Jan 5, 2026 - News

LabCentral launches program with free lab space for new founders

Steph Solis

From left, outgoing CEO and founder Johannes Fruehauf and current CEO Maggie O'Toole pose for a photo in labcoats in LabCentral in Kendall Square. — From left, former LabCentral CEO Johannes Fruehauf and current CEO Maggie O'Toole. Photo: Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Many wouldn't consider LabCentral a traditional coworking space, but the Cambridge-based nonprofit is as close as it gets for the biotech industry.

Why it matters: LabCentral has carved a niche over the past 12 years as a hub for startup founders who can't afford Boston real estate and research equipment themselves — especially as federal funding cuts slash resources.

The latest: The nonprofit recently launched LabCentral First, a new program that gives 18 first-time biotech founders six months of free lab space to pursue high-impact science ventures.

LabCenral also plans to reduce its lab bench rates by 25% for new and current members, as well as First program participants.

Zoom out: Founders are struggling to get funding between frozen grants and hesitant venture capitalists, despite the talent and demand for breakthroughs, says Maggie O'Toole, LabCentral's CEO.

What they're saying: "This whole ecosystem can slowly grind to a halt, because if it doesn't continually get fed and new seeds get put into the ground, nothing will happen," O'Toole tells Axios.

Fortunately, she said, LabCentral has the funds to help fill the gap through its new program, at least for now.

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LabCentral launches program with free lab space for new founders

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