UEL launches TerraDock
Published
09 December 2024
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The University of East London is proud to announce the official opening of TerraDock, a cutting-edge business acceleration space located within the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS). This innovative hub is designed to foster the growth of startups and SMEs, particularly those focused on sustainability and technology.
Enabling this innovative work to take place will be a number of Accelerator Programmes and business incubation services focussed on sustainability, creativity and diversity.
Key partners such as Stratford Bid, Grow London Local, Middlesex University, Newham Chamber of Commerce and London Social Ventures will help to facilitate the innovative activities taking place.
On 5 November 2024, at the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of the RDCS, we welcomed community and industry leaders from Newham Council, the Sustainability Research Institute, One Newham, and Panin UK, amongst others. At this event, Sebastian Walker, Sustainable Enterprise Manager at UEL officially announced the launch of the TerraDock. About the opening, he commented:
This opening represents an exciting new era for UEL and the RDCS. Universities can play an integral part in local community empowerment and evolution - 89% of businesses in Newham contain fewer than nine people, so we are delighted to build an offering that will help such businesses evolve, while attracting top talent to the borough.”
UEL has an existing Business Support Team under its Student Enterprise service that is ranked 3rd in the UK (HE-BCI data 2024) for newly emerging businesses, which assists students in launching their businesses. TerraDock is unique by packaging later-stage support for alumni, local businesses, and sustainability-focused startups and SMEs which expand beyond the university ecosystem.
Additionally, incubation and acceleration programmes, delivered in tandem with key partners, will offer a comprehensive range of services to support businesses focused on sustainability, creativity and diversity.
2025 programme of activities
We are also proud to announce our 2025 activities at the launch event which include:
Nature Positive Finance – in partnership with Middlesex University
January - May 2025
Empowering nature-focused startups to raise funding and grow is funded by Research England. This four-month-long accelerator is open to businesses across the UK that are focused on Nature Positive and Sustainable initiatives. Across the programme, experts in the fields of equity fundraising and finance, intellectual property, and nature-positive approaches to business growth and R&D will lead a cohort of 20 businesses to growth.
Experts such as Finlay Kerr, fundraising expert, Sam Simpson, Co-Founder of FounderCatalyst, and Marco Hacon of Green Angel Ventures will lead on programme delivery.
Creative Futures Accelerator – endorsed by Grow London Local
January - April 2025
Converting creative passions into creative businesses that are accessible to Newham businesses and student and alum communities. This early-stage accelerator in partnership with Grow London Local, takes place over three months and is perfect for creatives and artists who have conceptualised their perfect career in the arts but need knowledge and guidance to develop this into a successful business.
Open to Newham and East London Residents, workshops will cover, validation workshops such as business model canvas, and financial models led by UEL academics such as Alison Lowe, who received an MBE for services to the fashion industry in 2017.
RDSBL - Startup Gateway Accelerator
January - March 2025 and June - July 2025
Providing local and community businesses with essential Business Skills this programme is delivered by entrepreneurs and business experts. The two-month accelerator sprints are open to early-stage Newham and local businesses and will enable businesses to define their value proposition and refine the art of pitching.
The accelerator culminates with a showcase to the local business community and comes with free membership to the Newham Chamber of Commerce.
Previous successful businesses such as ModeIN Instruments and Folabomi House of Fashion have gone on to grow their businesses and expand their customer bases because of their involvement in the programme.
Sustainability Research Institute - UEL - Path to Zero Carbon
July 2025
An intensive programme bringing together businesses, charities and other organisations on their path to zero carbon. The initiative will provide organisations with the tools to understand and monitor carbon emissions, write a zero-carbon policy and draft an action plan, develop a strategic approach and garner buy-in from internal staff, customers and other stakeholders.
This programme is run by UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), one of the first dedicated initiatives in the UK. SRI works with people and organisations to consider their perspectives on energy efficiency, climate change, biodiversity and green infrastructure.
Year-Round Business Incubation
In addition to sector-specific programmes, an expansive package of business and incubation services will be made available to TerraDock members and programme participants. Additionally, TerraDock will provide industry-leading facilities which drive forward world-class research, prototyping, product testing and development.
EiR – Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme
Industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and sector leaders will provide one-to-one mentoring, deliver workshops and host events designed to knowledge share and inspire businesses towards growth and success.
Research and Prototyping facilities
Members of TerraDock will gain access to world-class fabrication, testing and prototyping facilities. A new AR/VR space within the centre will support businesses adopting digital first applications, while the Makers Space containing some of the world's fastest and most efficient 3D printers will enable rapid prototyping and testing.
Tax and Legal Advice Clinic
Delivered by UEL’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law, businesses will be able to attend weekly clinics to receive tax and legal advice and support, enabling them to navigate often complex business legal administration areas as they grow their businesses.
Student Enterprise ‘Millionaires Club’
TerraDock members will also be able to convene with student businesses, attracting top talent and creating internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates.
Community Events Programme
TerraDocks sits within an area of vast growth and potential regeneration and growth for this area of Newham. Businesses that take up residence here will be able to take part in a range of activities and events designed to foster networking and working relationships outside of typical working hours. This will work toward fuelling growth and life for this part of Newham.
About TerraDock
TerraDock is more than just a physical space; it is a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors. By providing a supportive environment and a wealth of resources, TerraDock aims to drive economic growth and positive social impact for the East London community and beyond for its members.
The Centre fits within a wider eco-system within the Royal Docks that has ambitions to become an established economic stronghold for London. Supporting local entrepreneurship and business growth is key to this strategy.
For more information, imagery, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Sebastian Walker
Sustainable Enterprise Centre Manager
University of East London
terradock@uel.ac.uk





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