SmartLabs and IWG Announce a Decade-Long Global Partnership for Laboratory Infrastructure

SmartLabs and IWG Begin Ten-Year Collaboration

On June 17, 2025, in Boston and Zug, Switzerland, SmartLabs, a leading provider of flexible laboratory infrastructure, and the International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest platform for flexible and hybrid workspaces, announced their groundbreaking ten-year international collaboration. This partnership aims to meet the growing demand for fully managed laboratory environments within both new and existing life sciences research centers.

This collaboration, which was unveiled at the BIO International Convention 2025, marks the first of its kind and integrates SmartLabs’ high-performance laboratory solutions with IWG's global portfolio of flexible workspaces. As a result, innovative life science entities, institutions, and investors will find it easier to set up research and development operations in new and underserved markets worldwide.

Under this partnership, SmartLabs will provide a comprehensive lab-as-a-service model that includes location selection, laboratory design, construction management, ongoing maintenance, and continuous scientific support for end users across various geographical regions. These services are tailored to meet the needs of local scientific ecosystems while aligning with the strategic priorities of both SmartLabs and IWG. This collaboration will give businesses in the life sciences and technology sectors access to world-class, agile research and development environments that facilitate seamless scaling of research throughout the innovation cycle.

“As many regional hubs around the world have talented scientists and ambitious plans, they often lack the modern laboratory infrastructure and essential supportive services necessary for research,” said Brian Taylor, CEO of SmartLabs. “By combining our scientific and operational expertise with IWG’s international reach, we can offer comprehensively managed, high-performance R&D environments directly in markets that lack such services in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Whether it's early-stage biotech firms, international pharmaceutical corporations, or other life sciences and tech companies, we help them focus their time and resources on what matters most—accelerating scientific progress.”

For SmartLabs, this agreement accelerates its global expansion, enabling it to deliver innovative laboratory solutions faster to the scientists and research teams who need them most. For IWG, it opens a new segment of laboratory real estate, offering property owners, developers, and capital partners new avenues to tap into fast-growing sectors in life sciences and technology with proven, low-risk, ready-made solutions.

“We understand how a rich offering of flexible office spaces from IWG translates into significant benefits for property owners, developers, and local ecosystems worldwide. This collaboration allows us to introduce this same model into the world of science and innovation,” said Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG. “This new offering provides our clients with an excellent opportunity to satisfy the increasing demand for specialized laboratory environments without having to undertake the construction and operation of such facilities on their own. Together, we enable faster and more efficient delivery of ready-to-research spaces in key innovative markets around the globe.”

This announcement comes at a time of increasing global demand for R&D space and rising pressure for companies in the life sciences and technology sectors to act rapidly while managing capital more efficiently. The fully managed platform from SmartLabs helps companies reduce the time needed to achieve operational readiness, streamline day-to-day operations, and focus on the advancement of scientific innovations.

Founded in 2015, SmartLabs was established with the belief that modern science requires a new flexible resource infrastructure that will become the standard for the future of the industry, accelerating groundbreaking scientific discoveries for all, irrespective of their location. The company offers the first integrated platform combining flexible laboratory infrastructure, operations, digital solutions, and scientific expertise.

Managed research centers by SmartLabs grant clients access to corporate-grade private R&D infrastructure and production solutions on a service basis, eliminating the need for upfront capital expenditures. This holistic solution supports technology and life sciences companies at every stage of the innovation cycle.

Located in Boston, SmartLabs collaborates with a range of organizations in biotech, pharmaceutical, and tech fields, providing a unique model aimed at fostering the future of the industry. More information can be found at www.smartlabs.com.

About International Workplace Group (IWG)

International Workplace Group is a global leader in hybrid workplace solutions and workplace-related brands. It creates personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of all sizes, from the most exciting companies and renowned organizations in the world to individuals and future industry leaders.

IWG’s unmatched network includes over 4,000 locations in more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies belong to its continually expanding customer base. Through brands such as Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature, IWG helps millions of people and businesses work more efficiently, leveraging the world’s leading hybrid working platform that provides professional, inspiring, and collaborative office spaces along with digital services through the International Workplace Group app.

For more information, visit iwgplc.com and learn more about collaborating with IWG at iwgplc.com/develop-a-location.