The Innovation Space

The Innovation Space is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 that supports science-driven startups through shared laboratory infrastructure, business support and accelerator programming. It is based in Wilmington, Delaware, on the DuPont Experimental Station campus, where it operates more than 130,000 square feet of multi-use laboratory space, specialized scientific equipment and flexible facilities for early-stage companies.

Its investment activity is run through The First Fund, a funding programme aimed at helping founders advance from scientific discovery toward commercialisation. Alongside it, Spark Factory provides commercialisation support and the Science Inc. Accelerator delivers accelerator programming. The organisation also provides mentorship, customized business support and introductions to investors and industry partners - an approach that combines non-dilutive infrastructure with early-stage capital in sectors where laboratory costs are a primary barrier to entry.

Since 2017 the organisation has worked with more than 156 startups. Companies it has supported have raised more than $1.24 billion in capital and account for over 1,100 direct jobs. Sector focus spans life sciences, clean technology and advanced materials, with particular activity in healthcare, therapeutics, diagnostics and nutrition.