#USA #Boston #SmartLabs #IWG #laboratory infrastructure

SmartLabs and IWG Team Up for Laboratory Innovation

On June 17, 2025, SmartLabs, a leader in flexible laboratory infrastructure, announced a monumental ten-year global partnership with International Workplace Group (IWG), the largest provider of flexible and hybrid workspaces. This groundbreaking collaboration was revealed during the BIO 2025 international conference in Boston and aims to address the growing need for fully managed laboratory environments in both emerging and established life sciences markets.

This unprecedented partnership integrates SmartLabs’ advanced laboratory solutions into IWG’s extensive network of flexible workspace brands, including Regus and Spaces. As a result, innovators, institutions, and investors will find it easier to establish research and development capabilities across the globe.

Meeting Global Demand

As the demand for specialized laboratory spaces continues to rise, SmartLabs will leverage its comprehensive laboratory-as-a-service model. This approach encompasses site selection, laboratory design, construction management, daily operations, and ongoing scientific support tailored to meet the specific needs of local scientific ecosystems. This collaboration is perfectly aligned with the strategic priorities of both SmartLabs and IWG, empowering companies within the life sciences and emerging technology sectors to access state-of-the-art, flexible research environments.

“We recognize that many regions globally are rich in talent but lack the advanced laboratory infrastructure necessary to propel research forward,” said Brian Taylor, CEO of SmartLabs. “By combining our scientific and operational expertise with IWG's international reach, we can now deliver high-performance research and development environments directly to underserved markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond.”

Whether catering to early-stage biotech firms or large pharmaceutical corporations, SmartLabs is dedicated to enabling these entities to focus on what matters most—accelerating scientific progress.

Accelerating Global Expansion

For SmartLabs, this partnership paves the way for rapid global expansion, allowing the firm to provide its innovative laboratory solutions where they are needed most. For IWG, this agreement signifies an entry into the realm of laboratory real estate, creating new opportunities for landlords, developers, and capital partners to tap into the rapidly growing life sciences and technology industries with proven, low-risk solutions.

Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG, noted, “We have seen how our portfolio of flexible workspace brands unlocks significant value for landlords, developers, and local ecosystems worldwide. Our partnership with SmartLabs brings this same model into the sphere of science and innovation.” This new offering gives IWG partners a substantial opportunity to meet the rising demand for specialized laboratory settings without the complexities of their own construction or operations.

Both companies aim to facilitate faster and smarter delivery of research-ready spaces in key innovation markets across the globe, responding to the increased pressure on life sciences and technology firms to advance quickly while efficiently managing capital.

About SmartLabs and IWG

Founded in 2015, SmartLabs believes that modern science requires adaptive resource infrastructure as a standard to secure the future of the industry and accelerate the pace of scientific discoveries. They provide the first integrated platform combining flexible laboratory infrastructure, operations, digital solutions, and scientific expertise. Their managed research facilities grant clients access to enterprise-level private R&D infrastructure and “as-a-service” manufacturing solutions without hefty capital investments, offering comprehensive end-to-end solutions for new technologies and life sciences companies at all stages of the innovation lifecycle.

With headquarters in Boston, SmartLabs serves a variety of biotech, pharmaceutical, and new technology organizations with a unique model designed to enable the industry’s future. For more information, visit www.smartlabs.com.

As for IWG, it is a leading global player in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands, creating personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of all sizes. With over 4,000 locations in more than 120 countries, IWG is committed to helping individuals and their organizations work more productively through its global hybrid work platform.

This unprecedented collaboration between SmartLabs and IWG embodies a commitment to advancing the future of scientific research worldwide, ensuring that every innovator has the support they need to thrive.