Solena Materials Opens Pilot Manufacturing Facility to Scale Production Within WestTech London

Solena Materials, the textile innovation company developing AI-designed, high performance protein fibres, has opened a new pilot production facility in North Acton as it prepares for its first commercial product launch in 2028.

Unlike petroleum-derived synthetics – that lock the industry into carbon-intensive supply chains and cause microplastic pollution, or natural fibres constrained by land use, variability, and limited performance tuning – Solena uses proprietary AI-designed proteins and scalable bio-manufacturing to create fibres with tailored strength, elasticity, softness, fineness, and durability, all while remaining bio-based and biodegradable. 

The company’s move to North Acton, within the WestTech London ecosystem, makes it one of the first occupiers of this new site, providing  the team with the space and infrastructure to advance and optimise its materials and manufacturing processes. With the capacity to produce up to two tonnes of fibre per year, Solena will be able to service its existing premium athleisure and luxury brand partners while preparing for full commercial roll-out.

The new pilot facility builds on Solena’s origins as an Imperial College London spinout that progressed through the Imperial Incubator and the I-HUB at White City Deep Tech Campus. Moving to North Acton, and remaining within WestTech London, enables continued access to research collaboration, talent and infrastructure across the WestTech London innovation ecosystem.

The opening follows Solena’s £5.1 million seed round in 2024 and represents a shift from laboratory research towards scalable production ahead of commercialisation. As the company scales its multidisciplinary team and production capabilities, the relocation underscores WestTech London’s significance as a connected and competitive innovation ecosystem.