Groundbreaking scientific discovery takes more than a great idea and a “My First Microscope” set; it requires high-quality lab facilities and cutting-edge equipment. For many early-stage biotech and life science startups, access to a fully equipped lab is one of the biggest hurdles. Building out infrastructure can take months, not to mention millions of dollars. That’s where lab shares come in.
Lab share programs (sometimes called shared lab spaces) give startups immediate access to professional-grade labs, instruments, and support without the overhead of building their own facility. Instead of paying for square footage or sacrificing equity to an accelerator, startups can rent only what they need (such as a bench, a workstation, or a suite) and get right to work on discovery.
In 2025, shared lab models are expanding rapidly across the U.S., making it easier for founders to focus on what matters most: moving research forward. Below are nine of the most innovative and accessible lab share programs startups should know this year.
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Top 9 lab shares startups should know in 2025
At a glance: 2025 lab shares comparison
|
Lab Share Program
|
Location(s)
|
Model / Equity
|
Ideal for Startup Stage
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
LabCentral |
Cambridge, MA |
Rental / No Equity |
Seed to Series A |
|
Labshares |
Newton, MA |
Rental / No Equity |
Pre-seed to Seed |
|
BioLabs |
Multiple (US) |
Membership / No Equity |
Seed to Series B |
|
Forward BIOLABS |
Madison, WI |
Rental / No Equity |
Pre-seed / Midwest |
|
Activation Capital |
Richmond, VA |
Rental / No Equity |
Early-stage / Regional |
|
Alexandria LaunchLabs |
Multi-city (US) |
Rental + Funding Access |
Seed / Venture-backed |
|
Harlem Biospace |
New York, NY |
Membership / No Equity |
Pre-seed / Academic spinouts |
|
CIC BioLabs |
Boston & Philadelphia |
Rental / No Equity |
Early to growth-stage |
|
Connect Labs |
Phoenix, AZ |
Rental / No Equity |
Emerging-market startups |
How to choose the right lab share
When evaluating lab share options, founders should look beyond cost and geography. Consider:
- Infrastructure: Does the facility provide the instruments, containment level, and permits you need?
- Flexibility: Can you scale up or down without penalty?
- Community: Are there mentors, investors, or peer companies that align with your field?
- Equity terms: Some incubators offer funding in exchange for equity — ensure it matches your goals.
- Location: Proximity to universities, venture firms, or pharma clusters can accelerate collaboration and hiring.
For example, a synthetic biology startup might thrive at BioLabs for its investor network, while a diagnostics company in Arizona could find better cost savings at Connect Labs.
The bigger picture: How lab shares fit the R&D ecosystem
Lab shares are transforming the early stages of R&D by giving scientists rapid access to the tools they need. In many ways, they mirror what digital procurement platforms like ZAGENO do later in a startup’s journey, removing barriers that slow down innovation.
As your research moves from shared lab space to full-scale operations, ZAGENO helps you streamline procurement across 5,000+ suppliers and 40 million SKUs— so you can focus on science, not sourcing.
