News / Tech
Bristol and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’
It is said the future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution lies in emerging tech spinouts.
Bristol tech start-ups entered the new year on the back of a £300m funding vehicle unveiled by professor Patrick Vallance, minister for science, research and innovation, at Bristol Technology Festival.
Prime minister Keir Starmer outlining plans to make the UK an AI superpower chimed perfectly with the completion of the second phase of Bristol supercomputer Isambard-AI this year.
Meanwhile, the £500m Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is set to house the third site of Bristol-based tech hub, Science Creates.
With these rapid developments in the backdrop, Bristol24/7 recently caught up with an academic, entrepreneur and business founder who has been at the heart of Bristol’s tech aspirations: professor Michele Barbour, associate pro vice-chancellor for enterprise and innovation at the University of Bristol.
Bristol tech start-ups entered the new year on the back of a £300m funding vehicle unveiled by professor Patrick Vallance, minister for science, research and innovation, at Bristol Technology Festival – photo: Julian Preece
The university’s ambition of becoming a leading hub for learning and research will be greatly enhanced by its Temple Quarter campus, expected to open in 2026 and attract 4,600 students from around the world.
While this sounds like a boon for the city, not everyone is convinced, with some saying that the university is taking over the city.
Professor Barbour disagrees. She said: “I think the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will feel quite different from traditional universities. What we mean by this is that there won’t be a distinct boundary where you feel you’re stepping from the city into the university, or vice versa.
“There won’t be a distinct boundary between the city and the university. We want public spaces — cafés, meeting areas, and open spaces — that everyone can use, making the space feel open and welcoming.”
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will be a key part of the larger Temple Quarter Regeneration Project, which spans 130 hectares of brownfield land near Bristol Temple Meads. The project is expected to generate £1.6bn for the city’s economy and create thousands of new jobs.
Among the many units within the new campus, the third site of Science Creates will support early-stage inventors and entrepreneurs. Science Creates, with existing sites in St Philip’s Marsh and Old Market, has been instrumental in developing Bristol’s deep tech sector.
As a nod to its contributions, founder Dr Harry Destecroix was awarded an MBE for services to science in the King’s New Year’s Honours List in January.
However, Science Creates is not Bristol’s only major tech incubator. SETsquared, which celebrated its 20th anniversary recently, is a collaboration between six UK universities: Bristol, Southampton, Surrey, Bath, Cardiff and Exeter.
The second phase of Bristol supercomputer Isambard-AI is expected to be completed this year- photo: National Composites Centre
It offers a range of services, including incubation, mentoring and funding, mainly focusing on high-tech sectors such as engineering, software, healthcare and clean technology.
Science Creates, by contrast, is specifically geared towards deep-tech start-ups in life sciences, medical technology and advanced engineering. It provides tailored support, including lab facilities and mentoring, particularly for early-stage science-driven ventures.
Barbour explained: “SETsquared is a partnership of universities that collectively increases capacity and scale. Entrepreneurs benefit from shared experiences and expertise from multiple institutions.
“Science Creates initially focused on creating incubator spaces for tech and life sciences start-ups, which often need specialised facilities like labs. Over time, it has expanded into investment, offering funding through its own venture fund, and inspiring young people through school outreach programmes. What began as an incubator is now a significant innovation hub.”
Barbour said Bristol’s future in tech looks bright.
“Bristol is making strides in quantum technology, with several university spinouts and global companies setting up shop here. Quantum Frontier, an initiative by the university, helps businesses explore how quantum technologies might impact their work,” she said.
Dr Harry Destecroix, founder of Science Creates, was awarded an MBE for services to science in the King’s New Year’s Honours List in January – photo: Science Creates
“In the creative tech sector, an exciting project called MyWorld led by university academics and industry representatives is gaining attention. They’ve developed an instrumented cinema that tracks viewers’ reactions to films in real time.
“In life sciences, Bristol spinout Purespring Therapeutics, which is developing gene therapy treatments for kidney disorders, recently raised £40m in investment. Bristol is home to social enterprises like the Circular Agri-Tech Hub, which aims to reduce food waste by connecting farmers, consumers, and retailers in a circular economy, and a new Meals on Wheels map allowing people to search for food services near them.”
Barbour also emphasised the importance of inclusivity: “Tech companies create jobs beyond technical roles, many of which provide clear development pathways. Small companies can offer broader experiences compared to larger organisations, as employees often take on multiple roles and gain diverse skills.”
Bristol’s tech sector is also attracting investments, further boosting the city’s economic growth. The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus reflects this ambition, providing a space for both small start-ups and larger businesses to thrive. Collaboration between the university, the West of England Combined Authority and other local institutions will play a key role in the city’s success.
Professor Barbour added: “Bristol is an amazing city, and the growing innovation ecosystem brings numerous benefits to the area. It’s crucial, however, that we approach this growth with a focus on inclusivity and ensuring the benefits are shared equitably.”
Professor Barbour (second from the left) addressed the Bristol Tech Festival in autumn 2024 which was attended by professor Patrick Vallance, minister for science, research and innovation, as the keynote speaker – photo: Julian Preece
Nearly two centuries after a famous Victorian engineer put Bristol on the map of innovation, the city again finds itself at a crossroads, propelled by the current tech renaissance and the supercomputer named in his honour.
Illustration: Lucy J Turner
This article is taken from the March/April 2025 Bristol24/7 magazine
Main photo: University of Bristol
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