Dozens of pharmaceutical companies and tech start-ups came together on Wednesday (14 May), to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a ‘super hub’ they have used to help accelerate their business. 

The Deloitte Life Sciences Catalyst business lounge in Cambridge has helped hundreds of local and regional start-ups across the life sciences industry access a boardroom meeting space and state-of-the-art innovation hub for free. 

The space, designed to be a regional hotspot for start-ups and world-leading businesses in the life sciences sector, was opened by Deloitte Cambridge in May 2024. Since then, it’s been used by local businesses over 1000 times who have met, shared ideas and collaborated with other industry colleagues. 

Julian Rae, office senior partner at Deloitte Cambridge said: “One year on, our Business Lounge has become a super hub for Cambridge’s business community. The engagement and energy from our members has exceeded all expectations, and we’re committed to evolving this space to meet the changing needs of our clients and partners. 

“Hosting over 1,000 meetings in just twelve months demonstrates the appetite for flexible, innovative environments that bring Cambridge’s brightest minds together. We’re proud to support the region’s growth and look forward to another year of connection and progress.” 

Businesses and individuals wishing to use the space inside Deloitte’s Cambridge office, apply for a free membership, which provides them with full access to the 1,152 sq. ft. lounge - a mix of formal and informal meeting areas across three zones. Users also have access to hot and cold beverages and use of state-of-the-art digital collaboration technologies including audio and visual capabilities, large touch screens and conferencing facilities. 

Richard Hatley and Simon Macdonald, founders of Indegra Therapeutics, which develops drug discovery platforms to unlock new treatments, are frequent users of the lounge.  

They said: “As we don’t have an office, it’s been really helpful for meetings with clients and discuss topics face to face. It’s a superb location and some of our clients are happier meeting us here than in London. We’ve also bumped into contacts by chance, which has reaped unexpected benefits.” 

Leaders from Verinnogen, a life science technology start-up based in Cambridge, are also frequent attendees of the Deloitte Life Sciences Catalyst Business Lounge. They build hand-held tools for cancer research, including a 3D tumour measurement device.  

Mike Irvine, Chief Technology Officer at Verinnogen said: “The lounge provides a great environment for productive working, co-working with business partners and colleagues, and more formal meetings. During normal working hours, it is a great place to meet other leaders in life sciences to establish common interests and challenges. Additionally, Deloitte arranges seminars and presentations that are relevant to the industry, as well as informal networking events that are useful, productive, and fun.” 

Chris Aylott, lead partner at Deloitte’s Life Sciences Catalyst, added: “The success of the Business Lounge in its first year proves the power of bringing people together, whether they be entrepreneurs, researchers, or industry leaders. We’ve seen first-hand how physical spaces like the business lounge has helped accelerate innovation in life sciences and beyond. We’re excited to continue building this vibrant ecosystem as we enter our second year.” 

ENDS 

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