Space Enterprise Lab touches down at Surrey Research Park
Above: (left to right) Dr Lucia Fonseca De La Bella, Faculty Strategic Project Manager Space Sector and Dr Susan Jason, Space Systems Engineer, join Dr Keith Ryden, Director of Surrey Space Centre, to try out the new collaboration equipment at Surrey Research Park's new Space Enterprise Lab.
Courtesy University of Surrey
The state-of-the-art facility was opened by Guildford MP Zöe Franklin at the Park’s flagship Surrey Technology Centre, expanding the reach of the UK’s network of Space Enterprise Labs.
Designed to provide cutting-edge technology and collaboration tools for businesses and researchers, the SEL will play a vital role in driving innovation in satellite applications, non-terrestrial networks and space communications.
The SEL is part of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s UK-wide network of 14 innovation hubs and supports Surrey Research Park’s 'Go Beyond Space' campaign which showcases how the Park offers much more than just an office address for space-sector companies.
With a proven track record in supporting successful space businesses, including industry leaders like Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and early-stage innovators in the SETsquared Surrey incubator, the arrival of the SEL will support the Park’s mission of supporting industry-academia collaboration and business growth.
After touring the SEL for the first time, Zöe Franklin MP said: "Guildford has long been a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation, and I am incredibly excited to support the opening of the new Space Enterprise Lab at Surrey Research Park. Facilities like this play a vital role in attracting future-focused technology businesses to our town, driving inward investment, and creating highly skilled jobs for our community. As space technologies continue to evolve, it’s essential that we provide the right support, like Surrey Research Park offers, for businesses to grow, innovate, and collaborate.
“This new Space Lab will help local companies tap into national and global opportunities, strengthening Guildford’s position as a leader in the UK and global space and technology markets. I can't wait to see the impact this initiative will have on both our local economy and the wider space industry."
Surrey Research Park is home to around 200 science and technology businesses, including a growing cluster of space-focused companies. The new Space Enterprise Lab adds to the Park’s thriving space and satellite community, reinforcing its role as a centre for cutting-edge research and industry collaboration.
Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District at the University of Surrey, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Space Enterprise Lab to Surrey Research Park. This new facility strengthens both the University of Surrey’s and the Park’s role in space innovation, providing new capabilities for supporting space businesses and enhancing collaboration.
“Our region has a rich heritage in space technology and the opening of the SEL at the Park enables us to better connect our thriving innovation community in Guildford with the wider UK space ecosystem. We’re grateful to the Satellite Applications Catapult and Space South Central regional cluster for enabling us to join this fantastic network of SELs across the UK.”
The Space Enterprise Lab at Surrey Research Park joins 13 other SELs across the UK, including locations in Harwell, Leicester and Glasgow. The nationwide network aims to connect space entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to drive space technology advancements.
Each SEL offers users free-to-access to an innovation space with advanced technology to support their space business by using:
- VR headsets to visualise and interact with space data
- Interactive collaboration tools for hybrid meetings and demonstrations
- Flexible, modern workspaces designed to inspire innovation
Located in Guildford, Surrey Research Park is in the heart of the Surrey Innovation District. More than 200 businesses are on the University of Surrey-owned Park, with opportunities to access to talent, funding, collaborations and networking. The Park and related innovation activities contribute around £660 million annually to the Surrey and UK economies, supporting more than 7,600 jobs, directly and indirectly. Founded in 1985, this year the Park is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
For more about the Space Enterprise Lab and how to access its facilities: www.sa.catapult.org.uk/sel
