ATLS / The Rise of Incubators and Co-Working Spaces: The Latest in Life Sciences

By Matt Combs, Advanced Technology/Life Sciences Group Manager

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups. In this blog post, we will explore the latest trend of incubators and co-working spaces in the life science sector and how developers are teaming up with construction managers like Erland to create affordable, cutting-edge environments that foster collaboration, innovation, and growth.

In broad terms, incubators and co-working spaces are entities and initiatives strategically crafted to support the success of emerging startups. Their primary objective is to furnish valuable resources for developing young companies, addressing common challenges these startups often face. Incubators tailor their offerings to meet the distinctive requirements of life sciences startups in their early stages, providing them with wet lab spaces with attached offices, shared equipment, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. Some may also extend funding support. This shared environment provides many benefits, including reduced operational costs, access to specialized resources, and collaboration with like-minded individuals and companies. Ideally, successful startups and their founders eventually outgrow the support of the incubator or co-working space, progressing to establish their independent lab spaces as they gain momentum.

Developers are partnering with construction managers to design and construct cutting-edge incubators and co-working spaces to meet the growing demand for these specialized spaces. The collaboration between these two entities is crucial in creating environments catering to life science companies' unique needs. Construction managers bring their expertise in building state-of-the-art laboratories, while developers leverage their understanding of the industry's trends and requirements.

Key Features of Life Science Incubators & Co-Working Spaces:

• Flexible Laboratory Spaces: The design of these spaces prioritizes flexibility, allowing companies to scale their operations as they grow. Adaptable laboratory layouts and modular infrastructure ensure companies can easily reconfigure their workspace to accommodate changing research needs.
• Shared Resources: Incubators and co-working spaces provide shared access to expensive and specialized equipment, reducing costs for individual companies. This shared resource model fosters collaboration and accelerates research and development processes.
• Networking Opportunities: These spaces often host events, workshops, and networking sessions, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, investors, and potential collaborators. The collaborative nature of the environment facilitates the exchange of ideas and expertise.
• Support Services: Beyond physical infrastructure, incubators and co-working spaces offer support services such as mentorship programs, business development assistance, and access to funding opportunities. These services contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the companies operating within these spaces.
• Proximity to Academic Institutions: Many of these spaces strategically locate themselves in close proximity to academic institutions, fostering collaboration between startups and research universities. This proximity allows companies to tap into the intellectual capital of nearby educational institutions.

All the above items are ultimately designed to allow newly forming companies to focus on the science rather than having to worry about their infrastructure. As the life science industry continues to evolve, the role of incubators and co-working spaces is expected to become even more critical. There are a few key drivers pushing the attractiveness of these work environments: 

• Constraints on capital, high interest rates, and decreased venture capital activity have caused companies to shift their focus to being leaner. With the cost of life science space ranging from $80-120/sf, the lessened operational/real estate overhead is needed so that the budget can be allocated to the scientific development and progression of the company. 
• There has been a rise in the need for scientific flexibility because investors are being more cautious with their capital, making data more critical than ever. Good data=good investors=funding!
• With that, scientifically focused companies are staying in smaller spaces for longer until their projects/pipeline and data are strong enough to support their development and generate the funding needed to grow.
• The smaller incubator spaces allow for low operational burden and increased scientific flexibility while the company’s pipeline and direction are being tested and backed by data.
• Community and networking are essential to growing startup companies and the success of science. Being surrounded by like-minded yet scientifically diverse companies helps generate innovation and spark conversations that may not have occurred in a single-tenant space, contributing to the life science ecosystem's overall growth and competitiveness.

The partnerships between developers and construction managers will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these environments, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of industry trends and continue to meet the evolving needs of life science entrepreneurs. We bring expertise in optimizing the physical space, ensuring that the layout accommodates the specific needs of life science startups. This may involve configuring flexible laboratory spaces, integrating shared equipment hubs, and enhancing overall infrastructure to meet industry standards. Meanwhile, the developer, attuned to market trends and startup requirements, ensures the space is functional and attractive to potential tenants.

In the current market landscape, there is a growing availability of space that can be transformed into such dynamic workplaces. These revamped structures offer a cost-effective alternative for startups, presenting an opportunity for them to thrive in suburban environments. In tandem with construction managers, developers strategically design these spaces to provide startups with the necessary facilities at a lower cost than their urban counterparts. This shift towards suburban co-working spaces supports the growth of startups and contributes to the economic development of suburban areas, fostering innovation beyond traditional urban hubs. As a result, this collaborative effort serves as a catalyst for attracting startups to suburban locations, offering them an environment that is both cutting-edge and financially advantageous.

In conclusion, the rise of incubators and co-working spaces represents a paradigm shift in the life science industry, creating a collaborative and supportive ecosystem for startups. The synergy between developers and construction managers is instrumental in bringing these cutting-edge environments to life, setting the stage for a new era of innovation and discovery in the life science sector.

For any questions regarding this topic, please contact Matt Combs at mcombs@erland.com.