Natick, MA – ABI-LAB, a bio-incubator and accelerator focused in the life sciences, opened its third facility in Natick, MA, bringing total facility area to 112,000 SF.
As a working habitat, ABI-LAB fosters a variety of startup disciplines across stages of development. It occupies a distinct position in the state’s life science sector by utilizing a shared services model.
Leases include access to innovation labs with advanced instruments, deionized water, CO2, gas, backup generators, and HVAC for BL1 and BL2 applications. The shared services model supports technical excellence and a creative atmosphere throughout the research process, which are critical for success.
Research conducted here includes immunology, oncology, regenerative medicine, diagnostics and precision medicine. These build-to-suit dedicated laboratories range from 900 – 2,500 SF.
ABI-LAB 3 – at 35,000 SF – consists of 10 laboratories.While total venture capital funding in Boston’s life sciences declined in the aftermath of the pandemic, current VC activity surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Investments are stabilizing and Boston along with San Francisco are the top 2 markets in the nation for venture capital financing.
Additionally,the Mass Leads Act, the economic development bill signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in November 2024, brings an infusion of confidence and capital for the life science sector.
Within periodsof economic volatility, bio-incubators are critical in supporting fledgling firms experiencing downwardpressures in research investments.
“Massachusetts is the global hub of life science innovation thanks toour robust ecosystem of hospitals, research institutions, leading companies, and incubators like ABI-LAB,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, guest speaker at the ribbon
cutting. “Through the Mass Leads Act, Massachusetts is reinvesting in the tools and resources necessaryto support growth in this vital industry, and we are grateful for ABI-LAB’s expansion in our state with thisnew facility.”
ABI-LAB’s shared services model produces tangible results. Since 2022, tenants have raised over$2B in early stage and $1.3B in late-stage funding. More than 400 consistent jobs have been created or brought to Natick through ABI-LAB’s tenant companies.
Additionally, over 1,000 jobs were created by graduate companies. Twenty percent of the tenants are international and have chosen ABI-LAB as their US headquarters.
“The start-up mindset is about exploration, experimentation, rapid learnings andfailures. This project isn’t about creating a building. It is centered on a process that supports solutions for thousands of patients,” cites Gary Kaufman, COO.
To mark the building’s completion, a $10,000 donation from ABI-LAB and Dacon’s Designed with Dignity philanthropy was presented to Cam Duso representing MassBay Community College’s STEMprogram.
