Plus X Innovation
We create collaborative spaces and provide support for businesses driving positive impact. Through inspiring workspaces, state-of-the-art specialist facilities, innovation programmes for any size of business, and extensive member events, our spaces are designed for you to collaborate and make a difference.
The Plus X Innovation Story
Central Research Laboratory opens
Launched in September 2015, the Central Research Laboratory (CRL) was created in partnership with developers U+I and Brunel University London. Its focus on manufactured product innovation was inspired by the strong heritage of its West London location and it launched with innovation support and specialist maker facilities for a group of 25 founders. Success in its first year gave the team confidence to triple the available space and grow the thriving community, developing the CRL Accelerator to be the leading programme of its type in the UK and acting as the prototype for Plus X Innovation.
Scaling the prototype
Building on the success of the Central Research Laboratory, Co-CEOs Mat Hunter and Paul Rostas set out a vision to expand the business into a national network of innovation hubs, under a new brand, Plus X Innovation. Strategic partners U+I backed the vision and work started to develop the next hub.
The first innovation hub opens
In June 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Plus X Innovation's first innovation hub opened its doors in Brighton. The innovative planet-conscious building offered 53,000 square feet of collaborative workspace, inspiring meeting rooms, private office space, an on-site café, two beautiful events spaces, and more for startups, scaleups, and businesses of any size.
Plus X Innovation wins best newcomer
Plus X Innovation was awarded the Best Newcomer Award at the Property Week Awards in June 2022. The judges highlighted Plus X as “a great business with an amazing ethos that is doing everything right.” This recognition cemented the plans for expansion, with a goal of opening another 25 innovation hubs over the next five years in the United Kingdom.
Our Slough hub opens
In November 2023, an evolution of The Central Research Laboratory led to the doors being opened at a second innovation hub in Slough. Plus X Innovation and AshbyCapital partnered to create a vibrant workspace with a focus on driving business growth and incubating new businesses. The real estate innovation hub offers 24,103 square feet of space for entrepreneurs and business owners with award-winning business accelerator programmes, a state-of-the-art prototyping workshop with over £300,000 worth of specialist equipment, and an impressive ecosystem of local partnerships, stakeholders and investors.
Plus X Innovation wins deal of the year
Plus X Innovation was awarded the Deal of The Year (Commercial Property, under 50m) at the Property Week Awards in July 2024. The judges said “significant strategic and bold decision-making, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of their business, bringing together a community of entrepreneurs and local government all working together.” This award recognises the unique hub in Slough for entrepreneurs to overcome barriers to growth, and to collaborate in a space specifically designed for the purpose.
Be part of the future of innovation
Our story has only just begun. Join us on our journey by becoming a member, signing up for one of our business support programmes, or coming to one of our impact-driven community events.
The innovation ecosystem
Everything we do is connected, creating our innovation ecosystem.
Our work with businesses, the community, local and national government, and educational institutions is intertwined so we can create spaces for innovation, collaboration, and positive change to thrive.
By working across the entire ecosystem, we can drive innovation that solves the challenges of our time.
Innovation Insights
.webp)
Join our team
Want to help make innovation available for everyone? There might not be a more rewarding role than empowering bold thinkers to turn an idea into something brilliant.
If you think big, bold, and brave, and believe in making a difference, then join the team at Plus X Innovation today!
We’re here to help
Send us a message to find out more about Plus X Innovation. Whether you want to find out more about opening an innovation hub in your local area, how we can collaborate to support innovation, or any other question, we're here to help.
.webp)
