In 2024, LabCentral’s community-centric initiatives reinforced what we’ve always believed—science is at its best when fueled by collaboration, creativity, and a welcoming culture for all. Whether through structured programming like Ignite or spontaneous connections at an art reception, LabCentral is a place where positive collisions lead to extraordinary innovation. With over 11,500 visitors across our sites this year, the energy and exchange of ideas within our spaces continue to grow, expanding the reach and impact of our ecosystem.
Events by the Numbers
Our carefully curated events created opportunities for founders, scientists, investors, community members and industry leaders to share knowledge, form partnerships, and challenge the status quo in biotech. These events span in-depth scientific discussions to science-inspired art exhibits.
300+
Events
13,000
Attendees engaged across events
Event Spotlights
2nd Annual Partnership Summit
2nd Annual WHAT'S NEXT Leadership Summit
Leading the Way with J&J: Spotlight on Oncology
STEM in Full Color Expo
Mind Matters Science Symposium
The Dish LIVE–Featuring George Church
4th Annual Cultural Celebration
Orange Odyssey - Celebrating a Decade of Impact
4th Annual Cultural Celebration
LabCentral’s Annual Cultural Celebration is a resident favorite, bringing together scientists from all six of our sites for a lively, flavor-packed gathering unlike any other. With nearly 20 countries represented—from Italy to India, Serbia to Syria, and beyond—attendees embark on a global tasting tour, no passport required.
Dressed in cultural attire, residents transform LabCentral into a bustling international marketplace, serving up dishes from their homelands and sharing stories behind the flavors. The variety of countries represented reflects the many backgrounds of our residents, creating an environment where different perspectives and experiences come together. It’s an afternoon that reminds us of the importance of fueling innovation through connection—and a full stomach.
Gallery 1832
Where Science and Art Intersect
Gallery 1832 is woven into the fabric of LabCentral’s active scientific spaces, transforming our hallways and communal areas into immersive exhibits that bridge the worlds of art and science. Through rotating exhibitions, public receptions, and artist collaborations, the gallery provides a platform for scientists, artists, and the broader community to explore new perspectives and spark dialogue in unexpected places.
Presented by the Art for Eyes collective, this exhibit raised awareness for childhood eye cancer (Retinoblastoma) and provided financial aid for children needing prosthetic eyes. Each piece featured an eye, symbolizing the vision for a better future for these young survivors.
Art of the Brain
Featuring photographer Al Weems and artists Ibrahim Ali Salaam and Heather Karp, this exhibit explored personal experiences with Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Body Dysmorphia Disorder. A dual-panel discussion included experts such as Barbara Tate (Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance), Warren Hirst (DaCapo Brainscience), Kasper Roet (QurAlis), and Stefan Irion (BlueRock Therapeutics).
Visionary Crossings
Created by Mao Miyamoto, a former lab researcher and medical illustrator, this exhibition challenged traditional scientific visuals, offering bold interpretations of biological concepts. The exhibit was so popular, it sold out entirely!
"It is my honor that one of my paintings will be living within the walls of an organization that gave me such a unique opportunity to be seen and heard. To sit among such curious minds and share my story about what it REALLY means to live with OCD was a gift so permanent and life changing."
Heather Karp, Artist
Celebrating a Generous Art Donation
LabCentral now showcases a stunning collection by artist Marie Anthony, gifted anonymously by a generous benefactor. Centered on community and innovation, these pieces celebrate connection and shared experiences—reflecting the collaborative spirit of our ecosystem.
This donation strengthens Gallery 1832’s mission to challenge perspectives, spark dialogue, and amplify local artists. Anthony’s layered compositions play with form and color, blending the familiar with the unexpected to invite curiosity and imaginative interpretation.
Social Impact
Creating Opportunity, Fostering Connection
At LabCentral, opportunity is meant to be shared. Our social impact programming sparks meaningful conversations, highlights unique lived experiences, and creates connections that strengthen the biotech ecosystem.
Social Impact Spotlights
Sean Ellis: A Journey from Injustice to Advocacy
In honor of Black History Month, we welcomed Sean Ellis, a Boston man wrongfully convicted and later exonerated after 22 years in prison, for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience, and change.
When I first walked into LabCentral for a tour with Shazia Mir, I was immediately at ease. From Shazia's gentle, caring presence, the art galleries filled with works curated and created by women, to the kind and courteous staff, it was the complete opposite of a sterile, stale environment one would imagine of any place with the word 'lab' in it.
Giselle Byrd, Executive Director, The Theatre Offensive
Ignite: Expanding Pathways
LabCentral Ignite is dedicated to broadening access and ensuring that great ideas and talent can thrive, regardless of background or resources. By improving the balance of exposure and opportunity in communities, Ignite’s programs help biotech entrepreneurs secure funding, connect job seekers with meaningful careers, and expand the industry’s talent pipeline. In 2024, we deepened our impact—supporting founders as they scaled, connecting individuals with career-defining opportunities, and strengthening the LabCentral network as a force for growth.
$895KIn sponsorship & grant funding secured for workforce development and community programs in 2024 1,275+Individuals engaged through Ignite programs in 2024
Ignite Golden Tickets
A Launchpad for Biotech Entrepreneurs
The LabCentral Ignite Golden Ticket is a fully immersive program designed to equip biotech entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to accelerate their company’s success. Ignite Golden Tickets are selected through a broader, all-encompassing process that supports founders who may otherwise face barriers in launching and scaling a biotech startup.
"PhagePro is about ensuring that the most vulnerable populations in the world are not left behind by innovation. We're targeting diseases that impact much of the world but don't get a lot of press here. The work we do doesn't often get many 'yeses,' so this [Ignite Golden Ticket] validation from LabCentral is huge for us and huge for people who don't have a voice. We're very grateful."
Minmin Yin, CEO & Co-Founder, PhagePro
Ignite Golden Ticket Cohort Spotlights
NeuroBionics was named the 2024 Vision Award Winner at the Wilson Sonsini Medical Device Digital Health Conference and was a MedTech Innovator Grand Prize Finalist ($25K award).
Venova Technologies won the Innovation Showcase at the 2024 Women’s Health Innovation Summit.
Career Forge
A Talent Pipeline for Biotech
Career Forge is LabCentral Ignite’s workforce training program, designed to prepare career-ready professionals for technical roles in biotech. Participants (“Forgers”) gain hands-on lab experience, mentorship, and direct access to hiring teams within LabCentral’s network.
Career Forgers secured biotech jobs or pursued further education
11
Career Forge alumni volunteered over 50 hours to support new cohorts
Turning Internships into Careers
Career Forge piloted a hire-from-internship model to bridge the gap between training and full-time employment, equipping participants with real-world experience and direct industry connections.
Special thanks to DaCapo Brain, Eppendorf, NEB, and ThermoFisher for their hands-on leadership in Career Forge technical training sessions. Their direct involvement is a testament to the power of the LabCentral ecosystem—where residents, alumni, and sponsors actively work together to advance one another’s goals.
7
Career Forgers participated in the internship-to-full-time hire pilot
6 of 7
Secured full-time biotech roles within four weeks
"Upon completing Career Forge, I had no expectations as a recent graduate. I was simply hoping it would open doors and give me the skills to pursue opportunities. I was amazed at the progress I made and the support that I received."
Arlette Cabral, Research Associate, BioDevek
Additional 2024 Ignite Highlights
What the Heck is Biotech?®
What the Heck is Biotech?® is a community-driven workshop series that demystifies the biotech industry, introducing students and adults to career pathways at all levels of education.
2024 Impact:
28 Community workshops hosted
761 Individuals engaged (368 adults, 303 high school students)
30% Growth in program reach from 2023
With grant support from the City of Boston, we expanded workshops across Mattapan, East Boston, Dorchester, and Roxbury, engaging more local residents than ever before.
Learning Lab
Located at LabCentral’s 700 Main Street site, the Learning Lab, sponsored by New England Biolabs, provides hands-on, in-lab learning experiences for students, educators, and community partners.
In 2024, we welcomed:
300 individuals for lab-based training
5 partner organizations, including:
New England Biolabs
MassBioEd
Boston Private Industry Council
BioBuilder
LEASLab Inc.
Life Sciences in Full Color
A public education campaign designed to demystify biotech and activate new talent, Life Sciences in Full Color reached millions across Boston through digital storytelling, social media, and community events. The campaign also spotlighted the journeys of Career Forge alumni Diana Hernandez and Marissa Lemus, whose stories bring biotech career pathways to life for new audiences.
LabCentral Ignite joined the Life Science Alliance’s Training, Talent, & Awareness Advisory Council to collaborate on industry-wide workforce development efforts.
Orange Odyssey: A Decade of Impact
On June 26, 2024, Cambridge lit up in LabCentral’s signature orange as we commemorated 10 years of supporting biotech innovation. This celebration highlighted the scientific discoveries, companies, and collaborations that have shaped our community.
Residents, community members, alumni, sponsors, and partners gathered to honor the progress we’ve made together. The evening featured interactive exhibits, networking, and conversations that highlighted the innovative spirit at the core of LabCentral and our efforts to make the life sciences industry more accessible.
The event was underpinned by a shared vision for the next decade—one where LabCentral’s model for biotech innovation continues to fuel breakthroughs, expand access, and tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. As scientific advancements push the boundaries of what’s possible, we remain committed to building environments where transformation flourishes, innovators thrive, and emerging technologies, including AI, play a pivotal role in accelerating discovery.