Starting a life sciences company requires three key elements:

• Affordable, well-equipped lab space
• Access to top talent
• A strong investment ecosystem

Worcester, Massachusetts, has all three—making it a prime location for biotech and life sciences startups to grow and thrive.

Pillar 1: Affordable, Well-Equipped Space

Finding lab space that doesn’t drain your budget can be a challenge, especially in biotech hubs like Cambridge and Boston. Worcester offers an affordable alternative just an hour away without sacrificing quality.

• Low-Cost Infrastructure: Worcester was ranked the #2 city in New England to start a business by WalletHub. Lab and office rentals here are a fraction of the cost of Kendall Square and Boston, allowing startups to invest more in talent and research rather than real estate.
•  Incubator Support: MBI is one of the state’s most cost-effective incubators, offering lab and office space with services like mentorship programs, networking, and lunch n’ learns tailored to startup success.
• Access to Equipment: MBI provides on-site shared equipment and has formed partnerships with local universities to grant startups access to specialized lab resources.
• Academic Powerhouse: Worcester is home to 13 colleges and universities, including UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and Quinsigamond Community College (QCC), ensuring access to research facilities, industry connections, and a talent pipeline. UMass Chan Medical School alone brings in $294 million in NIH funding, ranking it #1 in New England for primary care education.

Pillar 2: A Deep Pool of Life Sciences Talent

Worcester’s startup ecosystem is fueled by a steady stream of highly skilled life sciences professionals. The 2022 CBRE Research Talent Report ranked Worcester the 15th best market in the U.S. for life sciences research talent. The city’s strength comes from:

•   A high concentration of PhDs and research professionals trained at UMass Chan Medical School, WPI, and other top-tier institutions.
•  Strong workforce development programs, including certificate and associate degree programs at QCC and STEM-focused high school programs.
•  A business environment that attracts and retains scientific talent with lower costs of living—22% less than Boston or Cambridge (Bankrate.com).

Pillar 3: A Thriving Investment Ecosystem

Biotech startups need capital to fuel research and commercialization. Worcester’s life sciences scene has seen a surge in investment activity, proving that the region is not just a great place to start but also to scale.

• $56 Million in VC Funding in 2024: Worcester-based biopharma firms collectively secured millions in venture capital, demonstrating investor confidence in the region’s potential.
• Conifer Life Sciences at MBI: Venture capital firm Conifer Life Sciences recently established an office at MBI and has already funded three MBI startups.
• Supportive Networks: Worcester’s incubators, research institutions, and investor community work together to connect startups with the funding and mentorship they need to grow.

Why Start Your Company in Worcester?

Worcester is emerging as a premier destination for life sciences startups, offering affordable space, top-tier talent, and a growing investment network. If you’re a biotech entrepreneur looking for the right place to scale your innovation, Worcester—and MBI—have the infrastructure and support to help you succeed.

Ready to take the next step? Explore MBI’s incubator space and see how Worcester can be the launchpad for your life sciences venture.