The uncomfortable fact that many VCs prefer not to discuss is this: the climate-saving technology that will eventually define our industry won’t originate in a SoMa software firm. It will likely be discovered in a wet lab by scientists manipulating bacteria and enzymes to lock away carbon dioxide, tune battery performance, or boost biofuel production in a bioreactor.
Climate tech is moving in tandem with the explosion of the biotech sector. Emerging biotech startups in the biomanufacturing, biodegradable material, carbon capture biology, and advanced battery fields have strong prospects to win in a new climate economy that is upending almost every other sector in society. What all of them have in common is a fundamental lack of wet labs.
The Wet-Lab Problem
You might have the science. You might have the idea. Maybe you even have the pre-seed money. But now you need a lab.
The cost to build a wet lab from the ground up can start anywhere from $500,000 to $3 million before you even begin your first experiment. The cost of specialized HVAC, biosafety cabinets, cold storage, chemical waste management, and research instruments eats into a lab budget in short order. Add to this, multi-year lease commitments, 6- to 9-month construction timelines, procurement challenges, and regulatory challenges, and founders end up losing a huge chunk of the time they have available to develop their technology.
This was the challenge Dr. David Kiewlich encountered after 28 years in biotech, six time serial entrepreneur, and PhDs from UC Davis and Harvard University. After 18 months of trying to find a wet lab in which he could operate his latest startup, he decided enough was enough and created BADASS Labs, a nonprofit biotech incubator that aims to remove these obstacles so founders can focus their time on science.
Where Climate Tech Meets a Wet Lab
Current-day climate tech solutions will increasingly involve biotech.
Carbon capture will require microbiology labs and biofuel fermenters, for example. Newer batteries will require chemistry labs and material characterizers. Bio-manufacturing will require engineering of new organisms and bioreactors. The same goes for biofuels, biodegradable materials and advanced biomaterials; they all require wet labs. These companies can’t operate out of a co-working space.
That is why BADASS Labs opened its Harbor Bay location in Alameda, a 32,000 square foot lab facility where biotech, climate tech, and sustainability startups call home.
Why BADASS Labs Is Different
Zero equity. Zero IP.
Unlike other labs that act as incubators and take ownership (equity) in your company, BADASS Labs claims no equity. BADASS Labs has a 501 (c) 3 non-profit structure that makes its purpose not ownership. With climate tech companies needing years to develop, taking equity is a huge advantage in any future fundraising.
Cutting-edge equipment. 24/7 access.
BADASS Labs members have access to the Harbor Bay lab’s production centrifuges, flow cytometers, automated fluorescent microscopes, real-time PCR, plate readers, transfection machines, and other lab equipment 24/7. Members don’t need to worry if an experiment runs for two days overnight. They can also use the lab whenever needed over weekends if required. There is no competition for equipment, equipment scheduling, or limits on usage. This is the equipment that founders need.
Lab terms that accommodate research
Science cannot be scheduled. It will happen in three weeks, or in 3 years. BADASS Labs members only need a three-month commitment with no forced graduation date. Companies can stay as long as they want. Founders can work with their science.
Flat fee
BADASS Labs’ single flat fee covers lab, equipment usage, management, purchasing, waste, compliance, vendor, research assistance, scientific consulting, etc. No fees for equipment. No surprises when you’re balancing your budget.
The math works
Biotech startups only have a 10% success rate typically. BADASS Labs members companies achieve an 89-95% success rate (according to BADASS Labs) and have raised more than $900 million collectively. By removing the obstacles to access labs, equipment, and support, founders are able to focus on the science. The outcome is a community where companies grow together. As Dr. Kiewlich says, “Succeed or learn, there is no fail.” Every attempt leads to new insights, and every failure sets the groundwork for future success.
The Power of a Biotech-Led Climate Tech Ecosystem
When you join BADASS Labs, you get more than just a lab bench. You become part of a community of scientists, founders, and industry leaders working in cell and gene therapy, oncology, manufacturing, and climate tech.
This cross-disciplinary approach creates unique value. Processes developed in cell therapy may accelerate fermentation-based fuels. Insights from battery chemistry may improve biodegradable plastics. Analytical skills honed in pharma could advance carbon monitoring technologies.
In an industry where success depends on execution, having experienced experts to lean on for regulatory strategy, manufacturing workflows, and capital raises is a competitive advantage.
A Home for Inclusivity and High-Impact Climate Solutions
The consequences of climate change do not fall evenly across society. At the same time, historically marginalized populations often don’t have an opportunity to participate as decision makers in biotech and climate innovation.
BADASS Labs is dedicated to dismantling that gap.
Informed by Dr. Kiewlich’s belief that “Kindness should be the key factor for everything,” BADASS Labs prioritizes scientists and founders of color, LGBTQIA+ scientists, and other often-overlooked scientists as part of a new wave of climate innovation.
By providing support that removes the traditional financial, structural, and timeline barriers that many startups face, BADASS Labs opens up pathways to more innovators who can contribute their work in support of a better future.
Two Locations. One Mission.
The Bay Area hub of BADASS Labs includes locations on both Atlantic Ave and Harbor Bay.
- Atlantic Ave: 1010 Atlantic Ave, Suite 102, Alameda, CA 94502
- Harbor Bay: 1650 Harbor Bay Pkwy, Suite 220, Alameda, CA 94502 with free parking, EV charging station, shuttles to BART and the Harbor Bay Ferry station, and close proximity to Oakland Airport.
BADASS Labs is expanding to Salt Lake City in the near future to bring the same non-profit, zero-equity model to more biotech and climate tech startup founders across the country.
Should Your Climate Startup Join BADASS Labs?
You may be a good fit for BADASS Labs if your startup:
- Operates in chemistry, microbiology, or materials science.
- Is between pre-seed and Series B.
- Wants to keep 100% ownership of your equity and IP.
- Would rather not buy $500k+ equipment for a wet lab bench.
- Values being part of an accessible, open-minded scientific community.
FAQ
What types of climate tech companies will benefit from BADASS Labs? Companies working on carbon capture solutions, sustainable bio-manufacturing, battery materials, biofuels, biodegradable materials, or enzymatic processing will be especially suited for the Harbor Bay location.
How much does it cost? BADASS Labs utilizes a flat-fee pricing structure that includes lab space, equipment, services, and facility costs. Pricing is tailored to each company’s specific infrastructure needs, and no costs will be metered, meaning you won’t have to pay additional fees when you need the equipment.
Is it really zero equity? What about IP? Yes, founders retain 100% ownership of the company and the associated intellectual property.
How long do startups stay? BADASS Labs requires a minimum stay of three months but has no graduation date for any company. Each startup determines their own departure date based on what’s needed for their R&D.
What equipment is at BADASS Labs? Equipment is varied depending on location and the needs of each company. The Harbor Bay facility offers centrifuges designed for larger-scale production; flow cytometer and automated fluorescent microscope; PCR machines; plate readers; transfection systems; and tissue culture facilities, including incubators + cold rooms for +4°C, -20°C, -80°C, and liquid nitrogen.
Stop Searching. Start Building.
The climate clock is already ticking away. Each month spent searching for a bench to work on, finding a landlord to trust, and finding sources of capital are months of opportunity lost in the race to build a better future.
BADASS Labs exists so that founders don’t have to worry about these things.
For companies building sustainable bio-manufacturing technologies, new battery materials, carbon capture biology, and more—BADASS Labs offers high-tech scientific equipment, a modern facility with round-the-clock access, no equity requirements, and a welcoming scientific community to help solve tomorrow’s challenges.
The new green revolution is taking place on wet lab benches, and there’s a seat for you at BADASS Labs.