Your Lab, Your Way: Navigating Singapore's Lab Landscape

Our previous article, Scale Smart, highlighted the importance of matching your lab setup with your company’s stage of growth. Now, we’re putting theory into practice, with an exploration of key incubator and co-working lab providers in Singapore. From academia-linked spaces to full-service commercial options, we break down each provider’s offerings.

SINGAPORE'S LAB LANDSCAPE AT A GLANCE

NUS Life Science Labs: Academia-Linked Innovation Hub

NUS offers various wet labs for university-affiliated startups and faculty-led spin-outs. These spaces are supported by a wide range of academic infrastructure and often subsidised, making them an accessible launchpad for affiliated researchers ready to commercialise their work. However there's one caveat: tenants may need to comply with university compliance requirements and processes to be eligible.

Non-university affiliated startups could consider instead the newly opened National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NGRIP) lab at CREATE Tower in Kent Ridge. NGRIP offers a comprehensive suite of facilities including chemistry labs, biology labs, dry labs, and even a clean room. Members have access to in-house prototyping services and basic equipment, as well as common amenities (e.g. meeting rooms) located in other parts of CREATE Tower.

For more information, email Dr. Rujee Lorpitthaya, Senior Manager, NUS Enterprise, MVP Studio.

Co11ab Novena: Biomedical & Medtech Incubator in a Clinical Hub

Co-founded by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), A*STAR, and National Healthcare Group (NHG), co11ab is a biomedtech and digital health incubator strategically located in Novena, a key clinical hub and home to institutions like Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the National Skin Centre.

Startups gain access to wet-lab and engineering prototyping facilities, and are plugged into a strong network of clinicians and regulatory advisors for real-world feedback. co11ab also attracts foreign startups aligned with its focus areas, making it an ideal launchpad for translational technologies and digital health solutions that can be piloted and scaled in clinical settings.

For more information, email Doreen Chai, Deputy Director.

Life Sciences Incubator (LSI): Affordable and Functional Spaces

LSI operates two co-working labs in Singapore – Elementum in one-north, and the German Centre in Jurong. The latter also houses an operating theatre for surgical training and device testing alongside its lab space. Packages range from a single bench in a shared BSL-2 lab with comprehensive equipment access and flexible terms, to secure, access-controlled suites that combine office and lab in one space for established organisations. Members can expect to be plugged into a broader community spanning life sciences, food innovation, and material science.

For more information, email Aakash Kumar, Lab Community Manager.

NSG BioLabs: The All-in-One Co-Working Environment

As Singapore’s largest co-working lab operator, NSG BioLabs delivers a premium, full-service experience across its Biopolis and Science Park 1 locations. Residents enjoy access to fully HEPA-filtered BSL-2 labs, shared lab equipment, dedicated tissue culture and microbiological rooms, private office suites, and vibrant event spaces. With options from a single bench to private suites, NSG Biolabs offers the flexibility for its residents to grow.

Beyond its state-of-the-art infrastructure, NSG Biolabs has built an ecosystem that advances discovery. It fosters global connections through frequent industry and investor events, reinforced by a slate of public and industry partnerships with organizations including Enterprise Singapore (ESG), Biotech Connection Singapore (BCS), Amgen, and A*STAR.

For more information, email Dr Ethan Lai, Business Development Director.

ClavystBio Node 1: Graduation-Ready Suites

Located in Science Park 1, Node 1 is the natural next step for startups ready to scale up from incubator spaces. Moving beyond bench rentals, it offers private and plug-and-play lab suites that come with shared access to equipment and operational support. For teams with unique needs, the space also provides fully secured, customisable suites that can be configured to fit specific workflows.

But what truly sets Node 1 apart is its curated ecosystem. Through ClavystBio’s global network of industry partners, members get privileged access to international leaders and investors. The space regularly holds intimate, high-impact events, giving members invaluable opportunities to build the connections they need to scale their company globally.

If you’re not sure which space is right for your company, our team is happy to help you navigate your next step!