NATICK, MA — Dacon and ABI-LAB, a bio-incubator and accelerator focused in the life sciences, recently celebrated the opening of ABI-LAB's third facility in Natick, Massachusetts, with a ribbon-cutting event. This project brings the total facility area to 112,000 square feet. As a working habitat, ABI-LAB fosters a variety of startup disciplines across stages of development. It occupies a position in the state’s life science sector by utilizing a shared services model.
Leases include access to innovation labs with advanced instruments, deionized water, CO2, gas, backup generators, and HVAC for BL1 and BL2 applications. The shared services model supports technical excellence and a creative atmosphere throughout the research process. Research conducted here includes immunology, oncology, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, and precision medicine. These build-to-suit dedicated laboratories range from 900 to 2,500 square feet. ABI-LAB 3 — at 35,000 square feet — consists of 10 laboratories.
While total venture capital funding in Boston, Massachusetts' life sciences declined in the aftermath of the pandemic, current VC activity surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Investments are stabilizing, and Boston along with San Francisco are the top markets in the nation for venture capital financing. Additionally, the Mass Leads Act, the economic development bill signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in November 2024, brings an infusion of confidence and capital for the life science sector. Within periods of economic volatility, bio-incubators are critical in supporting fledgling firms experiencing downward pressures in research investments.
“Massachusetts is the global hub of life science innovation thanks to our robust ecosystem of hospitals, research institutions, leading companies, and incubators like ABI-LAB,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, guest speaker at the ribbon cutting. “Through the Mass Leads Act, Massachusetts is reinvesting in the tools and resources necessary to support growth in this vital industry, and we are grateful for ABI-LAB’s expansion in our state with this new facility.”
ABI-LAB’s shared services model produces tangible results. Since 2022, tenants have raised over $2 billion in early stage and $1.3 billion in late-stage funding. More than 400 consistent jobs have been created or brought to Natick through ABI-LAB’s tenant companies. Additionally, over 1,000 jobs were created by graduate companies. Twenty percent of the tenants are international and have chosen ABI-LAB as their U.S. headquarters.
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“The start-up mindset is about exploration, experimentation, rapid learnings, and failures," said Gary Kaufman, COO at ABI-LAB. "This project isn’t about creating a building. It is centered on a process that supports solutions for thousands of patients."
To mark the building’s completion, a $10,000 donation from ABI-LAB and Dacon’s "Designed with Dignity" philanthropy was presented to Cam Duso, representing MassBay Community College’s STEM program. As a biotech major Duso's research focus is nucleotide changes that result in Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
“Being a student and working feels like two full-time jobs," Duso said. "These additional funds — along with the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs — allow students more time focused on studying and less on living expenses.”
