Lab Space

Our lab space is designed for early-stage and growth-stage startups commercializing scientific discoveries in life sciences, clean technology and advanced materials. The Innovation Space is best suited for companies that need more than laboratory space alone. We provide safe wet-lab environments, access to shared scientific instrumentation, operational support and commercialization resources that help companies move from research to market. This includes companies working in biotechnology, chemistry, materials science and related technical fields. 

We are a good choice for teams that need access to fully equipped wet lab space, shared analytical equipment and the ability to safely work with biological or chemical materials, without the time and expense of building their own facilities.

A strong fit includes startups that are:

• advancing science-based technologies from research toward commercialization dependent on wet lab, analytical, biological, chemical or materials science capabilities seeking a supported lab environment that reduces operational burden and accelerates technical progress 

• developing technologies that require wet lab or analytical capabilities  

• preparing for growth, fundraising, strategic partnerships, customer validation or pilot-scale milestones 

• building scalable technologies with strong commercial potential

Many of the companies we support are developing solutions across life sciences, chemistry, clean technology and advanced materials and are looking for an environment that supports both scientific progress and business growth.

Residents gain access to move-in-ready laboratory infrastructure, shared scientific equipment, operational support and workplace resources that help companies begin work quickly, reduce upfront capital needs and focus more time on advancing their science. Depending on the lab configuration, included features may include: 

Move-in-ready laboratory infrastructure 

• Laboratory benches, sinks, chemical fume hoods and/or biosafety cabinets 

• Chemical and flammable storage 

• Safety systems, eyewash stations and emergency backup power 

• Access to laboratory utilities and specialty building systems 

• Our labs are move-in ready but we can discuss modifications and infrastructure changes based on your technical requirements 

Shared scientific equipment and resources 

• Access to analytical chemistry, biology and materials characterization equipment 

• Shared freezers, autoclaves, cold storage, liquid nitrogen and other common laboratory resources 

• Loanable scientific equipment that helps expand technical capabilities while preserving capital 

Operational services and logistics support 

• Loading dock access, shipping and receiving support and mail services 

• Janitorial services, waste disposal support and onsite stockroom access 

• Support for recurring laboratory operations needs 

Workplace amenities and connectivity 

• High-speed internet and Wi-Fi 

• Conference rooms, office space and common areas 

• Complimentary coffee and water service 

• Free parking and access to campus amenities, including onsite dining and a fitness center 

Access to the Innovation Space ecosystem 

• Community programming and networking opportunities 

• Mentorship and commercialization support 

• Access to programs such as Science Inc., Spark Factory, the Early-Stage Growth Grant and The First Fund 

Together, these resources help reduce the cost, complexity and time required to build laboratory operations while providing startups access to capabilities that would otherwise require significant capital investment. 

Companies at The Innovation Space benefit from access to a broader ecosystem designed to support scientific advancement and business growth. In addition to laboratory infrastructure, companies can connect with commercialization resources, experienced mentors, industry programming and opportunities to engage with investors, partners and fellow founders. 

• Science Inc. – A startup accelerator that helps founders refine their business strategy, strengthen investor readiness and accelerate commercialization. 

• Spark Factory – Connects startups with experienced operators, industry experts and mentors to help address technical, commercial and business challenges at critical stages of growth. 

• Networking and Community Events – Regular opportunities to connect with founders, investors, corporate partners and ecosystem leaders. 

• Early-Stage Growth Grant – Provides startups with up to two years of state-of-the-art private laboratory space at The Innovation Space along with business building support. 
• The First Fund – Early-stage investment in the form of cash and lab space for qualifying Delaware startups working to scale and grow. 

The Innovation Space provides hands-on lab operations support through an experienced on-site team that helps companies establish and manage day-to-day laboratory operations, allowing founders to focus on science, product development, customers, fundraising and team growth. 

Lab setup and onboarding – Guidance on configuring your space, accessing shared resources, completing safety onboarding and getting lab-ready quickly. 

Day-to-day operational support – Responsive, on-site assistance with troubleshooting, common space coordination, supplies and operational questions. 

Shared scientific equipment and resources – Access to analytical instrumentation, shared freezers, autoclaves and loanable lab equipment that help expand technical capabilities while preserving capital. 

Safety and compliance guidance – Support with chemical hygiene, biological safety, hazardous waste practices, required documentation and safe laboratory operations. 

Procurement and vendor support – Assistance with recurring operational needs, including specialty gas ordering, stockroom access and coordination with qualified vendors for laboratory services and supplies. 

Facilities and infrastructure management – Ongoing support for laboratory utilities, fume hoods, maintenance needs, shared spaces and core building systems. 

Support for growth and expansion – Help planning space transitions, equipment needs and operational requirements as companies scale

Yes. Many companies start in smaller lab spaces and expand as their teams and research needs grow. 

Our lab environment is designed to support that progression, making it easy to move from a lab pod to a half lab, full lab or larger suite over time. 

We work with companies to plan for growth and help ensure a smooth transition as their space and infrastructure needs evolve.

The Innovation Space supports laboratory operations in accordance with established environmental health and safety (EHS) standards and best practices. Our facilities are designed to safely support work with biological and chemical materials, including biohazardous materials. 

We provide ongoing support to help companies maintain safe and compliant lab environments, including guidance on safety protocols, training requirements and operational procedures. 

Our on-site team works closely with resident companies to help ensure that day-to-day lab activities meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements. 

We offer flexible occupancy agreements designed to support early-stage and growing companies. Typical agreement terms range from six months to one year, with a 90-day termination notice. 

Yes. Innovation Space labs are designed to support a wide range of scientific work across both chemical and biological disciplines, with dedicated lab environments configured to meet specific research needs. 

This includes: 

• wet lab activities involving chemicals, liquids and biological materials  

• chemistry and materials science research, supported by proper ventilation, fume hoods and chemical storage  

• biological and microbiology work, supported by biosafety infrastructure and protocols  

• access to shared analytical equipment and loanable resources for both chemistry and biology  

Our labs are built with the infrastructure and safety systems needed to support compliant lab operations across disciplines 

The Innovation Space is located on the historic DuPont Experimental Station campus in Wilmington, Delaware. The secure site offers 24/7 access and includes more than 130,000 square feet of modern lab and office space. 

Surrounded by green space, the campus provides a quiet, professional setting while remaining just minutes from downtown Wilmington, with convenient access to major highways and rail lines connecting to Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C. 

Move-in timelines depend on space availability and the specific requirements of your lab. In many cases, startups can move in quickly—particularly when using existing lab configurations. 

Our team works closely with new residents  to streamline onboarding, including space setup, safety requirements and operational readiness. 

Contact us to discuss current availability and timelines. 

The Innovation Space is home to more than 30 diverse science-based startups across life sciences, clean technology and advanced materials. 

This mix of companies, from one person to 40+, creates opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and peer support within a focused R&D environment. 

Residents have 24/7 access to their lab and office spaces, allowing teams to work on their own schedules. 

Access to shared amenities and support services may vary by day and time. 

The Innovation Space combines flexible, fully equipped lab infrastructure with integrated operational and business support designed specifically for science-based startups. 

In addition to private lab space, residents benefit from access to shared analytical equipment, compliant environments for biological and chemical work and an experienced team that supports day-to-day lab operations. 

We also offer structured programming, mentorship and connections to partners and investors—helping companies move from early development through commercialization more efficiently. 

The facility is equipped with controlled access systems and monitoring to maintain a secure environment for both personnel and intellectual property, including restricted entry to labs and office spaces. 

Additional protocols are in place to support safe and compliant lab operations. 

Resident companies are responsible for managing and disposing of hazardous and biological waste in accordance with applicable regulations. However, The Innovation Space helps simplify the process. 

During onboarding, companies are connected with established hazardous and biological waste disposal providers that regularly service the facility. These vendors conduct routine onsite pickups, making waste disposal a seamless part of day-to-day laboratory operations. 

Our team also provides guidance on waste management practices and can help companies navigate disposal requirements and vendor coordination as questions arise. 

Costs associated with hazardous and biological waste disposal remain the responsibility of the resident company. 

Yes. In addition to private labs and offices, residents have access to shared areas, including conference rooms with videoconferencing, informal collaboration spaces and common areas designed to support meetings, networking and day-to-day interaction across the community. 

Lab spaces are designed to be flexible and can be configured to meet a range of research and operational needs. 

Depending on availability and requirements, teams can tailor their space to support specific workflows, equipment and growth over time. 

Most laboratory infrastructure, shared resources, operational support, workplace amenities and community programming are included in the monthly lab space fee. The Innovation Space is designed to provide companies with access to the facilities, equipment and support they need without the burden of managing multiple vendors or unexpected operational costs. 

Additional fees may apply for certain specialized equipment, services, laboratory modifications or company-specific requirements. A one-time decontamination and cleaning fee is also collected at move-in to cover required laboratory decontamination and cleaning when a company exits its space. 

Our team provides clear, upfront information about all applicable costs so companies understand their specific fee structure before moving in.