The University of Toronto has joined forces with BioLabs to launch Toronto's largest shared lab incubator, bringing the world-leading shared lab platform to Canada's life sciences ecosystem for the first time.
Based in Cambridge, Mass., BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company that operates a growing network of shared labs and co-working spaces. The facilities offer access to state-of-the-art research facilities, a proprietary procurement platform and entrepreneurial programming - with industry and investor networks spanning 19 international locations.
The collaboration with U of T will see BioLabs operate an existing 40,000-square-foot shared lab and office space in the MaRS Discovery District.
The launch of BioLabs University of Toronto - open to startups from U of T's extensive talent pool and innovators globally - ensures continuity for the more than 30 early-stage life-science startups that currently rely on the facility's specialized equipment and laboratory infrastructure, while expanding their access to global networks of sponsors and investors.
"This partnership preserves a critical life sciences innovation asset by addressing an acute shortage of wet lab innovation space in the downtown core," says Leah Cowen, U of T's vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. "BioLabs' global reach means Toronto startups can compete internationally while creating jobs and driving economic growth right here in Canada."
Cowen - a professor of molecular genetics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine who co-founded fungal infection therapeutic startup Bright Angel Therapeutics - says the partnership addresses a critical need for founder-ready, wet lab space, which is essential for early-stage companies that lack the capital to build their own facilities. BioLabs' model provides startups with laboratory benches, shared equipment and on-site supports, reducing barriers to both discovery and commercialization.
It also connects startups to its international network of investors, industry partners and mentors, bringing expertise in translating scientific discoveries into viable, scalable companies.
"BioLabs is thrilled to be partnering with the University of Toronto to launch our first site in Canada in the MaRS Discovery District," says Johannes Fruehauf, founder and CEO of BioLabs. "BioLabs University of Toronto expects to become a magnet for world-class biotech companies. This collaboration will have significant impact on the Toronto innovation ecosystem by stimulating job growth and continuing to support this vibrant community."
BioLabs University of Toronto is located at the heart of Toronto's life sciences ecosystem, complementing the university's existing venture-creation programs . It works with key local stakeholders - MaRS, Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners, U of T's hospital partners and other members of the Toronto innovation ecosystem - to support companies from formation to scale.
Scott Mabury, U of T's vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships, says the partnership will bolster Toronto's position as a global destination for life-science innovation.
"It's hard to imagine a better location than this one," Mabury says. "You have one of the greatest research universities in the world, world-leading academic hospitals and research institutes, governments and financial resources all in the neighbourhood."
"The goal is to turn Canadian research discoveries into Canadian companies that attract talent and investment," Mabury says, noting that the partnership helps address the region's shortage of seed and early-stage venture capital by allowing local startups to more easily tap into global investor networks.
"We want to ensure those benefits accrue to the Canadian economy and public."
