Connect Labs by Wexford, the flexible, scale-in-place lab and innovation infrastructure offering located within Wexford Science & Technology, LLC’s dynamic and amenity-rich Knowledge Communities is set to open its second location in October 2024 at its newest building, 4MLK, within the University of Maryland (UM) BioPark in Baltimore, Maryland.

Connect Labs Baltimore will comprise 35,000 square feet featuring pre-built and furnished lab, support, and office space with a curated set of amenities, services, and shared equipment for emerging and growth companies, particularly in life sciences, biomedical engineering, technology, and data sciences, among others.

“Connect Labs by Wexford is designed to provide Baltimore’s startup and growth companies with the space, equipment, programs and support to enable them to create scale and impact,” said Kathy Webb, Wexford’s Vice President of Lab Services.  “Placing Connect Labs within 4MLK facilitates collaboration among UMB researchers and clinicians, startups, corporate innovators, and the community, which is unique within our region,” Webb continued.

The UM BioPark partnered with Wexford to establish the Baltimore location of Connect Labs by Wexford to provide much needed flexible lab spaces and support resources, not only to UMB startups, but for companies across the region.

“We are thrilled to partner with Wexford Science & Technology to bring Connect Labs to the UM BioPark and the Baltimore life science community,” said Jim Hughes, Chief Enterprise and Economic Development Officer and Senior Vice President for UMB. “This level of flexible lab space is new for Baltimore and will help keep emerging and growth companies in our ecosystem as they advance towards commercialization. We are excited to see the many ways this next-generation lab concept will benefit not just UMB spin-outs, but the many innovative life science companies throughout the city.”

Located on the third floor of 4MLK, Connect Labs Baltimore will offer a mix of lab configurations, support, and office spaces that can be arranged to suit specific needs from 230 square feet to over 3,000 square feet.

Moreover, Connect Labs members will have access to specialized shared equipment; negotiated rates on additional equipment, consumables, and supplies; exclusive Connect Labs community events to connect with peers; and common amenities such as conference and huddle spaces, basic office equipment, a lightly stocked kitchen, and centralized support services provided by a knowledgeable staff.

To operate Connect Labs Baltimore, Wexford and UM BioPark have selected CIC, which excels at creating environments where startups, researchers, and industry experts can collaborate, innovate, and accelerate the development of groundbreaking ideas. CIC has 25 years of experience building and operating innovation campuses featuring shared workspaces, laboratories, event spaces and programming. This includes CIC Philadelphia, a 140,000 square foot facility featuring shared and private labs and offices located within Wexford’s Knowledge Community, uCity Square, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Baltimore is a critical life science hub in the U.S. driven by world-leading institutions, including UMB, public and private investment in building the ecosystem, and an incredible talent pool. We are excited to expand our collaboration with Wexford Science & Technology and serve as operators of Connect Labs Baltimore,” said Sarah Delmar, Vice President of Global Expansion for CIC. “At CIC, we are experts in creating the space and culture for innovating and have a proven track record of enabling life science companies to succeed. We are thrilled to bring this expertise to Baltimore and be part of the incredible work happening in the region.”

In the coming months, CIC will be hiring local talent to fill various roles, including a site director who will lead a dynamic team of experienced operational and programming staff.

Connect Labs by Wexford’s expansion to Baltimore also builds on the success of Connect Labs Phoenix, which provides similar spaces and services and currently supports 15 companies and research organizations across Phoenix, Arizona.

To schedule a tour, apply for a position, or learn more about Connect Labs by Wexford, please visit wexfordconnectlabs.com.