New Space Enterprise Lab opens at Surrey Technology Centre
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A Space Enterprise Lab (SEL) has been launched at Surrey Technology Centre, providing users with access to the collaborative technology, resources and expertise – the latest addition to the Satellite Applications Catapult’s UK wide network. This new site ensures that technology and support are accessible to innovators and businesses based in the site and connected to our other SELs nationwide. This expansion marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation and collaboration using space data and technology, powered locally through the longstanding commitment of the Space South Central, one of the UK’s largest regional space clusters.
Surrey Research Park, part of the University of Surrey, has strengthened its capabilities as a ‘launchpad’ for space innovation with the arrival of a new Space Enterprise Lab.
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.
This addition 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.”
The Space Enterprise Lab provides a range of equipment for those looking to benefit from space data and technologies, enabling them to work together more effectively. It is part of a linked network of 14 such facilities around the UK which can be used independently or together. They are local places for space innovation which offer free to access digital kit to work collaboratively, host hybrid meetings, run demonstrations and events and engage with organisations across the whole ecosystem.
Simone Hartless, Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, commented:
We are delighted to launch the new Space Enterprise Lab Surrey to support the Space South Central cluster. Our national network of Space Enterprise Labs is delivered with partners and are local places for stakeholders to collaborate and connect in the UK Space Ecosystem. This Lab will support the cluster community to develop and scale innovative solutions to real world challenges using satellite data and space technology.
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.”
Dr Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central Enterprise Network, said:
“The Space Enterprise Lab at Surrey Technology Centre embodies our mission to empower regional innovators while anchoring the region firmly in the UK’s space economy. By providing free access to cutting-edge tools and interactive workspaces, we’re enabling SMEs and startups to prototype solutions, host hybrid demonstrations, and forge partnerships across sectors—all within the University of Surrey’s thriving Innovation District. As part of a 14-lab national network, this facility ensures local talent can scale globally significant technologies without losing their regional roots. It’s not just a workspace; it’s a launchpad for the UK’s next-generation space ecosystem.”
This latest opening takes the total number of Space Enterprise Labs to 14, including those in the locations below:
- SEL Adastral (Ipswich, Suffolk)
- SEL Daresbury (Liverpool City Region)
- SEL Edinburgh (South-East Scotland)
- SEL Glasgow (Central Scotland)
- SEL Harwell (Oxfordshire)
- SEL Leeds (Space Hub Yorkshire)
- SEL Leicester (Leicestershire)
- SEL NETPark (County Durham)
- SEL Newport (South Wales)
- SEL OpTIC (North Wales)
- SEL Spaceport Cornwall (Cornwall)
- SEL Surrey (Surrey)
- SEL Westcott (Buckinghamshire)
- SEL Belfast (Northern Ireland)
To find out more, including the latest launch and booking details for each location, please contact sel@spaceenterprise.uk or visit www.sa.catapult.org.uk/sel. For media enquiries please contact Monika Dankova at monika.dankova@sa.catapult.org.uk
(Left to Right) Caroline Fleming, Director of Surrey Innovation District, University of Surrey, and Guildford’s MP Zöe Franklin showcase VR headsets – part of the new collaboration facilities at Surrey Research Park’s new Space Enterprise Lab.
(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.
