Startups

Build, Test, and Grow - Right on the Bay

Launch and Scale at Richmond Field Station →

RFS offers dedicated space, real-world testbeds, and technical infrastructure for startups in energy, mobility, robotics, infrastructure, and emerging tech. Whether you're prototyping, running field trials, or collaborating with UC Berkeley, RFS is built to support innovation. Get started by filling out the Application Form here →

R&D Infrastructure

Access 500,000+ sq. ft. of assignable space, including offices, labs, testbeds, and warehouse facilities.

Startup-Ready Programs

Engage through Demo Days, workforce initiatives, and public pilots. Connect with industry and government partners.

Field-Ready Testing Zones

Deploy and validate technologies on-site with RFS’s AV Test Track, V2X Signal Lab, Drone Park, and connected infrastructure.

Flexible Leasing

Labs and office space starting at $24/sq. ft. per year, with flexible configurations to grow as your team scales.

Research Collaboration

Tap into UC Berkeley’s research ecosystem - partner with faculty, students, or collaborate with our 40+ research units.

Location & Access

Just 10–15 minutes from UC Berkeley’s main campus, with access right off of I-80/580, Richmond BART, and the Ferry Terminal.

Leasing at Richmond Field Station

RFS offers a range of flexible leasing options for research, development, testing, and deployment in support of UC Berkeley’s mission and public-impact innovation. With access to office, lab, and outdoor space - as well as specialized infrastructure like the Test Track, V2X Signal Lab, and Drone Park - RFS is uniquely suited for tenants advancing innovation in energy, mobility, and manufacturing. Tenants benefit from on-site facilities, a collaborative research environment, and proximity to leading academic and industry partners.


Types of Startups We Support

  • Autonomous vehicle systems & advanced mobility

  • Robotics, drones, eVTOL, and intelligent infrastructure
  • Clean energy and electrification hardware
  • Agriculture and bio-based systems
  • Built environment and resilience technologies
  • AI/ML models deployed in field applications

Startups at Richmond Field Station.

From lab space to outdoor testbeds, RFS gives startups the space, tools, and university connections to accelerate development and deployment.

ENZINC

ENZINC

NOBLE THERMODYNAMIC SYSTEMS

NOBLE THERMODYNAMIC SYSTEMS

EARTHTEAM

EARTHTEAM

WASTEBUSTERS

WASTEBUSTERS

Rates

Non-UC Berkeley Office, Research, & Small Land Use Rates

  • Ground Use Asking Rate: $0.50/sq. ft. FSG

  • Shipping Container Storage Asking Rate: $100/month FSG

  • RFS Office and Lab Space Asking Rate: $2.00/sq. ft. FSG

  • Storage (designated areas only): $1.00/sq. ft. FSG

Facility Access (All Tenants)

  • Overnight Standard Vehicle Parking: $100/month
  • Overnight Oversized Vehicle Parking (Medium/Heavy-Duty): $250/month
  • No motor-vehicle or non-vehicle storage is permitted without written consent

RFS infrastructure:

  • AV Test Track, V2X Lab, & Drone Park
  • Available for qualified projects
  • Rates: Vary by project scope
  • Contact: jwiley@berkeley.edu

Where innovation meets infrastructure.

Dedicated facilities, flexible leasing, hands-on research collaboration, and a growing innovation community on the Bay.

Saratoga Energy

Saratoga Energy

GAMMA REALITY

GAMMA REALITY

NEW SUN ROAD

NEW SUN ROAD

THE WATERSHED PROJECT

THE WATERSHED PROJECT

Explore Startup & Innovation Space at RFS →

RFS offers flexible lab, office, and testbed space for innovators at all stages and public-sector partners. To connect with us, please start by filling out the Application Form here →