What is CUBIC?

Cranfield University Business Incubation Centre (CUBIC) provides a place to grow your business within a collaborative environment while being part of a dynamic and vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

Cranfield University was awarded the status of University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in 2019. University Enterprise Zones (UEZs) are specific geographical areas where universities and business work together to increase local growth and innovation.

The UEZ is home to two facilities:

  • CUBIC – an exciting incubation space for start-ups and early-stage companies
  • CUBIC+ – a unique grow on, scale up facility

Both facilities are co-located at Cranfield University, providing innovative companies with access to Cranfield’s array of world-class support to help them grow and thrive.

Membership

Dedicated desk in co-working space and access to fully equipped maker-space:

Price: £249 PCM + VAT

Benefits

  • Free parking
  • Free wi-fi
  • Communal kitchen
  • Library guest access (9am-6pm)
  • Postal address
  • Entry card access
  • 24/7 access
  • Meeting rooms

More than just co-working space, support includes access to:

  • Dedicated Cranfield management team
  • Maker-space engineer to advise on prototype development
  • Cranfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship, a world-class leading centre for entrepreneurial growth linking research education and practice
  • Technology-focused academic research and expertise
  • Research and Innovation Office support, including UKRI and philanthropic funding and commercialisation programmes
  • Highly skilled graduates and talent pipeline, including permanent hires and engagement with master's-level students for project-based activity
  • Cranfield’s Careers and Employability Service for recruitment support
  • World-class facilities and equipment to support your business needs
  • Grant funding opportunities and investor networks, including Cranfield Seed Fund and Barclays Demo directory
  • Cranfield’s extensive partner networks, including Innovate UK Edge, Colworth Park, Silverstone Technology Cluster and Cambridge Cleantech
  • Barclays Eagle Lab Ecosystem Manager and support programmes, including events, accelerators, coaching and mentors

Community and events

  • Cranfield events including investor-focused and peer-to-peer networking
  • Barclays Eagle Lab events, including regular breakfast sessions to connect with business support providers; meet Cranfield experts and connect with companies in the region

Who can apply?

To join you need to meet the below criteria:

  • Qualify as a microbusiness and be less than three years old
  • Have a registered business (company registration number is a pre-requisite) or be registered as a sole trader with HMRC
  • Have a scalable business proposition
  • Have a proposition that fits with Cranfield’s expertise
  • Have a proposition aligned with the UEZ’s vision and purpose

Working to help your business grow, together we will:

  • Ensure active participation in collaborative opportunities provided by Cranfield
  • Support and review your commitment to growth and innovation
  • Help you to engage with a supportive community of entrepreneurs

How do I apply?

  • Arrange a visit
  • Complete an application form and provide a business plan
  • Interview with the CUBIC team

Ready to grow your business at Cranfield? Get in touch to find out more on CUBIC@cranfield.ac.uk.