Creating a Secure Innovation Hub for Emerging and Disruptive Technologies
The I-Hub Level 10 project involved the conversion of an existing floor within Imperial College London’s Translation and Innovation Hub at White City to provide an expanded UK headquarters for NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The facility was developed to support innovators working on emerging and disruptive technologies and to help early-stage businesses establish pathways into commercial and defence markets.
The project comprised the fit-out of the Level 10 floorplate to create headquarters accommodation alongside flexible incubator and accelerator space for technology start-ups. Works included the selective strip-out of the existing Cat A fit-out, new partitions, ceilings, wall and floor finishes, and modifications to mechanical, electrical and public-health services. The completed environment was designed to support collaborative working, secure stakeholder engagement and the evolving operational requirements of the DIANA programme.
The project comprised the fit-out of the Level 10 floorplate to create headquarters accommodation alongside flexible incubator and accelerator space for technology start-ups. Works included the selective strip-out of the existing Cat A fit-out, new partitions, ceilings, wall and floor finishes, and modifications to mechanical, electrical and public-health services. The completed environment was designed to support collaborative working, secure stakeholder engagement and the evolving operational requirements of the DIANA programme.
We were appointed as Project Manager and Landlord’s Representative, establishing the project governance, communications, design-approval, programme, risk and change-control processes. Our role included coordination between Imperial College ThinkSpace, NATO DIANA, the Defence and Security Accelerator, the Ministry of Defence, the design team, contractor and operational stakeholders, ensuring that the occupier’s requirements were developed within the I-Hub’s landlord standards and operational strategy.
Delivery took place within a live, multi-let building containing operational offices and laboratories. Careful planning was required to manage interfaces with neighbouring floors, building operations, security requirements and other capital projects. Through structured design gateways, weekly stakeholder reviews, detailed handover controls and close management of commissioning and operational readiness, the project created a high-quality, adaptable headquarters and accelerator environment within Imperial College London’s wider innovation ecosystem.
Delivery took place within a live, multi-let building containing operational offices and laboratories. Careful planning was required to manage interfaces with neighbouring floors, building operations, security requirements and other capital projects. Through structured design gateways, weekly stakeholder reviews, detailed handover controls and close management of commissioning and operational readiness, the project created a high-quality, adaptable headquarters and accelerator environment within Imperial College London’s wider innovation ecosystem.