Breaking Down Barriers to Discovery: How BADASS Labs’s Shared Lab Space is Helping Biotech Startups in California

by DAVID.KIEWLICH | May 8, 2026 | Biotech

Too often, the path from scientific discovery to biotech success is a brutal one. Visionary bio-entrepreneurs, visionary biotechnologists and science rebels struggle to succeed against many odds; and, many times, what prevents them from success is not a shortage of vision or resources, but a series of seemingly impenetrable obstacles to progress. But what if science truly belonged to the scientist? What if you had 24/7 access to world-class wet lab facilities and state-of-the-art equipment? What if there was a community of like-minded people working together to break down barriers to discovery? That’s exactly what BADASS Labs offers.

You know the struggle. Searching for affordable, fully equipped biotech lab space in California is tough. The cost of building your own labs or paying the high price of equity and intellectual property (IP) to access a bench can make or break a company’s prospects for the future. Often times, biotech and climate startups get stalled by the very things that should enable them: the high cost of lab facilities, restrictive lab leases and limited access to the state-of-the-art equipment that is vital to scientific progress.

After 28 years in biotech, including multiple experiences starting new ventures, Dr. David Kiewlich, founder of BADASS Labs, spent a frustrating 18 months looking for an appropriate scientific environment that wouldn’t jeopardize his work and/or his company’s future. In the traditional biotech lab space model, equity and IP claims, and rent that was astronomical, often prevent scientists and their startups from making the breakthroughs they so desire. This experience inspired BADASS Labs to create an alternate approach for biotech and climate startups to grow.

BADASS Labs (Bay Area Disruptor And Startup Support Labs) is the #1 nonprofit biotech incubator, reimagining how biotech and climate tech innovation and startups happen. In California, BADASS Labs provides a shared lab space for biotech startups designed to make your discovery possible. The lab was designed by a scientist and science rebel to help scientists and startups to be empowered and supported.

The BADASS difference:

  • Your Science is YOURS: BADASS Labs takes no equity from companies that occupy our space. In fact, we make no claim to any of the companies’ intellectual property.
  • We’re a nonprofit: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, we are devoted to the advancement of science. As such, the resources we provide the companies that use our labs and services, as well as the services we provide to our members, are provided to the companies and members with the aim of helping them succeed.
  • 24/7 lab time: We’re there for you at any time you need to do science. Our world-class wet lab facilities are available on demand, 24/7, 365 days a year, and they include state-of-the-art equipment.
  • Flexible and fair leasing terms: No lengthy leases. The minimum term for lease at BADASS Labs is 3 months. Our space is available on as flexible a term as is necessary for you to make progress toward your goal(s). Graduation or leaving is optional. If you need the space, you can use it.
  • Flat-Fee Pricing: All you pay for is lab space and the utilities it costs to run it; the flat-fee model makes lab time predictable. You pay for what you use when you use it, and no other charges will be imposed for lab space and equipment usage.

The numbers tell the story. Biotech success rates typically hover at 10%, but BADASS Labs members reach 89-95%. Together, our community has raised $900M+, in fields like cell therapy, gene therapy, oncology, AAV manufacturing, battery materials, biofuels, and carbon capture.

Succeed or learn, there is no fail. We foster discovery, provide mentorship, and build community. You get connected to other founders, researchers, and investors. We give you the platform, the resources, the support and the attitude to move from pre-seed to Series B.

Do you work for an early stage biotech? A climate tech company? Are you a scientist who is curious about starting your own company? Do you want to join a community that gives more than it takes?

Ready to join BADASS Labs? Come take a tour of our Alameda facilities. Chat to some other founders. Find out how you can rent lab space at BADASS Labs today.

Frequently Asked Questions About BADASS Labs

Q: What differentiates BADASS Labs from others? A: We are a not-for-profit (501c3) founded by a serial entrepreneur. We do not take equity, and never will! We make no claim to any IP generated by our tenants. We allow you to have any equipment access you need, at all times of the day. We have flat fee pricing with flexible terms.

Q: What kinds of companies use BADASS Labs? A: BADASS Labs is the home for early stage biotech (pre seed to Series B), scientists who want to try their hand at entrepreneurship, and climate tech. Our current members work in cell and gene therapies, bio manufacturing, battery materials, biofuels, and carbon capture.

Q: What does a month in a BADASS Labs laboratory bench cost? A: Our flat fee rate includes access to all equipment you need, your lab bench, and utilities. Contact us for current rates.

Q: Where are the BADASS Labs facilities located? A: We operate two facilities today, here in Alameda, CA, that rent wet labs and office space to biotechs in our community. We are also in the process of expanding our footprint to Salt Lake City, Utah, to further serve the scientific community.

Q: Do you help companies raise capital? A: BADASS Labs does not directly invest in BADASS Labs members, nor do we receive equity in any of them. BADASS Labs does provide a wealth of resources to help your company raise capital including connecting you with investors who want to invest in science companies, funding opportunities, and pitch competitions. Together with our investors, our members have raised $900M+ to date.