St John's Innovation Centre

St John's Innovation Centre (SJIC) is owned by St John's College, University of Cambridge, and is home to a multitude of innovation-led firms. It opened in 1987 as the first innovation centre of its type in Europe, and provides business incubation support, workspace, conference and event facilities, and tailored business growth services. It is located in the St John's Innovation Park as a cornerstone of the North Cambridge R&D cluster.

St John's Innovation Centre is owned by St John's College, University of Cambridge. Dr Chris Johnson, Senior Bursar at St John's College, was inspired by a tour of similar facilities in the US in 1984. The centre opened in 1987 as the first innovation centre of its type in Europe, with Bill Bolton as Managing Director (1987–1991). It is located in the St John's Innovation Park, as a cornerstone of the North Cambridge R&D cluster. Over the years the centre hosted firms including Autonomy (1996–2005), Zeus (1996–2002), Jagex (2000–2005) and Owlstone (2003–2008). Leadership passed to Walter Herriot (1991–2009), David Gill (2009–2024) and Barnaby Perks (CEO 2024–Present).

Cambridge's innovation destination and the first innovation centre of its kind in Europe, combining St John's College heritage with a forward-thinking approach to innovation.

• Workspace and accommodation

• Business incubation support

• Conference rooms and events

• Business growth support and advice

• Training, coaching and mentoring programmes

1. 1Cambridge’s Hub for Growing Businessesstjohns.co.uk
2. 2Our Story and History | St John's Innovation Centrestjohns.co.uk
3. 3About SJIC | Cambridge’s Innovation Hubstjohns.co.uk
4. 4Business Support Services | SJICstjohns.co.uk