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H.I.G. Realty and Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre: A New Era for Life Sciences in London

In a groundbreaking move for the life sciences sector, H.I.G. Realty, a subsidiary of H.I.G. Capital, has joined forces with the Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre (QMB) in London. This partnership marks a significant step forward, as they have agreed to provide 40,000 square feet of incubator space within QMB's notable innovation hub, located in Whitechapel, London.

H.I.G. Realty, an arm of the globally recognized alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital, which manages capital of approximately $67 billion, is well-positioned to foster growth in innovative sectors. The collaboration with key stakeholders, including Barts Life Sciences (BLS), the Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and the UK Department of Health and Social Care, is set to transform the Whitechapel area into a leading life sciences cluster. This initiative aims to expedite the development of groundbreaking healthcare treatments and outcomes.

Focus on Innovation and Startups

The newly developed, state-of-the-art incubator will facilitate an ecosystem conducive to start-ups and spin-offs in the life sciences field. By providing significant resources and modern amenities, H.I.G. Realty and QMB aim to nurture new enterprises that can lead the charge in life-changing biomedical innovations. Jérôme Fouillé, Managing Director at H.I.G. Realty in Europe, stated, “Our collaboration is a crucial milestone for establishing a vibrant community of life sciences in Whitechapel and for promoting the growth of H.I.G.’s life sciences real estate platform.”

This partnership is more than just a space-creating endeavor; it seeks to lay the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem that can drive robust innovation within healthcare. QMB’s extensive experience in operating incubators is expected to play a vital role in creating high-quality job opportunities in the Whitechapel region, while supporting STEM education in the biosciences.

Commitment to Community and Economic Growth

Ted Webster, Chairman of QMB, expressed optimism over the partnership, emphasizing the opportunity to utilize their proven model for supporting life sciences startups. “The new space will allow us to foster the next generation of innovative businesses, providing them with the resources and environment necessary for success,” he noted. The partnership underscores a commitment to advancing scientific progress while delivering significant benefits to local communities and regions beyond.

The existing QMB incubator, launched in 2011, was the first of its kind in London dedicated entirely to early-stage and late-stage chemistry and biology start-ups. With 39,000 square feet of commercial wet-lab and office space, QMB has a track record of successfully nurturing innovative businesses and providing them access to world-class facilities.

H.I.G. Capital: A Leader in Alternative Investments

Founded in 1993, H.I.G. Capital has made investments in over 400 companies worldwide, managing a diversified portfolio of more than 100 companies generating total revenue exceeding $53 billion. They specialize in deploying debt and equity capital towards middle market businesses, employing a flexible and operationally focused value-added approach.

The real estate funds under H.I.G. invest in value-added properties, enhancing asset management processes to unlock potential and growth in real estate sectors. The infrastructure arm of H.I.G focuses on value-creating and core-plus investments.

For further details about H.I.G. Capital and its expanding ventures in the life sciences sector, visit hig.com. The new partnership with QMB is expected to fortify H.I.G.'s commitment to investing in cutting-edge sectors that promise substantial economic and social returns.

This strategic partnership is heralding a new era of collaboration in the life sciences landscape in London, showcasing a model of innovation that champions both commercial success and community growth.