ARC LAUNCHES MOTHERLABS OXFORD ACCELERATOR FOLLOWING STRONG DEMAND AT WEST LONDON CAMPUS
ARC has launched Motherlabs Oxford, a new purpose-built life sciences accelerator space at its ARC Oxford campus, expanding its early-stage laboratory offering in response to sustained demand across the sector.
The launch builds on the performance of Motherlabs at ARC West London, which has doubled in size since launch. The success of the model validates ARC’s fitted lab approach, supporting early-stage life sciences companies including Sania Therapeutics, Kesmalea Therapeutics and Epsilogen with capital-efficient, flexible space designed to work from day one.
That demand is mirrored in Oxford, where spin-out activity has accelerated sharply over the past decade. Analysis by Onward* shows that the number of companies formed from Oxford University research has increased by 166%, alongside a 687% rise in capital raised. This growth is driving rising demand for specialist space that can support companies at the earliest stages of development.
Opening in June 2026, Motherlabs Oxford will deliver fully fitted CL2 laboratories, ranging from 800 to 1,200 sq. ft, with dedicated write-up space and access to the critical infrastructure required by growing companies. The turnkey model enables rapid occupation and removes the need for costly, time-intensive fitouts.
Following ARC’s industry first research on neuroinclusive lab design, Motherlabs Oxford has been designed to incorporate neuroinclusive features to ensure the lab environment nurtures creativity, collaboration and scientific problem-solving, supporting founders as they move from research to commercial impact.
Occupiers will also have access to shared facilities and specialist lab support services, including sterilisation, consumables handling and clinical waste management, reducing operational complexity for early-stage teams and allowing them to focus on advancing their science.
Sebastian Johnson Director of Ecosystems at ARC, said: “The success of Motherlabs West London demonstrated clear demand for flexible accelerator space that works from day one. Launching Motherlabs Oxford allows us to extend that model into Oxford, one of Europe’s most active life sciences markets, supporting companies at a critical stage of growth.
The launch of Motherlabs Oxford was announced at Founders & Funders, a registered foundation supporting translational research and science entrepreneurship.
Michael Collyer from Founders & Funders added: “For founders, ready-to-use lab space is the difference between talking about a company and actually building one. Motherlabs Oxford at ARC cuts through the usual delays around space and setup, so teams can focus on the science and momentum. That is exactly the kind of infrastructure Oxford needs more of if we want to see more research turn into real, scalable ventures.”
Based at ARC Oxford, which is already home to a thriving and diverse ecosystem of over 30 science and innovation-based organisations including OMass Therapeutics, FluoRok, Perspectum, Motherlabs Oxford forms part of ARC’s wider strategy to deliver scalable laboratory environments that support life sciences companies from inception through to growth and maturity.
ARC Oxford is part of ARC’s national network of clusters, alongside Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, ARC West London and ARC Uxbridge. Together, these locations offer ARC and Motherlabs members unrivalled access to collaboration opportunities, supported by proximity to world-class research hospitals and the nationally significant research facilities based at Harwell.
ARC’s campuses were also recently accredited with the Workspace of the Year title at the Hustle Awards, recognising ARC’s strong focus on inclusivity and its commitment to reimagining how science and real estate intersect, fostering collaboration and growth while prioritising accessibility and the needs of its member organisations.
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About ARC
ARC is the smarter real estate partner for science and innovation.
We concentrate innovation companies in Advanced Research Clusters — place-based clusters at the leading edges of major knowledge economies like Oxford and London. They’re unique ecosystems that accelerate commercial growth by providing the best possible working environments for our members.
Offices, coworking, cleanrooms, accelerator labs, and leading open access R&D facilities — discover flexible science-ready spaces within green, energising environments and community events in places designed to motivate and inspire.
ARC members learn to optimise their businesses from an active partner landlord that mentors as well as provides space. They take advantage of new ways to promote themselves using ARC as a platform, and they join a growing network of innovators that will one day be worldwide.
We’re solving the business of science so science can change the world. Welcome to ARC.
