Research-stage biomedical firm Innaxon, which is investigating treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases, has become the first occupier of the shared lab space at UWE Bristol’s new Future Space science innovation hub.
Innaxon is using the lab, pictured, to carry out early stage feasibility studies into a number of biomolecules which act as vaccine adjuvants, immune(chemo)therapy and immunology-modulating agents. 
The firm, which is headquartered in Tewkesbury, is now focused on completing pilot studies of its in-house biopharmaceuticals.
These compounds could one day be used to boost the effectiveness of vaccines and the immune system to non-specific resistance to infections such as MRSA.
Future Space is a science, laboratory and tech workspace, run by Oxford Innovation, which aims to connect entrepreneurs and tech pioneers with scientists, researchers and graduate talent to spark collaboration, innovation and growth.
Innaxon director Dr Frank Neumann said: “Future Space bridges the gap for companies like us between completing early-stage pilot studies and securing the investment we need to conduct wider studies.
“There are very few places like this which offer start-ups and fledgling companies fully serviced laboratory space on such flexible terms and having access to a lab technician onsite is a big advantage.”
Future Space centre director Elaine McKechnie added: “This is the first science innovation hub of its kind to open in Bristol and we hope to encourage more research and development companies to stay and base themselves in this region.
“We have such a wealth of talent coming out of our universities in Bristol but if there is no good quality affordable laboratory space for researchers to use then they will go elsewhere.
“We’re thrilled that we were able to support Innaxon at this vital time in their development and are keen to see many more companies benefit from our services.”
Future Space, which opened in August last year, offers 24/7 access so is ideal for companies running round-the-clock tests or people on flexible hours. There are also meeting rooms and dynamic co-working spaces together with business support from expert advisors and access to investor networks.
The flexible space can be used for experimentation and testing and reduces the need for long-term investment in laboratory space, expensive equipment and experienced technician staff. All the lab space is fully serviced and can be tailored to the needs of individual occupiers.
Future Space, which is co-located with the Bristol Robotics Laboratory at the heart of the main UWE Bristol campus, is part of the £16m West of England University Enterprise Zone, which provides facilities and services to companies specialising in robotics, biosciences, medical technologies and other hi-tech sectors.
