17/09/2025
Last Thursday, Babraham Research Campus hosted an opening event to celebrate the continued expansion of its LiveLabs, a facility that exemplifies the Campus’s long-standing commitment to accelerating bioscience innovation. The event brought together leaders from across the Cambridge life science ecosystem for an evening of networking, drinks, and guided tours of the newly enhanced lab spaces.
What Is LiveLabs?
LiveLabs is a fully managed laboratory designed to support early-stage bioscience companies at the most critical point in their journey. By removing the operational barriers that often hinder scientific progress, LiveLabs enables start-ups to hit the ground running from day one.
The facility provides:
This wraparound support model allows founders to focus on science and strategy, rather than logistics, making LiveLabs a vital launchpad for innovation and discovery.
More Than Just Facilities
While the physical infrastructure is impressive, the heart of LiveLabs lies in its community. Jo Parfrey, Chair of Babraham Research Campus Ltd. Board noted, “Facilities are a key element of what we do here, but it is actually the community that is created here by the Babraham team and all the companies on Campus that is really important.” This collaborative and pay-it-forward spirit is a defining feature of the Babraham Research Campus, fostering connections that drive both scientific and commercial success.
Accelerating Innovation at Scale
The LiveLabs model is a natural extension of Babraham’s legacy in BioIncubation. Louise Jopling, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer at Babraham Research Campus reflected, “This LiveLabs facility really exemplifies what this Campus has been doing for the best part of 30 years, and that is BioIncubation at pace and at scale for health and wealth creation. And today our expanding LiveLabs facility can support up to 35 small companies of 2–4 person start-ups at the very critical start of that journey, and our role really is to accelerate that.”
With capacity to host up to 35 early-stage ventures, LiveLabs is uniquely positioned to nurture the next generation of breakthroughs, providing not just space, but momentum, support and community.
A Gathering of Ecosystem Leaders
The event drew a strong turnout from across the Cambridge life science community. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the lab spaces, engage with current LiveLabs members, and connect with the Babraham team. The atmosphere was one of optimism and shared purpose, underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving scientific progress.
As Babraham Research Campus continues to expand its support for early-stage bioscience companies, LiveLabs stands as a testament to what can be achieved when infrastructure, expertise, and community come together.