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Translating scientific innovations from academia to industry is a challenge for everyone who embarks on the journey. For members of the extended Harvard community, the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab and the Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab Longwood, give scientists and entrepreneurs a springboard from bench to business, supporting them as they enter the broader biotech ecosystem. 

The early days of a life sciences startup can be enormously challenging, especially when juggling the transition from academia to industry. Once a scientist realizes that their research has broader experimental and market potential, they need access to lab space and the startup support and resources that will nurture them as they grow. 

Navigating the often-confusing process of bringing research from bench to business to patients is a long path that requires scientists and entrepreneurs to pivot their mindset into business-building mode. Beyond the efficacy of their science, these innovators then need to consider factors like fundraising, hiring, company culture, and risk mitigation [link to past articles], among others. That’s exactly what happens at the Life Labs. 

For members of the extended Harvard University networks, one of the fastest onramps into the entrepreneurial ecosystem is the Life Labs at Harvard Both the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab and the Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab Longwood provide uniquely supportive starting points for entrepreneurs interested in building the next generation of biotech companies in the Greater Boston community. Owned by Harvard and located strategically on their Business and Medical School campuses, the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab in Allston and the Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab in Longwood provide the intimate experience of a campus combined with the best entrepreneurial ecosystem in the biotech industry. 

When a company joins the Harvard Life Labs, they are able to operate like a startup while retaining some of the support system of academia. Managed by LabCentral, Life Labs provide residents with everything they need to thrive at this critical early stage, starting with month-to-month leases and fully permitted and well-equipped lab spaces with critical support from lab operations professionals. Having flexibility in lease terms lets teams begin their work quickly, while access to the LabCentral network equipment, purchasing services and resident programming supports every facet of their business. Those programs include (but aren’t limited to) CEO roundtables, expert panels on a range of topics, vendor showcases, equipment tutorials, connections to pharma companies, and so much more.  

Additionally, teams that start in the Life Labs enjoy all the benefits of LabCentral, and enjoy the added benefit of having a longer timeline than LabCentral typically provides. As a non-profit 501(c) 3, LabCentral has guidelines that allow companies to stay in our ecosystem for two years but may also be granted extensions in certain situations. Life Labs teams are able to spend up to two years in that system and then embark on their LabCentral time, if they choose to continue their work within the network.   

If you’re part of the Harvard University network and looking for the best place to build your business, we would love to talk with you. Reach out to us: lifelab@harvard.edu