  
• Access to Funding Networks
  Secure the financial resources needed to scale with our introductions to venture capitalists, grant opportunities, industry clusters, and strategic partnerships.
  
• Expert Navigation and Connections
  Leverage connections to world-class research centres at the University of Surrey, including the:
  • Surrey Centre for Cyber Security
  • Institute for People-Centred AI
  • Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing
    
• Offering unparalleled access to expertise in:
  • Small satellites
  • 5G and 6G communications and innovation
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • AI-powered applications

Our Communications and Engagement team can proactively connect you with specialists relevant to your needs, enabling you to navigate the university to find the expertise you need to support your business.

• New Talent Pipeline
  Gain access to top-tier graduates and research teams from the University of Surrey to ensure your organisation has the skills and expertise required for success.

Our Defence and Security Ecosystem

At Surrey Research Park, we offer a secure environment tailored to the unique needs of defence organisations, including:

• Home to Established Leaders
  Our community includes industry leaders alongside AI-driven and cyber startups developing technologies with national security applications.
  
• Knowledge-Sharing Opportunities
  Participate in exclusive initiatives such as our defence roundtable, led by an ex-MoD specialist, fostering collaboration and innovation among sector leaders.
  
• IP Safeguarding Resources
  Protect your intellectual property with our partnerships, including the National Cyber Resilience Centre and UK Police Protect programme.
  
• Cluster connectivity: South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster (SCRDSC
  Surrey Research Park is a member of the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster (SCRDSC). This is a UK regional partnership spanning Hampshire, Surrey, Isle of Wight, West Sussex and Berkshire, created to strengthen defence and security innovation through collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, industry, academia and local authorities.
  
• Bespoke mentoring by experts in defence / security and aerospace available to entrepreneurs and startups who are members of our SETSquared Surrey Business Incubator.
  
• Plus exciting many other unique opportunities to support your growth and enhance your employee value proposition.
  
• UAS, RPAS and drone flight testing: Surrey Research Park and the University of Surrey offer access to large open space where you can launch, test and evaluate your innovative airborne platforms.
  
  This area is located adjacent to the Park and just a short walk from our Surrey Technology Centre.
  
  The site is located outside controlled airspace, with no known permanent restrictions according to the NATS airspace zone map. This makes the area ideal for startups based at the Park to prototype flight testing. Contact us today to explore how we can support your flight testing needs.

Join our community of defenders and protectors

We offer a range of versatile office spaces suitable for startups and SMEs through to large companies, primes and global brands.

By joining our innovative community you’ll be able to access a range of opportunities designed to support your growth, including access to top-tier talent and expertise available via the University of Surrey.

Complete the form below or email stc@surrey.ac.uk to discuss our requirements and how Surrey Research Park can support your success.