Boston’s laboratory ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation, expanding beyond its traditional roots in biotech and life sciences. Today, the city is embracing a broader range of industries, from data centers supporting AI innovation, battery technology, and CleanTech to advanced chemistry. This shift reflects a growing demand for specialized lab and office spaces that not only support cutting-edge research but also attract talent. With untapped lab square footage across the city and a push for offices that act as ‘magnets’ rather than ‘mandates,’ Boston is redefining the future of science and technology infrastructure.

Alex Main, Senior Vice President of Operations at Wise Construction, has played a key role in shaping the infrastructure supporting these advancements. His leadership has guided the development of labs and research centers tailored to the unique and rapidly changing needs of this expanding sector.

“Flexibility is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity,” says Alex. “The ability to adapt spaces for advancing technologies and evolving research types is what sets successful projects apart.”

Under Alex’s leadership, Wise Construction has delivered numerous cutting-edge facilities across Greater Boston, supporting the growth of biotech firms and research institutions. These spaces have fostered breakthroughs in nanobiotechnology, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine, reflecting the growing demand for specialized environments in these emerging fields.

“Fields like AI-biotech, nanobiotechnology and CleanTech are redefining what’s possible. The challenge—and opportunity—lies in creating infrastructure as innovative as the science it supports,” Alex explains.

Looking ahead to 2025, Boston’s life sciences real estate market is set for significant growth. Key trends shaping the sector include the strategic use of incubator spaces, a focus on subleasing smaller, flexible spaces, and an evolving approach to tenant amenities. For example, early-stage companies are increasingly leveraging incubators not only for space but also for networking opportunities and business growth support.

Additionally, large pharmaceutical companies are adopting long-term real estate strategies to enhance operational control, often subleasing portions of their holdings to optimize space usage. This trend highlights the ongoing demand for adaptability in lab and office design, a critical factor in Boston’s competitive market.

Developers, too, are shifting their focus from speculative builds to revitalizing existing properties with targeted improvements. With an oversupply of lab spaces, this approach aims to align infrastructure with current market dynamics and tenant needs.

“UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: 2025 Trends in Life Science CRE and Construction.” Moderated by Alex Main, the event brought together industry leaders to discuss how Boston’s lab and office spaces can continue to evolve to meet growing demands and foster groundbreaking discoveries. Topics included strategies for integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into lab spaces, the importance of Environmental Health & Safety compliance, and the role of regional market dynamics in shaping future developments.

“The future of life sciences construction lies in collaboration,” says Alex. “By working closely with developers, researchers, and other stakeholders, we can create spaces that not only meet today’s needs but are also equipped to support the next wave of innovation.”

This forward-looking discussion provided actionable insights and a comprehensive perspective on what lies ahead, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with the experts shaping the future of labs and innovation in Boston and beyond.