Bridging the lab gap: Expanding access to cutting-edge research facilities worldwide
The global demand for state-of-the-art research facilities is limited by the current supply, leaving many regions unable to support innovation outside of established hubs like Boston, San Diego, and the Bay Area. In response, a revolutionary franchise-based model is emerging, poised to redefine access to advanced lab infrastructure worldwide. This approach sets the stage for a new era of global innovation by bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and unmet demand in underserved markets.
Through strategic partnerships, global real-estate developers and lab technology leaders are introducing franchise-based lab spaces designed to meet the needs of diverse industries. Their transformative solutions include enterprise-grade lab environments, expert guidance, and extensive daily operational support. These partnerships aim to provide scalable, turnkey solutions to landlords, pharma companies, and investors worldwide to meet the global demand for high-quality lab space and operational services.
This new model of tailored lab infrastructure solutions provides unprecedented access to life sciences research facilities. It is a game-changer for regions with limited access to advanced research spaces, as well as for current top-tier pharma markets, as it provides more customisation for end users, better labs, and faster deployment capabilities. Lab spaces under this franchise model offer facilities that can be custom-fit to address the specific needs of diverse research and innovation ecosystems. These sophisticated research environments should help to catalyse innovation across important industries like biotech, MedTech, agri-food tech, and even quantum research by democratising access to top-notch facilities across geographies where such resources are currently limited.
A win-win for investors and innovators
This lab-franchise model benefits two primary stakeholders: investors and researchers. For investors such as landlords, real estate developers, and investment trusts, it provides a pathway into the life sciences market, whether by developing new research facilities from the ground up or converting existing office spaces into state-of-the-art laboratories. These investors will also enjoy greater tenant retention, higher returns on investment, and other benefits from offering these highly customisable lab spaces.
Through this turnkey access model, investors can leverage comprehensive design and construction services. They can also rely on lab experts to operate these facilities from start to finish and actively promote them to local scientific communities.
And these labs are sure to be popular with scientists and researchers, offering Class A features such as cleanrooms, vivariums, and wet labs in addition to extensive operational support. Designed to accommodate a wide range of users across multiple industries and life sciences sectors – from early-stage start-ups to established global enterprises – these facilities provide access to world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge resources regardless of location.
The initiative aligns with broader trends in regional development, where governments and public/private entities increasingly recognise the value of fostering in-country life sciences ecosystems – as well as self-sufficiency in drug development and manufacturing. By offering fully integrated laboratory solutions, these rapidly deployable franchised research centres will empower cities and regions to position themselves as competitive players in the global race to attract innovative biotech companies and establish research hubs that drive job-creation.
For instance, franchised lab facilities could just as readily support food-testing labs in Vietnam, drug development facilities in Europe, or new technology research hubs in emerging markets. This flexibility ensures that new lab spaces meet the unique demands of local markets while driving economic and scientific growth.
Clear benefits of a franchise model for labs
This scalable model for lab deployment and operation brings about many advantages for investors and end-users alike. Here’s what you can expect:
• Lower costs for stakeholders and end users. The franchise model streamlines operations, reducing overall entry costs for real estate stakeholders and allowing end users to benefit from economies of scale, while controlling their risks by benefitting for a fully flexible and integrated lab solution.
• Customisation and flexibility. Facilities can be designed with specific end users and market needs in mind, offering tailored solutions. At the same time, these facilities make use of highly adaptable designs to accommodate future growth and evolving demands within growing research ecosystems.
• Leveraging a trusted partner. Not all lab buildings are created equal – working with an experienced partner ensures expertise in lab-specific construction, providing insight into best practices for layout, safety, and efficiency throughout the process.
• Comprehensive lab management support. Extending beyond construction, franchise lab models can equip organisations with the tools they need to efficiently operate and manage their labs. Under this outsourced, turnkey model, the research centre operator handles all aspects of running advanced, highly regulated labs, including compliance management, equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and overall lab operations.
The evolution of commercial real estate
This new approach to lab space is emblematic of a broader trend in real estate: the conversion of under-utilised office space into specialised facilities. As post-pandemic work patterns reshape office demand, this model offers a compelling opportunity for property owners to pivot toward the high-growth life sciences sector.
The franchise model is particularly attractive because it minimises risk for investors. By collaborating with established experts, property owners can access a proven, end-to-end solution without needing prior experience in lab construction or operations. Each facility will empower local innovators, attract investment, and drive regional competitiveness in research and development. It will help to bolster burgeoning scientific communities, as well as to allow new research and science hubs to form anywhere in the world. It’s a true multi-sector initiative with the capacity to make a huge global impact.
This innovative lab-franchise model represents a bold step forward in democratising access to advanced research infrastructure. By addressing the unmet needs of researchers and offering property investors a transformative business opportunity, the initiative promises to reshape the landscape of global innovation – one facility at a time.
About the author
Clement Fourny is senior vice president of commercial at SmartLabs. He is a strategic, result-driven, global executive with diverse and accomplished experience in the healthcare / life sciences industry. He has an 18-year record of strong achievements and execution in sales, commercial operations, and operational finance, building high performing cross-functional teams to deliver growth and drive company goals.
