The Rosalind Franklin Institute has been announced as the first founding member for the new CO:LABS facility, a pioneering biotech accelerator dedicated to fostering innovation and scaling early-stage ventures.
This strategic partnership marks a major milestone in bolstering the resources and expertise available to emerging biotech companies at CO:LABS, set to officially open its doors in 2026 at Harwell Campus.
The Franklin is at the forefront of creating innovative new technologies to address today’s most pressing health research challenges – integrating physical sciences and engineering with life sciences. As a founding member, the Franklin will play a crucial role in supporting CO:LABS resident start-ups, offering a range of tailored initiatives aimed at advancing both scientific and commercial success.
Through the partnership, the Franklin will: deliver seminars and workshops – offering insights into scientific research and industry trends, provide coaching and mentorship sessions to guide innovators through technical and strategic challenges, share scientific expertise and novel research findings, and provide guidance on technical, regulatory, and commercial aspects of biotech innovation.
By joining forces with the Franklin, CO:LABS will create a dynamic, collaborative environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish. Providing start-ups with unparalleled access to leading scientists, state-of-the-art research, and a network of industry professionals dedicated to advancing biotech innovation will amplify the impact of the thriving Harwell Health Tech Cluster.
CO:LABS, opening in 2026, is the campus’ latest landmark 120,000sq. ft laboratory development for life-changing science. It has been intentionally and inclusively designed from the start to ensure that brilliant biotech companies are able to recruit, retain and raise funds with best-in-class amenities including a café, lecture theatre, pitch rooms, fully fitted and serviced laboratory space with inclusive of write-up and office space, supported by a dedicated onsite lab manager to ensure the smooth running of the labs so members focus on science.
For more information, click here.
