3 Strategies for Innovating in the Life Sciences, featuring Biolabs

How eLabNext and BioLabs are Building the Next-Generation Lab Experience

With AI and automation becoming more prominent in the life sciences, the labs of today (and tomorrow) look very different from those of the past. For researchers in academia, government, biotech, and pharma, the lab experience is changing dramatically, with new approaches to lab operations that streamline sample management, data analysis, and other tasks. 

Many life science companies, including Biotech SaaS companies like eLabNext and lab coworking companies like BioLabs, are leading this transformation in unique and innovative ways. At BIO 2024, eLabNext’s Zareh Zurabyan (called “Z” for short) sat down with Nanor Nerkizian, the host of b.empowered, a podcast series from BioLabs, to talk about what’s driving this sea change in lab spaces and how both companies are contributing to this shift in the life sciences. eLabNext’s digital lab platform (DLP) has encouraged biotech labs to digitalize all facets of their operations, from sample and equipment management to lab notebooks and data analysis. 

But, establishing a next-generation lab experience that drives innovations requires more than that.

“In addition to our core products […] we have an open API and SDK that allows third-party vendors to integrate their solutions into our platform,” describes Z. “This allows laboratories to integrate their favorite tools into our system as the glue that connects everything. […] Our approach enables labs to collaborate and choose the best tools for their needs, whether molecular biology or AI tools.”

In the blog below, we recap some of the insights about digitalization from the podcast and discuss 3 key strategies eLabNext uses through its partnership with BioLabs to drive innovation in the life science space.

Strategy #1: Innovation Through a Brand-Agnostic, Multi-Dimensional Approach

The opposite of innovating is “business as usual.” 

Many companies looking for digital solutions choose one-dimensional solutions that are limited in their functionality and ability to scale. As Z mentions above, implementing a digital solution that allows the integration of diverse tools increases the dimensionality of a software solution, enabling easier collaboration and the freedom to customize a platform to a user’s needs. 

eLabNext is owned by a large parent company, Eppendorf; however, this structure doesn’t prevent it from finding creative new solutions to serve its customers.

“Our platform has several integrations with Eppendorf products, like the RackScan, but we are brand-agnostic as a company,” remarks Z. “Our philosophy is to be agnostic as it allows […] us to serve our customers better. We even have integrated products that compete with Eppendorf within our eLab Marketplace, which is by design.”

Strategy #2: Innovation Through Customer Synergy

The work in the life science sector is creative and diverse. From woolly mammoth de-extinction projects to cell and gene therapy, there is no shortage of innovative strategies for solving the world’s largest challenges.

For companies like eLabNext, innovation begets innovation. Through their work with a broad range of customers, from SynBio companies like Colossal Biosciences and Breaking to cancer-focused research institutes like the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, and Bayer Pharma, there is a constant push to find new solutions to problems that have never been solved.

“The range of customers we have is amazing,” says Z. “Our customers include a lab researching horse vaccines […] and a brewing company making beer. The spectrum is so big that there is not a single day we are not on our toes, learning new things and trying to understand the different workflows these labs are working with. This forces us to stay innovative ourselves because everyone has different needs. It becomes a symbiotic relationship with our customers, pushing our limits and challenging us while we do the same for them.”

Strategy #3: Innovation Through Cooperation

eLabNext and BioLabs collaborate with a shared vision focused on enabling customers to iterate and innovate. Like eLabNext, BioLabs works with a diverse customer base, working on solving large problems with new approaches. BioLabs also has a rich legacy of partnership with leading trade organizations, non-profits, and international innovation centers.

“This diversity is what has attracted us to work with BioLabs the most,” Z states. “We see so many different customers because of our product and how technology constantly morphs and changes. BioLabs purposefully brings different kinds of residents into their space, and they challenge and push each other during casual interactions, which fosters innovation. It has been a no-brainer for us to collaborate with BioLabs to bring value to these kinds of customers, and in return, they help us improve our product.”

In other words, collaboration is a pathway to further innovation. 

Z also has a side hustle – a consulting and investing firm called MapData Ventures that works with SaaS startups – where this rule is further exemplified.

“One thing we’ve noticed is that many startups have someone hyper-focused on technical or scientific aspects but miss the business side, or vice versa. My advice is to seek mentorship and collaborate with others. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Find partners that share your vision, and don’t be afraid to let go. Allow others to help elevate your business idea forward.”

The Transformation Continues

Integrating AI, automation, and digital solutions is revolutionizing life sciences, with companies like eLabNext and BioLabs leading the charge. eLabNext’s brand-agnostic, multi-dimensional approach allows labs to tailor digital tools to their needs, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Their strong customer synergy fosters continuous innovation, while their partnership with BioLabs exemplifies the power of collaboration in accelerating scientific advancements. These strategies are shaping the future of life sciences, making the next-generation lab experience a reality and paving the way for future discoveries.

Final Note: Quotes from the podcast have been modified in this format for clarity and grammar.