Are you a scientific rebel with a breakthrough idea, wrestling with the colossal challenges of bringing it to life? Do you dream of changing the world but feel trapped by the traditional biotech ecosystem?
The Crushing Reality for Biotech Founders
You’ve poured your life into your research, discovered something truly revolutionary. But then comes the hard part: finding a lab. The truth is, securing world-class wet lab space in a prime location like the Bay Area often feels like an impossible mission. Sky-high rents, restrictive leases, astronomical equipment costs, and the constant pressure to give up precious equity just to get a foot in the door can stifle innovation before it even begins.
Many founders spend months, even years, scrambling for suitable facilities, diverting critical time and resources away from what truly matters: the science. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a systemic barrier preventing brilliant minds from solving humanity’s most pressing problems, from curing diseases to combating climate change. Dr. David Kiewlich, our visionary founder, experienced this firsthand, spending 18 frustrating months searching for a suitable home for his own ventures. He knew there had to be a better way.
BADASS Labs: Where Fearless Bio-Innovators Thrive
At BADASS Labs, we’re tearing down those barriers. We are the #1 nonprofit biotech incubator, built by founders, for founders. Our mission is to accelerate the next generation of life-changing science, offering a dynamic coworking laboratory ecosystem where cutting-edge biotech startups and scientific rebels can flourish without compromise.
- Zero Equity, No IP Claims: This is our foundational promise. We believe your intellectual property is yours, and we’ll never take a slice of your company. Your success is your own, and we’re here to facilitate it.
- World-Class Facilities, 24/7 Access: Forget waiting in line for equipment or rushing to finish experiments. Our state-of-the-art wet lab space in Alameda rivals the best research institutions, and it’s yours around the clock. From cell culture suites to advanced analytical instruments, we’ve got you covered.
- Flexible, Founder-First Terms: We understand the startup journey isn’t linear. Our flat-fee pricing includes all support services, with a flexible three-month minimum and no forced graduation timelines. Stay as long as it takes to achieve your milestones.
- Unparalleled Success: Our results speak for themselves. While the industry standard for startup success hovers around 10%, BADASS Labs members achieve an 89-95% success rate. Our community has collectively raised over $900 million in funding, demonstrating the power of our model.
- A Community that Lifts All Boats: We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment. Whether you’re innovating in cell therapies, sustainable bio-manufacturing, or carbon capture, you’ll find a supportive network of peers, mentors, and experts ready to share insights and celebrate wins.
From the lab bench to Series B, BADASS Labs provides the bedrock for groundbreaking innovation. We empower underrepresented communities in biotech, climate tech, and sustainability, ensuring that brilliance knows no boundaries.
Changing the World, One Breakthrough at a Time
Our members are at the forefront of scientific discovery. We’ve seen companies develop novel gene therapies for rare diseases, engineer new materials for next-generation batteries, and pioneer sustainable solutions for a healthier planet. These are not just businesses; they are movements, fueled by a passion for discovery and the unwavering support of the BADASS Labs ecosystem.
As Dr. Kiewlich often says, “Succeed or learn, there is no fail.” We embrace a growth mindset, providing a safe space for experimentation, iteration, and ultimately, world-changing breakthroughs.
Ready to Disrupt?
Don’t let traditional barriers hold back your scientific vision. Join a community of fearless innovators who are truly changing the world.
Schedule a tour of our cutting-edge Alameda facilities, connect with our vibrant community, or apply for lab space today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes BADASS Labs different from other biotech incubators?
BADASS Labs is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to advancing science for humanity. Our key differentiators include taking zero equity from your company, making no claims on your intellectual property, offering 24/7 unrestricted access to world-class equipment, and providing flexible, flat-fee pricing with comprehensive support. Our mission-driven approach focuses on your success, not on financial extraction.
What kind of companies does BADASS Labs support?
We support early-stage biotech startups (pre-seed through Series B) across a wide range of disciplines, including cell therapies, gene therapy, oncology, AAV manufacturing, and climate tech innovations like battery materials, biofuels, and carbon capture. We also actively create pathways for underrepresented communities in STEM.
How long can my company stay at BADASS Labs?
We offer flexible terms with a three-month minimum commitment. Unlike many incubators, we do not impose forced graduation timelines. Companies can stay as long as they need to achieve their scientific and business milestones, ensuring continuous support throughout their growth journey.
What kind of equipment access is available?
Members have 24/7 unrestricted access to a comprehensive suite of world-class wet lab equipment, rivaling top research institutions. This includes everything from basic lab necessities to specialized instruments for cell culture, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and more, all included in the flat-fee pricing.
Is BADASS Labs only in the Bay Area?
Currently, BADASS Labs operates two locations in Alameda, California, serving the vibrant Bay Area biotech ecosystem. We are also expanding our footprint with a new facility in Salt Lake City, further broadening our reach to support fearless bio-innovators.