History

The early years | 1970-1980 | 1980-1990 | 1990-2000 | 21st century

By the early 80s, a mini-cluster of technologies and people had developed and this, plus the attractions of Cambridge as a centre for research, began to draw in more companies. A period of strong growth followed and the Trinity Centre was opened in 1984 to provide a meeting place, meal facilities and conference rooms for the increasing number of people working at the park. More starter units and the Cambridge Innovation Centre were built to expand the range of accommodation available and a squash court was opened in 1986.

During the 80s, several venture capital companies opened offices on the park, including the regional office of 3i, the UK's leading venture capital company. In the second half of the decade, University academics began to bring companies to the park, encouraged by its success and also because of the breaking in the mid-80s of BTG's monopoly of intellectual property originating in UK universities.

The Cambridge Science Park also began to accommodate spin-outs from existing tenant companies such as Cambridge Consultants, and saw the first collaborative venture formed by park companies - Qudos, which was founded by the University's Microelectronics Laboratory (which was then located at the park), Prelude Technology Investments and Cambridge Consultants.

Next > The third decade - 1990-2000