What companies are in Cambridge Science Park?

Cambridge Science Park: Where Innovation Thrives (and a Bit of History Too!)

Cambridge Science Park. The name itself conjures images of cutting-edge research, brilliant minds, and maybe even a robot or two. And honestly? It lives up to the hype. Founded way back in 1970 by Trinity College, Cambridge, it’s not just the oldest science park in the UK, but one of the biggest in Europe. Imagine that – a sprawling hub of scientific activity just a stone’s throw (about 3 kilometers, to be precise) from the heart of Cambridge.

But did you know the land has a fascinating past? Trinity College has owned it since 1546, initially using it for good old-fashioned farming. Then, during World War II, things took a turn. The U.S. Army rolled in, using the fields to prep their vehicles and tanks for the D-Day landings. Talk about a transformation! After the war, the land sat unused for a while, until Trinity College – thanks to the vision of Sir John Bradfield – decided to turn it into the innovation powerhouse it is today.

Why build a science park in the first place? Well, back in the swinging ’60s, the government was keen to get universities and tech companies working together. Cambridge Science Park was the answer – a place where bright ideas could flourish, attract investment, and generally make the world a better, more technologically advanced place.

So, what’s the park all about? In a nutshell, it’s about:

• Linking up with the incredible brainpower at Cambridge University.
• Turning research into real-world technology.
• Supporting companies, from tiny startups to massive corporations, every step of the way.
• Creating a thriving community for biotech and high-tech research.
• Offering specialized facilities and expertise to companies in all sorts of R&D fields.

Spanning a massive 152 acres, the park boasts everything a research company could need: innovation labs, biology and chemistry facilities, and plenty of office space. It’s a veritable playground for scientists and entrepreneurs!

And who calls Cambridge Science Park home? You’d be amazed. Over 90 high-tech companies, from tiny startups to global giants, are based there. They’re working on everything from biomedicine to computer technology to industrial innovations. Let’s drop a few names, shall we?

• Bio-medical: You’ve got the big hitters like Abcam, Amgen, Bayer, and even British American Tobacco (yes, they’re involved in research too!).
• Computer/telecoms: Tech giants like Broadcom, Citrix Systems, Huawei, and even the game developers at Jagex (creators of RuneScape!) are there.
• Industrial technology: Companies like Aveva, Johnson Matthey, and Philips are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

And that’s just scratching the surface. You’ll also find companies like AstraZeneca, Cambridge Electronic Design, and a whole host of others. It’s a real melting pot of innovation, attracting everyone from venture capitalists to biotech researchers to software developers.

Of course, the link with Cambridge University is crucial. The University has a stellar reputation, especially when it comes to science, engineering, and medicine. Many companies on the park are actually spin-offs from the University, and most have active research partnerships. It’s a symbiotic relationship – the University provides the brains, and the park provides the space and resources to turn those brains into groundbreaking innovations.

The park has changed a lot over the years, adapting to the latest trends. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, it was all about electronics and engineering, with companies like Sinclair Research leading the charge. Then, in the ’90s, biotech took over, with AstraZeneca setting up shop and transforming the park into a biotech hotspot. In the 2000s, the digital revolution arrived, bringing software, data science, and AI companies to the forefront.

So, what’s next for Cambridge Science Park? Well, it’s increasingly focused on “deep tech” – things like AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials. And, crucially, it’s also embracing sustainability, working to become a greener and more environmentally friendly place to innovate.

Managed by Bidwells, the park offers a range of amenities, including a conference center, a gym, and even squash courts! The Trinity Centre is a hub for meetings, conferences, and grabbing a bite to eat.

Cambridge Science Park isn’t just a collection of buildings; it’s a thriving ecosystem where ideas are born, companies grow, and the future is being shaped. It’s a place where you can feel the buzz of innovation in the air – and who knows, maybe even catch a glimpse of a robot or two!