LabCentral Launches Laboratory Operations; Signs American Laboratory Trading as a Gold Sponsor

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- LabCentral, an innovative, shared laboratory space designed as a launchpad for life-sciences startups, officially began laboratory operations on November 15^th. Key to its on-schedule opening was the generous support that the nonprofit organization received from its sponsors in the form of financial contributions, equipment donations, and in-kind services. In that regard, LabCentral announced that American Laboratory Trading, Inc. (ALT) has joined at the gold sponsorship level.

ALT Chief Operating Officer Jayson Bernstein, commented, "For the last 14 years, ALT has been providing high-quality, premium refurbished lab equipment to the Cambridge biotech community. However our commitment to this innovation hub has never been stronger as evidenced by our new Kendall Square office and now through our sponsorship of LabCentral. Partnering with LabCentral is an ideal fit for ALT as we share a common goal − provide entrepreneurs with cost-effective, turnkey solutions to support their research efforts. We're honored to be a part of this premier biotech facility."

"We welcome ALT as a sponsor to LabCentral," said LabCentral President and Executive Director Johannes Fruehauf. "Its contribution help make this the single best place to build a new life-science company in Cambridge. The interest in LabCentral has been extraordinary and many dozens of companies have made inquiries about becoming LabCentral participants. As of today, five startups have already moved in, and we expect to have 10 companies here by the end of the year."

Fruehauf continued, "LabCentral's existing footprint comprises 28,000 square feet of space in a MIT-owned building in Kendall Square, Cambridge, with an option on additional space of similar size. Our original projection was to be fully occupied within three years, however, given the positive response, we are already exploring expansion opportunities. Clearly, there is a glaring need for such a facility centered in and around Cambridge and Boston designed specifically for the life-sciences community."

LabCentral began reviewing applications from scientists, entrepreneurs, and life-sciences startups in July 2013. The application process starts with a short form available at: www.labcentral.org/apply-for-a-space/. Following submission of the form, the LabCentral team interviews applicants to finalize their candidacy and ensure consistency with LabCentral's mission. Tours of the facility can be arranged. Accepted candidates are invited back to choose an appropriate space and finalize terms of a contract.

About LabCentral (www.labcentral.org; twitter @labcentral)

A 28,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Kendall Square, Cambridge, Biotech Innovation Hub, LabCentral is a first-of-its-kind shared laboratory space designed as a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech startups. It offers fully permitted laboratory and office space for as many as 25 startups comprising approximately 100 scientists and entrepreneurs. LabCentral provides first-class facility and administrative support, skilled laboratory personnel, a domain-relevant expert speaker series ‒ as well as the other critical services and support that early-stage companies need to begin laboratory operations on day one. A private, nonprofit institution, LabCentral was funded in part by a $5 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, with support from real-estate partner, MITIMCo. Founding sponsors include Triumvirate Environmental and Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

About American Laboratory Trading, Inc. (www.UsedLabEquipment.com)

ALT was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in East Lyme, Conn. with offices in Cambridge, Mass., and San Francisco. The company stocks more than 12,000 items in its 30,000 square foot facility. With more than 20,000 customers in 65 countries, ALT has positioned itself as a global leader in the used lab equipment marketplace by offering universities and small to medium-sized life sciences organizations a lower point of entry to high quality, brand name instrumentation. ALT has distinguished itself as a leader by providing fully tested and serviced instruments with up to a one-year warranty.

SOURCE LabCentral