INSIGHTS / News

Two pioneering Bristol companies, Ziylo and NuNano, members of SETsquared Bristol, have become the first tenants to take up residence at the newly launched Unit DX science incubator.

The redeveloped industrial unit in St Philips had sat empty for almost three years before it was converted into a brand new science facility. Two thirds of the building is devoted to high spec laboratory space and facilities, and the rest to office, meeting room and events spaces.

The move marks the start of the regeneration zone attracting highly skilled jobs to the area. With the addition of the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Campus and the Engine Shed 2, the Temple Quarter will soon become a focus for research and development.

Chemistry start-up Ziylo has moved its team of 10 into the building from their previous base at the University of Bristol. Their new base will allow them to accelerate their development of potentially life changing sugar monitoring technology, and provide space for their recently expanded team of chemists.

NuNano specialises in the design and manufacture of probes for atomic force microscopy and other cantilever-based sensor devices. Founded with the vision of developing new manufacturing methods for these devices that are used for the nanoscale characterisation of materials. The company is moving its sales and management functions from the Engine Shed to Unit DX.

James Vicary, Co-founder and Managing Director at NuNano said:

“I was excited to hear of the development of the scientific facilities at Unit DX and am delighted to be able to move our offices into the building as we continue to grow our business. The space will allow us to continue our close ties with the University Of Bristol and SETsquared.”

Rick Chapman, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SETsquared Bristol and now non-exec Chairman at NuNano, has been helping the company develop their strategy since their initial induction to SETsquared Bristol.

Rick commented: 

“I have been highly impressed with NuNano’s approach since their first business review panel. It is fantastic to see them growing and graduating from SETsquared”.

Monika Radclyffe, Centre Director of SETsquared added:

“It is fantastic to see our businesses growing out of SETsquared Bristol and taking up dedicated lab space within Unit DX. Partnership between both organisations works really well, we provide business support, even remotely, and Unit DX provides flexible lab space which previously couldn’t be accessed privately in the city.”

Unit DX is a centre for scientific enterprise and will help to retain talent in the area and to encourage more scientists to join the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bristol.