Step into a vibrant ecosystem where groundbreaking science, smart businesses, and exceptional people come together. Take the next step toward transforming your research into real-world impact.
Process
Admission to LabCentral is a competitive process designed to select the most promising biotech startups. It begins with a brief online application form. After submission, the LabCentral Site Operations team arranges an initial call to discuss key details, such as team size, funding, space requirements, and timeline. This call helps determine the applicant's readiness and fit.
Next, invited applicants present to LabCentral’s Selection Committee, which includes entrepreneurs, investors, LabCentral leadership and industry leaders. During this 30-minute session, companies deliver a non-confidential presentation of their science and vision, followed by a Q&A to assess alignment with LabCentral’s mission and community. Successful candidates are then invited to finalize their residency, including space selection and contract terms.
Criteria
LabCentral seeks startups with high potential to drive the next wave of biotech innovation. We prioritize entrepreneurial, early- to mid-stage companies demonstrating exceptional science, strong execution plans, dedication to human health and alignment with LabCentral’s collaborative community values. The Selection Committee evaluates each applicant based on these factors to ensure their fit within our shared environment.
Per the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) guidelines, our flagship site at 700 Main Street focuses on startups meeting specific funding thresholds. Companies are ineligible if they have raised more than $10 million in capital or generated over $3 million in revenue in the past 12 months. (Note: Once admitted to the LabCentral community, there are no fundraising limitations.)
LabCentral combines cutting-edge infrastructure, operational excellence, and a community-driven ethos to support biotech startups like you. With 243,000 square feet of state-of-the-art lab space and over 5,000 pieces of shared equipment, we provide everything you need to advance your science, build your business and support your team.
Backed by over a decade of experience, we’ve supported nearly 300 startups, helping founders bring their bold ideas to life. At LabCentral, collaboration thrives within a vibrant community and through strategic connections to industry leaders. From operational support to fostering innovation, we care for every aspect of your startup—science, business, and people—so you can focus on creating solutions that change lives.
Join LabCentral to transform your bold ideas into groundbreaking results.
Our residents are innovators, problem-solvers, and dreamers from diverse backgrounds, united by their passion for creating the future of biotech and life sciences. From pioneering breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, neurology, and rare diseases to tackling other complex challenges, they’re driving real-world impact. We’re proud to support such a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and scientists shaping a better tomorrow.
LabCentral Golden Tickets provide direct support and priority access to biotech founders seeking to join our community.
Golden Tickets represent the unique opportunity for our sponsors to directly partner with promising early stage companies by covering the cost of $50K worth of lab space and residency at LabCentral for one year. Since launching in 2013, LabCentral has partnered with sponsors to award over 150 Golden Tickets; the equivalent of providing $7.5M in services and support.
Golden Tickets Awarded
Total Awarded To Winners
Yes! We encourage you to schedule a tour and see the possibilities for yourself. Imagine your team in one of our world-class lab spaces, connecting with industry leaders, and collaborating with peers. Public tours are available twice weekly, with private tours for larger groups.
Biotech and life sciences startups in early- to mid-stage development with a strong vision and a commitment to collaboration. Eligible companies are incorporated entities, focused on human health, and have six months of financing.
Residency at LabCentral provides access to cutting-edge lab spaces, a comprehensive portfolio of world-class equipment, a vibrant community, and unmatched support for your science, business, and team. This includes tailored coaching, venture capital introductions, and operational teams that cover procurement, permitting, and lab management. And that’s just the start! Details vary depending on whether you opt for a private or shared lab space. Contact us to learn more about how we can help advance your journey. Reach out to us directly to learn more.
Pricing depends on your specific needs, including lab space, equipment, and additional services. Contact us for more details.
Our streamlined application process begins online. You’ll be asked to share a high-level overview of your company. This includes details like your technology focus, team size, funding raised, and preferred facility. After submission, our Site Operations team reaches out to discuss your needs in detail, followed by a pitch to the Selection Committee—an essential step that offers feedback and industry exposure.
During the 30-minute meeting, applicants pitch their vision to a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and pharma executives. This is a valuable opportunity to gain exposure, receive constructive feedback, and connect with potential future partners. Admission to LabCentral signals industry validation, helping startups stand out.
The process moves quickly—most applicants present to the Selection Committee within a month of applying and are notified within a few days. Initial residencies are for two years, with the option to extend to a third year.
New companies typically move in within days or weeks. Our Site Operations team provides a ‘white glove’ experience, ensuring that everything—from equipment needs to space allocation—is ready for Day One. Residents are also onboarded into our vibrant community and introduced to LabCentral’s extensive resources, including scientific and business programming, mentorship, and networking events.
In addition to LabCentral’s equipment and resources, residents also have access to our network of core facilities for more specialized offerings. Later-stage companies occupying private suites often acquire their own equipment, often working closely with our equipment sponsors.
LabCentral offers a range of facilities tailored to the diverse needs of biotech startups at different stages:
700 Main Street: Perfect for early-stage startups (Pre-seed through Series A) looking to quickly get started. This flagship location features a vibrant entrepreneurial community, essential lab resources, and rapid onboarding to help you get to work right away.
LabCentral 610: Ideal for companies that have grown and need more space and resources. Located in Pfizer's Kendall Square R&D building, this facility supports up to six early- to mid-stage companies with room for approximately 175 scientists and entrepreneurs.
LabCentral 238: Designed for process development and scale-up, this 100,000-square-foot facility enables the transition from R&D to scalable workflows in preparation for biomanufacturing. It accommodates up to 13 companies looking to move from discovery to production of pre-clinical material.
Bayer Co.Lab Cambridge: A dedicated space for cell and gene therapy (CGT) entrepreneurs, this facility offers access to Bayer's expertise alongside LabCentral's operational support.
Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab: A 15,000-square-foot wet lab and co-working space tailored to Harvard-affiliated ventures. This space fosters innovation within an intimate, highly curated community supported by both Harvard and LabCentral. Note that LifeLab residents may also move to LabCentral’s other sites as they grow.
Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab Longwood: Connecting Harvard-affiliated founders, particularly those linked to Harvard Hospitals and Institutions, with resources for pre-seed and seed-stage R&D in therapeutic discovery.
Reach out to us directly. We’ll help guide you to the site that best fits your needs and discuss what growth for your team can look like within the LabCentral network.
LabCentral is proud to collaborate with Harvard University to foster innovation and support promising biotech startups. This partnership includes our management of the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab and the Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab Longwood, which are tailored to Harvard-affiliated entrepreneurs. These facilities integrate Harvard’s academic excellence with LabCentral’s expertise in startup development, creating environments where high-potential ventures thrive.
If you’re a Harvard-affiliated founder, these sites offer access to both LabCentral's robust infrastructure and the vast resources of the Harvard community, as well as the opportunity to growth within the LabCentral network.
Picture yourself and your team making breakthroughs at our dynamic facilities and being part of this vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re preparing to apply or simply want a glimpse of Boston’s most exciting lab space, we’d love to welcome you.
Public Tours: Held Tuesdays and Thursdays at our flagship, 700 Main Street location in Cambridge, these free tours require advance registration and are capped at 10 participants. Each individual must register separately. Use the calendar below to get started.
Private Tours: For groups larger than 10 or to see one of our other sites, reach out to labcentralpublictours@labcentral.org to arrange a private tour tailored to your team.
Important Note: Tours take place in active lab spaces, so full-leg coverage and closed-toe shoes are required for safety.
