Leading scientists, engineers, investors and industry leaders have gathered in the US for the official launch of Imperial's new hub in San Francisco.
Imperial Global USA – the university's first physical presence in the US – has been launched with a pledge to create 100 new US-UK science and technology partnerships in 2025.
The new hub makes Imperial the first UK university to have a permanent science and tech base on US soil.
"Imperial Global USA will play an important role in advancing our work in North America - strengthening our partnerships with US academia and industry, supporting our growing US alumni network, and showcasing more of what makes Imperial special to prospective students." Professor Hugh Brady President of Imperial College London
The event, held at the headquarters of software and AI robotics company Intrinsic and hosted by Professor Hugh Brady and Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic, brought together leading figures in science and technology to explore partnership opportunities in key areas of AI, robotics, cleantech, biotech, and engineering biology.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said: "Imperial's long-standing connections with California have already produced fantastic research, from technologies for AI-enabled healthcare to sustainable materials to support the world's transition to renewable energy.
"Imperial Global USA will play an important role in advancing our work in North America - strengthening our partnerships with US academia and industry, supporting our growing US alumni network, and showcasing more of what makes Imperial special to prospective students. By bringing more of our world-changing research closer to Silicon Valley, we can maximise our impact as a force for good in the world."
Speaking earlier this week, Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic and Chair of Imperial Global USA's External Advisory Board, said: "Imperial College London's new hub is the perfect fit for the San Francisco ecosystem. As a world-leading STEM university which promotes entrepreneurship, Imperial will be able to ignite a powerful, two-way flow of ideas, capital, and talent, expanding collaborations with US universities and industry. At the same time, it offers Silicon Valley a bridge into Imperial's rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, creating exciting opportunities for transatlantic partnerships"
Imperial Global USA builds on Imperial's long-standing connections with California. It will make it easier for innovators partnering on both sides of the Atlantic to fund and scale their research and maximising the impact of Imperial's work.
"As a world-leading STEM university which promotes entrepreneurship, Imperial will be able to ignite a powerful, two-way flow of ideas, capital, and talent, expanding collaborations with US universities and industry." Wendy Tan White CEO of Intrinsic
It will also increase opportunities for spinouts companies from Imperial to accelerate their success and open up opportunities for more student exchanges between California and London.
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, said: "California is a gateway for innovation and entrepreneurship, and Imperial College London establishing its first-ever US hub in San Francisco is a win-win.
"This illustrates the power of international partnerships, bringing together top minds in science and technology to tackle the world's toughest challenges — from climate solutions to advanced healthcare. Together, we're creating opportunities for innovation that will not only benefit California but also drive progress that reaches far beyond our borders."
The Imperial Global USA hub in San Francisco is one part of a network of hubs in key cities around the world which will build long-term collaborations for Imperial with partners, governments and knowledge organisations.
