At LabCentral, we believe that great ideas deserve a place to grow, no matter who you are or where you’re starting from. We always strive to support those life sciences founders who are driven to bring new therapies and innovations to market.  

That’s precisely the thinking behind LabCentral First. This new program gives eligible first-time biotech founders access to a single lab bench for 6 months – free of charge. During that time, scientists can work to advance their science, achieve critical milestones, and lay the foundations for their fundraising efforts.  

For context, this program is directly aligned with our mission as an economic development non-profit. We opened our doors in 2013 to address the challenges that entrepreneurs were facing at that moment: they needed affordable lab space. They wanted to be able to navigate the early stages of company creation and research without an enormous, out-of-pocket investment or long-term lease commitment. Now, lab space is widely available, spanning a broad range of features and amenities, but the challenges are different.  

In this moment, some of the traditional funding for early-stage companies has become more challenging to access, but entrepreneurs are undeterred. What this generation needs, however, are different strategies to support their work in lieu of other funding.  

We’re proud to stand alongside other organizations using creative solutions to support innovations. A great example is our friends at the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center who continue to use grant programs to expand access and opportunity for emerging and underrepresented biotech founders. Together, we’re building an ecosystem where big ideas have the space, resources, and support to thrive. 

In this challenging environment, it’s about opening doors. We’re doubling down on our commitment to Kendall Square’s innovation ecosystem and investing in the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs. By making access to lab space more attainable, we’re ensuring promising ideas don’t stall before they can even begin. 

 Starting in 2026 we’re going a step further and reducing bench rates by more than 25% across the board, another intentional reinvestment in the community we’re proud to support. 

Applications for LabCentral First are now open and reviewed on a rolling basis. Teams can apply through our standard application process and email space@labcentral.org to share their qualifications. Learn more at www.labcentral.org. 

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Fine Print: Through LabCentral First, eligible founders receive six months of free lab space. The program will welcome up to 18 startups, selected through a competitive application process focused on first-time founders, new arrivals to Massachusetts, or those pursuing underfunded and novel areas of science. Since they’re already part of the LabCentral community and have access to the new bench pricing, current LabCentral residents are ineligible.