Terms and conditions
These Terms & Conditions govern the Leap Lab Pass, organised by ARC (Advanced Research Clusters) in partnership with Imperial Incubator (the “Organisers”). By entering, applicants agree to these terms.

1. Eligibility
   The Competition is open to start-ups, spinouts, or early-stage businesses working on innovative solutions in science and technology and that need access to wet lab space to develop their ideas.
   Entrants must be 18 years or older and legally authorised to represent their organisation.
   Businesses must be able to move in to the awarded lab bench space at ARC West London between January and March 2026.
   Only one entry per individual/company
   Employees or affiliates of ARC, Imperial Incubator, and associated partners involved in the competition are not eligible to apply.
   Entrants must be incorporated in England and Wales and able to provide evidence of employer and public liability insurance.
   Startup activities must be suitable for category 1 and 2 level work. Direct animal research is not supported onsite. Human sample work must meet ethical and biosafety standards, not involve radioactive material and be approved by our advisory board.
   Must not be more than 2 employees
   
2. Prize Details
   Up to two winners will receive:
   (12 months of free bench) workspace at ARC West London’s Leap incubator.
   Access to events and business support through Imperial Incubator, ARC facilities, and community benefits (including events, summits, and training opportunities).
   The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and cannot be redeemed for cash.
   
3. How to Enter
   Prepare a non-confidential pitch deck (maximum 5 slides) and submit via the online application form by 31 October 2025.
   Late or incomplete entries will not be considered.
   All information provided must be accurate and true at the time of submission.
   Applications should contain
   The Problem & Opportunity
   • What major scientific/health/tech challenge are you solving?
   • Why is this problem urgent or important now?
   • What’s the size of the opportunity (market, patients, unmet need)?
   The Solution
   • Your innovation: what is it, and why is it different?
   • Stage of development (concept, proof of concept, pre-clinical, prototype, etc.).
   Team & Expertise
   • Founders and key team members (scientific + commercial).
   • Relevant expertise, affiliations (e.g. academic, NHS, industry).
   Impact & Potential
   • Potential benefits: scientific, societal, or patient outcomes.
   Success
   • What success looks like at the end of 12 months
   • How lab bench space will help you to scale
   
4. Selection
   Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel from ARC and Imperial Incubator
   Finalists may be invited to view the facility/present their pitch deck
   Winners will be announced in November or December 2025 and must commence their residency by March 2026 for a period of 12 months.
   
5. Use of Space
   Winners will sign a contract entitling them to free lab bench space for a period of 12 months
   Winners will be granted bench space only
   Leap Incubator space contains:
   2 x1200mm ducted fume hood
   2 x chamber 158ltr horizontal autoclave
   85 ltr Ice Machine
   Type 2 DI water unit
   Laboratory dishwasher
   Glassware drying unit
   Micro contamination recirc bench hood
   See full facilities here
   Winners will have access to ARC amenities including Members Bar, Café, Coworking space, bookable meeting rooms, end of journey facilities, along with access to Member of the Future App – where they can sign up to take part in ARC events, networking, socials meet ups.
   Imperial Incubator will facilitate access for Leap Lab Pass awardees to Imperial’s facilities (see https://imperialincubator.com/what-we-offer/innovation-at-imperial/) and tailored startup community events and programmes that are appropriate to the nature of their innovation. Winners must comply with ARC site rules, health and safety requirements, and insurance obligations.
   Any additional equipment, services or consumables beyond what is provided as part of the prize will be at the winner’s own cost.
   Successful applicants will be allocated a bench within Leap for the designated period. Should they wish to vacate at the end of the agreed term or request an extension, a minimum of two months’ notice must be provided to allow sufficient time for the negotiation of costs and terms under a new agreement. The successful applicants may also apply for additional benches subject to availability.
   
6. Intellectual Property
   Applicants retain all IP rights to their submissions and work.
   By entering, applicants grant ARC and Imperial Incubator the right to publicly announce and promote the winners, including using company names and non-confidential descriptions for marketing.
   
7. Data Protection
   Any personal data provided will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR and Imperial and ARC’s Privacy Policies.
   Data will only be used for purposes relating to the Competition and associated opportunities.
   
8. General
   ARC reserves the right to amend, suspend, or terminate the Competition at any time without prior notice.
   ARC’s and Imperial Incubators decision on all matters relating to the Competition is final and binding.