Google Campus opens London's doors to tech startups

Google and the UK government's campus project has opened its doors, providing tech startups with mentoring and a free work space.

Located in London's Old Street, the facility opened on 29 March with a visit from chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne.

"Campus's goal is to create a central meeting point for London's booming tech startup community. East London is emerging as a world-leading entrepreneurial hub, and we're excited to be a part of it," said Eze Vidra, Google's head of campus.

"We want the UK to become the hub for technology in Europe as a whole," said Osborne, according to reports from the BBC.

"This is the path we need to take to create new jobs, new growth, and new prosperity in every corner of this country."

The campus grants visitor access to a cafe and co-working space complete with free high speed Wi-Fi. As well as the free workspace, the campus will also run a number of mentoring programmes, hosting talks and seminars from industry figures.

The campus' opening was a key turning point for London, said Eric van der Kleij, chief executive of Tech City.

"The opening of the campus is a real milestone for Tech City, sending a clear signal to the world that the area is fast becoming a global centre for entrepreneurship and innovation," said van der Kleij.

The Tech City initiative launched in 2010. According to Google, the initiative has already seen the number of technology firms in the area rise from 200 to 700.

According to Google, the campus opening day saw it fill to 90 per cent of its capacity, with more than 100 people on site.