1987St John's College opens the Centre. The first of its kind in Europe.
1990sThe north Cambridge cluster grows up around Cowley Road. Silicon Fen.
2011Autonomy, which started in the Centre, is sold to HP for $11.7bn.
2022–26£324m raised by companies the Centre supported.
2024Darktrace, another Centre company, is sold for $5.3bn.
2026The Innovation Studio opens.
St John's Innovation Centre was founded by St John's College, University of Cambridge, in 1987. It was the first innovation centre in Europe, and it sits at the north Cambridge cluster people now call Silicon Fen. Today it is home to more than 80 early-stage technology companies and over 300 virtual members.
The Innovation Studio is the newest part of it: a curated community for technology founders who have outgrown the kitchen table but are not ready for a lease. You get a desk, the in-house Venture Advisors, and a room full of people at the same stage.
“Our mission remains clear: removing growth friction for ambitious founders through on-hand advice, peer collaboration, world-class facilities, and Cambridge University heritage.”
St John's Innovation Centre
0years supporting Cambridge companies
0Studio meeting rooms, free to members
0cafés on site
The Studio floor, Cowley Road.
What you get
Five thingsthat move acompany forward
01
01
Workspace
Flexible hot-desking or a dedicated desk with 24/7 access. Natural light, fast Wi-Fi, quiet zones when you need them.
02
Community
A curated network of founders at the same stage as you. Peer roundtables, honest feedback, people who get it.
03
Expert support
In-house Venture Advisors on hand. IP clinics and grant workshops when you need them, not on a fixed timetable.
04
Ecosystem access
Introductions across Cambridge, the UK and internationally, through 39 years of relationships.
05
Investor connectivity
Priority places on pitch panels and investor events run on campus.
Every membership gets all five. The only thing that changes between tiers is how many days you are in.
Outgrow the Studio and sign a lease for an office at the Centre, and 50% of the Studio fees you paid over the previous twelve months come back as a credit note against the new lease.
Launch offer for the first Studio members. Terms and conditions apply.
50%credit note
Beyond the office
£0mfunding and finance secured by companies SJIC has supported
0jobs created
0businesses entered new markets
0companies formed new commercial and international partnerships
Companies supported by St John's Innovation Centre, April 2022 to March 2026.
Venture Advisors
Advisorsin the building
People who have started, run and sold companies, now working with Studio members. You get a lead advisor in your first week and the rest of the team when you need them.
“The support, advice and strategic guidance has been a game-changer for our business. It helped us refine our strategy and accelerate growth.”
Hamza MunirZambeel
“
“The team has been a trusted guide throughout our journey. No question was too small and the support was always there when we needed it.”
Inge HunterClue Labs
“
“Having an experienced sounding board who challenges our thinking and brings fresh perspectives has been invaluable to our growth.”
Daisy JerobonBetter Stronger
Questions
Asked most
What is The Innovation Studio?
A membership for technology founders inside St John's Innovation Centre in north Cambridge: a desk, the Centre's in-house Venture Advisors and a room of founders at the same stage, from £95 a month.
Who is it for?
Early-stage technology founders, on their own or with a small team, who need more than a desk at home and are not ready for an office of their own yet.
Can I visit before joining?
Yes, and we would rather you did. Ask for a tour with the form below or on WhatsApp, and we will show you round.
Get in touch
Stop isolating.Start scaling.
Book a private tour, meet the team, and work out which membership fits. Or skip the form: message Reuben on WhatsApp and he'll reply himself.
