Edinburgh Innovation Hub Welcomes First Tenant

The newly opened Edinburgh Innovation Hub has welcomed its first tenant – Forge Minerals.

Forge Minerals is redefining what’s possible in mineral processing. Their breakthrough approach to producing high-performance magnesium carbonate creates a low-carbon alternative to today’s resource-intensive materials. By uniting cutting-edge engineering and fast-cycle laboratory experimentation, they’re building scalable processes designed to produce sustainable alternatives with no green premium. Forge exists to unlock new opportunities for cleaner manufacturing, smarter materials and the next generation of climate-positive technologies.

Forge Minerals is entering an accelerated phase of delivering key technical milestones. The new lab at EIH provides purpose-built space and advanced capability, enabling faster experimentation, more efficient iteration, and quicker progression from concept to validated results. The EIH lab is Forge Minerals’ first dedicated research facility. It allows controlled in-house test work, stronger process development, and deeper integration between engineering, modelling, and experimental programmes.

Their collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and other partners will deepen as their work scales. These partnerships provide a supportive, always-on environment that helps accelerate technology development as their needs grow. Forge Minerals’ technologies support the UK and Europe’s clean-energy and advanced-manufacturing ambitions. Their innovations aim to unlock sustainable sources of essential minerals and strengthen the efficiency and resilience of strategic materials supply chains.

The Edinburgh Innovation Hub (EIH) is a joint venture between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University (QMU). It will be a nationally significant centre for innovation-driven business growth, creating new high-value employment, and is the anchor project of the planned Edinburgh Innovation Park.

The first tenant has moved in just two weeks after EIH received practical completion. The 7,200 sqm Hub, which received planning permission last September, offers flexible laboratory, office and fully equipped meeting and conference spaces for rent by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with a particular focus on life sciences, technology, food and drink and innovative start-ups that align with the strengths and strategies of both the region and Scotland as a whole.

EIH is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESESCRD) and is supported by £28.6 million from the UK Government, £1.4 million from the Scottish Government and £10 million from East Lothian Council.

Ian Spencer, CEO of Forge Minerals said:

“Opening our first laboratory in the new Edinburgh Innovation Hub is an important milestone for Forge Minerals. As we ramp up our testing and development programme, we need a purpose-built space that allows rapid experimentation, iteration, and technical validation. EIH offers exactly that—along with the crucial ability to scale our footprint as we grow. For a fast-moving startup, being able to expand within the same facility is invaluable. We’re proud to be the first tenant to launch a lab here, and we’re excited to work with EIH to advance the technologies that will underpin sustainable minerals for the future.”

www.forgeminerals.com

Marian McNeil, CEO of EIH said:-

“We are delighted to welcome Forge Minerals to EIH and are excited to support them on their journey. Their innovation, that has huge potential to contribute to a more sustainable future, is a great fit for the ambitions of EIH to contribute to the economic growth of the region and Scotland as a whole.”

Councillor Norman Hampshire, Leader of East Lothian Council, said: “This is a first but hugely important step forward for the Edinburgh Innovation Hub. In welcoming this first tenant, the vision of creating a flexible, forward-thinking development space for innovative new and existing businesses, right here in East Lothian, is coming to fruition. I wish Forge Minerals every success and look forward to welcoming new tenants from a variety of industries in the coming months – and to seeing our vision of innovation and job creation flourish.”

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU said: ““QMU is proud to be delivering the Edinburgh Innovation Hub in our joint venture with East Lothian Council. The Hub is not just a new building; it is a new business.   As well as driving inclusive economic development locally and nationally, the Hub will act as a gateway into QMU for businesses, increase opportunities at the University for industry-relevant research and knowledge exchange, promote an entrepreneurial culture, and increase the vibrancy of the area around the campus.  Along with my colleagues at QMU, I am excited to see the synergies develop between the University and the tenants that move into the Hub.”