SmartLabs and IWG Forge a Decade-Long Alliance for Global Lab Infrastructure Solutions

A New Era for Life Sciences: SmartLabs and IWG's 10-Year Global Partnership

In a notable development, SmartLabs, a pioneer in flexible laboratory infrastructure, has entered into a decade-long partnership with the International Workplace Group (IWG), the world's leading provider of hybrid workspaces. This collaboration, announced during the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston, aims to respond to the escalating demand for fully managed laboratory environments in both newly developed and established life sciences sectors.

This agreement marks a historic first, bringing together SmartLabs' cutting-edge lab solutions with IWG's expansive portfolio of flexible work environments, including well-known brands such as Regus and Spaces. As life sciences companies seek to establish research and development (R&D) capabilities in underserved markets across Europe and Asia, this partnership emerges as a timely solution, aiming to streamline the process for innovators and institutions looking to make their mark in the scientific community.

Tailored Solutions for Scientific Advancement

The collaboration will see SmartLabs provide a comprehensive lab-as-a-service model. This includes site selection, lab design, construction management, operational support, and continuous scientific backing. Each lab will be tailored to align with the unique needs of local scientific ecosystems, ensuring that companies and researchers have access to the world-class facilities they require to scale their innovations effectively.

Brian Taylor, CEO of SmartLabs, emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that many regions are rich in scientific talent yet lack the necessary lab infrastructure to facilitate progress. By marrying SmartLabs' scientific and operational prowess with IWG's vast international reach, the partnership aims to deliver high-performance R&D environments directly to areas that need them most. This not only benefits early-stage biotech firms but also global pharmaceutical companies and technology innovators alike.

Enabling Efficient Research and Development

For SmartLabs, this agreement significantly accelerates its global expansion efforts and allows for rapid deployment of lab solutions where they are most needed. Meanwhile, IWG marks its entry into the lab-enabled real estate market, offering valuable opportunities for landlords and developers to tap into high-growth sectors like life sciences with secure, low-risk, turnkey solutions.

Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, remarked on the strategic alignment of this partnership with the global movement toward flexible working. By integrating laboratory solutions into IWG's workspace offerings, the partnership opens new avenues for scientific research and innovation, allowing for quicker and simpler access to research-ready environments.

As the demand for R&D spaces continues to rise, companies face increasing pressure to expedite their research endeavors while allocating their capital efficiently. SmartLabs' managed platform is designed to help streamline daily operations, reduce time to operational readiness, and keep companies focused on scientific advancements instead of being bogged down by logistics.

Looking Forward: A Future of Innovation

SmartLabs has established its reputation since its founding in 2015 by advocating for an adaptable and modern approach to laboratory resourcing, aimed at supporting the future of science. The company uniquely positions itself by providing integrated platforms that combine flexible lab infrastructures with operational oversight and digital solutions, enabling research teams to operate effectively without the burden of upfront capital investments.

The partnership with IWG is poised to redefine how scientific research is conducted in lab settings, with SmartLabs offering comprehensive infrastructure for life sciences companies at any stage of their innovation process. As they accelerate towards their shared objectives, both companies look forward to a fruitful collaboration that not only benefits their operations but also fuels scientific breakthroughs that can reshape industries.

For more details, visit SmartLabs and IWG.