Charlotte Welcomes Connect Labs: A New Collaborative Space for Innovation and Growth

Exciting News for Charlotte: A Brand New Collaborative Lab is Coming!

Charlotte is about to get a fantastic boost in its innovation scene! Thanks to Wexford Science & Technology, our fair city will soon host its very own collaborative lab, named Connect Labs, in the heart of Atrium Health’s bustling innovation district. This isn’t just any lab—it’s a sprawling 30,000-square-foot space designed specifically for startups and growth-stage companies in fields like life sciences, technology, robotics, and data science.

What Can We Expect?

The Connect Labs will be nestled on the seventh floor of the Research One building. It’s set to be the fourth location of this exciting initiative, with existing labs already thriving in Baltimore, Phoenix, and Sacramento. Talk about expanding horizons!

This new spot will feature a variety of working areas, including both wet and dry lab spaces that range from 300 to 2,500 square feet. Plus, there will be 11 private offices and two open areas overflowing with dedicated desks for the bright minds working on the next big invention. Can you feel the excitement?

Flexibility for Entrepreneurs

One of the most impressive aspects of this lab is the range of lease options available. According to Travis Sheridan, Wexford’s senior vice president and chief community officer, they’re offering short and flexible lease terms that ensure entrepreneurs have the flexibility to scale or downsize as needed. “It’s important to create opportunity for companies to scale and grow in place,” Sheridan stated. Imagine being a startup and starting small, and then being able to grow right where you are—it’s a dream!

A Vision for the Future

This collaborative lab is a pivotal part of Atrium Health’s ambitious $1.5 billion innovation district, which will spread across 20 acres on Baxter and South McDowell streets. When it’s all finished, the innovation district is expected to span a whopping 640,000 square feet!

The district is not just about business, though. It will also be home to the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte, along with the North American headquarters for IRCAD, a global leader in surgical training from France. Excitingly, the medical school is set to welcome its first class in June!

Who Else is Joining the Party?

Collin Lane, enterprise senior vice president of facilities management for Atrium’s parent company, Advocate Health, revealed that they are already seeing a lot of interest. In fact, he noted that an impressive 80% of the leasable space is already spoken for, with tenants including Siemens Healthineers from Germany and Stryker from Michigan. Another significant tenant will occupy two full floors, although their identity remains a suspenseful secret for now.

Lane expressed confidence in the collaboration with Wexford and the city. “The proof in the concept is there,” he said, emphasizing the positive partnerships that have blossomed in the process. It’s thrilling to see such an enthusiastic response to this ambitious project!

The Bottom Line

In short, Charlotte is gearing up for a wave of innovation and growth with the opening of Connect Labs. For those in the entrepreneurial and research community, this new space offers a plethora of opportunities to grow and shine right in the heart of the city. So stay tuned—Charlotte is on the brink of becoming a significant player in the world of innovation!