What good is an idea if the science you’re working on remains trapped in your head? Imagine having millions of dollars invested in your company, only to realize you don’t have money for an actual lab and equipment. For scientists ready to tackle humanity’s toughest challenges but lacking the ability to rent traditional biotech lab space, this scenario often proves impossible to overcome. This problem is particularly acute for early-stage startups and those from marginalized backgrounds. It’s not a minor inconvenience; it’s a systemic issue that prevents scientists from doing the research that is so desperately needed. This is not a new phenomenon. Scientists and engineers have been trying to solve the problem of biotech research facilities that are too costly and restrictive for a long time.
We at BADASS Labs are out to change all of this.
As the #1 nonprofit biotech incubator in the Bay Area, BADASS Labs provides an alternative to traditional biotech lab space. We offer unrestricted wet lab access and equipment to fearless bio-innovators who dare to change the future. We don’t take any equity from our founders, nor do we hold intellectual property claims to your ideas.
It’s not easy to build a world-class lab in California. Our facilities, located in Alameda, California, are the envy of universities and research centers the world over. But we are also open 24/7 to give the most time to the scientists themselves, and our flat-fee pricing, plus included amenities such as office space, ensures that everyone is successful. We don’t force you out at a predetermined time either—stay as long as you need.
The founders of BADASS Labs are scientists like you. Our very own Dr. David Kiewlich, the organization’s CEO and co-founder, spent 18 months searching for a lab and couldn’t find any suitable one. We realized that no other scientist like us should face this same challenge, so we built the facility ourselves to remove these barriers. Now we’re sharing it with you, along with a community of other scientific rebels and climate tech disruptors. We’re building a world that doesn’t have a fail state. It’s all succeed or learn.
BADASS has made a proven difference. Where biotech incubators average 10% startup success rates, BADASS members have 89-95%. Our founders have raised more than $900M for companies doing work in cell and gene therapy, oncology, AAV manufacturing, sustainable bio-manufacturing, battery materials and carbon capture.
BADASS Labs is a 501(c)(3) with the mission to advance science for humanity. We believe science must be inclusive and diverse to truly serve its greatest potential, and we are building an environment where all communities – especially underrepresented ones – can thrive in biotech and science-driven fields. Our impact is far bigger than a company. We’re making the world better for everyone.
FAQs
What makes BADASS Labs different from all other biotech incubators in the Bay Area? BADASS Labs is a nonprofit that takes zero equity and does not lay claim to IP. 24/7 unlimited access to best-in-class wet lab space with no restrictions and flexible terms, all for a flat fee. It’s a flat fee, because the only thing we care about is your success, which we provide through our mission-driven community.
What kind of lab space, equipment, and amenities are offered in your biotech lab space in California? BADASS Labs has BSL-1 and BSL-2 wet labs including tissue culture rooms, cold rooms and more. There are also many other best-in-class instruments that cover all disciplines – from cell and biology to molecular and chemical biology. Our facility is designed to support everything from early R&D to scale-up.
How does BADASS Labs’ zero equity model actually work? We’re a nonprofit! BADASS Labs is a nonprofit organization, not a company, and therefore we don’t take a stake in any startup. Your company remains yours. 100% of the company is yours. 100% of your intellectual property is yours – no matter when or where it comes into being.
Who is a BADASS Labs startup founder? We’re looking for bad-ass biotech startups at all stages, from pre-seed through Series B (and beyond), fearless scientists exploring entrepreneurship, and climate change innovators of all kinds. We’re also a champion for underrepresented communities in STEM. We especially value a global mindset and passion for a better world.
Do you have other locations besides the Bay Area? As of today we have two locations in Alameda, California, and a 3rd location is coming in Salt Lake City.
What’s the next step? Join the bad ass revolution: no compromises, unlimited potential.
Book a tour of our Alameda location today. Meet our founders and get to know the fearless innovators who call BADASS Labs home. And apply for space today.