Mass Innovation Labs, an accelerated commercialization space located in Kendall Square, announced today the opening of its “Bench On Demand” program which provides laboratory space designed with the flexibility and capabilities to meet the needs of small and startup biopharmaceutical and life science companies. The bench space is part of a growing ecosystem of innovation that will be able to accommodate as many as 24 companies conducting early stage research.

The bench space will be available starting in July, and will include Mass Innovation Labs’ turnkey operational support and services. In addition to best-in-class facilities, occupants will have access to three rooms that are Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) compliant, according to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control. The BSL2 rooms include space for viral, bacterial and mammalian research.

“The development of our bench space has the potential to help scientists advance the next big idea into a life-changing product,” said PC Zhu, president and COO of Mass Innovation Labs. “Our bench space will give companies the tools they need to establish proof of concept, while our other facility offerings can help foster and develop their research all the way to market.”

The bench space is part of Mass Innovation Labs’ expanded operations, including the recently announced addition of six innovation suites. With the additions of the bench space and innovation suites, Mass Innovation Labs has the ability to service biopharmaceutical and life science companies at every stage of development, from initial phase research to mature businesses, like CRISPR, Editas Medicine and Radius Health.