SmartLabs and International Workplace Group (IWG) have formed a 10-year global partnership to deliver flexible, fully managed laboratory spaces in key life sciences markets worldwide. Announced at the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston, the collaboration aims to address rising global demand for high-quality R&D facilities, according to CoStar.
The partnership will integrate SmartLabs’ lab-as-a-service model — which includes lab design, construction, operations, and scientific support — into IWG’s global portfolio of flexible workspace brands such as Regus and Spaces.
This enables faster setup of research labs in both established and underserved regions across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
SmartLabs CEO Brian Taylor said the agreement expands access to advanced lab infrastructure in regions rich in scientific talent but lacking in physical capacity.
IWG CEO Mark Dixon added that the deal opens new opportunities for landlords and developers to tap into the growing life sciences sector without managing lab operations directly.
As R&D space becomes more critical and capital efficiency more urgent, the companies say the partnership will help science and tech firms scale research faster and more affordably.
