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Moderna & Tenmile to Establish UK Labs in Oxford & Cambridge

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. le-to-establish-uk-labs-in-oxford-cambridge.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, March 23rd 2026 at 3:10 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

Oxford & Cambridge, UK - March 23rd, 2026 - The Crown Estate today announced plans for a significant investment in the UK's life sciences sector with the construction of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in both Oxford and Cambridge. These facilities are slated to house major players in the biotech industry: US pharmaceutical giant Moderna, best known for its groundbreaking mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, and rapidly growing gene editing firm Tenmile. The move signals continued confidence in the UK as a leading global hub for scientific research and development.

Moderna will establish a presence at Oxford Science Park, joining a growing community of innovative companies. Discussions are nearing completion, and the Crown Estate anticipates finalizing agreements in the coming months. This represents a major win for the UK, attracting a US biotech powerhouse and securing future investment in the local economy. The specific research focus for Moderna's Oxford facility remains undisclosed, though industry analysts speculate it may involve expanded vaccine development, mRNA therapies for other diseases, or collaborative research with Oxford University's renowned biomedical departments.

Simultaneously, Tenmile, a Cambridge-based company specializing in gene editing technologies, will occupy space at the already bustling Cambridge Science Park. Tenmile's rapid growth reflects the accelerating advancements in gene editing and the potential for this technology to revolutionize healthcare. Their focus on precision medicine and potential treatments for genetic diseases places them at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field. This move allows Tenmile to scale its operations and continue pioneering research within a supportive ecosystem.

The Crown Estate, which manages a diverse portfolio of properties including prime real estate, retail parks, and rural land, described the investment as "significant," though specific financial details have not been revealed. The decision to focus on expanding laboratory space at these science parks underlines the surging demand for dedicated research facilities. The UK's life sciences sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by government funding, a strong academic base, and a supportive regulatory environment.

Both Oxford and Cambridge Science Parks are already established centers of scientific innovation. Cambridge Science Park, a pioneer in the concept of dedicated science parks, has long been home to a diverse range of biotechnology and high-tech companies. Oxford Science Park is undergoing a period of rapid expansion, attracting established pharmaceutical firms and promising startups alike. This concentration of talent and resources fosters collaboration and accelerates the pace of discovery.

"These deals underscore the crucial role science parks play in driving innovation and economic growth," stated Dan Labbitt, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate. "We're proud to be supporting cutting-edge companies like Moderna and Tenmile and to be facilitating their growth within the UK."

Industry experts suggest this investment will have a ripple effect, creating high-skilled jobs, attracting further investment, and solidifying the UK's position as a global leader in life sciences. The availability of modern, purpose-built laboratory facilities is often a critical factor for companies considering establishing or expanding their research operations.

The growth of these science parks isn't happening in isolation. The UK government has implemented several initiatives to boost the sector, including increased research funding, streamlined regulatory processes, and tax incentives for innovation. These policies, combined with the strength of UK universities and a thriving entrepreneurial culture, have created a fertile ground for biotech companies to flourish.

The competition for attracting leading biotech firms is fierce. Locations like Boston in the US, and various hubs in Europe, are all vying for investment and talent. The Crown Estate's commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities demonstrates the UK's resolve to remain competitive in this vital sector. The successful securing of Moderna and Tenmile represents a significant boost, but sustained investment and continued support will be crucial to maintain the UK's position in the long term. The next phase will likely see further expansion of both science parks, and a focus on attracting ancillary businesses - suppliers, research organizations, and support services - to create a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation.