Work has started on a new state-of-the-art building at Falmouth University to incubate new spin-out tech companies.
Launchpad is a specially-designed space to support the university’s postgraduates, help them develop business opportunities and ultimately create the next generation of Cornwall-based technology companies.
The £6.5 million building, which is on the Penryn Campus, is due to complete next summer ready for occupation that September.
It will be home to Business Entrepreneurship graduates and postgraduates in a studio workspace environment which will be similar to the university’s Academy for Innovation and Research (AIR) building which was completed in 2012.
The project also includes an innovative building that links AIR and Launchpad and will form the main entrance to both. Known as ‘The Link’, it will also provide office, reception, exhibition and meeting space, and the Vice Chancellor’s office.
The Launchpad business incubator will bring together skilled graduates and postgraduates, a package of specialist support and Falmouth University’s Research Development and Innovation infrastructure and industry. It aims to create new companies in direct response to an identified industry demand.
The Launchpad building has been designed by the Bristol team of international architect BDP.
