For many life sciences entrepreneurs, the challenge remains the same: a promising idea and early funding, but nowhere suitable to begin research. Traditional labs often have long waiting lists, and setting up a private facility can be costly and time-consuming.

To bridge this gap, shared lab spaces are providing a practical alternative – ready-to-use facilities that enable researchers to begin work immediately.

Kent Science Park: A Centre for Life Sciences

Few places support this new, flexible model better than Kent Science Park. Set across 65 acres of countryside in the heart of Kent, the Park has long supported the UK’s leading biotech, agritech and biopharma companies. It has been the site of Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and was recently recognised by the UK Science Park Association as the Best Life Science Research Facility in South East England.

Combining easy access to London with the space and value of a regional site, Kent Science Park is designed for growth, and its newly refurbished Ventures Building represents the next stage in providing practical, high-quality laboratory space for early-stage companies.

Shared Lab Space

The Ventures Building was created for young companies with small teams and ambitious goals. A central feature is its new shared lab space, offering tenants affordable access to specialist facilities that would normally require major upfront investment.

Available exclusively to Ventures Building occupants, the shared lab provides flexible bench space and essential equipment, including an ultra-low temperature (-80°C) freezer, a fully serviced glasswasher and an ultra-pure DI water system (Type I and II). Equipment training, user manuals and full safety documentation are provided, allowing teams to begin work quickly and safely. Download the Kent Science Park brochure for more information.

The Benefits of Shared Lab Space

1. Cost Efficiency

Outfitting a new lab can easily cost hundreds of thousands of pounds before a single experiment takes place. The shared lab space at Kent Science Park removes that barrier by providing access to professional-grade facilities for a fixed monthly rate. With a minimum three-month term, companies can match their costs to their project needs and direct more resources to research and development.

2. Collaboration

Shared labs bring people together. At Kent Science Park, researchers, entrepreneurs and technical specialists share facilities, knowledge and experience. This creates a practical environment where collaboration happens naturally, helping breakthrough science progress towards commercial success.

3. Flexibility and Scalability

Early-stage companies grow fast, and their workspace requirements often evolve just as quickly. The shared lab model provides the flexibility to scale operations as needed. Businesses in the Ventures Building at Kent Science Park can book facilities through the on-site team and manage their laboratory documentation digitally via the Eco Online Portal, streamlining daily operations.

4. Access to Support and Services

Companies using shared lab space benefit from an extensive support network beyond the laboratory. For instance, at Kent Science Park, the Ventures Building is fully serviced, with maintenance contracts in place for all core equipment and oversight from the Park’s dedicated facilities team. The Park also offers business development and networking opportunities, connecting tenants with scientists, investors and industry partners.

Supporting the Next Generation of Life Science Companies

Shared lab space is helping research teams work more efficiently, build connections and focus on what matters most – turning ideas into meaningful impact. At Kent Science Park, the Ventures Building provides the practical environment and community support to help new life science companies grow with confidence.