Life sciences are seen as one of the key drivers not only of future advances in medicine and health but also of economic development in many regions. And incubators that provide space and resources for innovation serve in many cases as the vital infrastructure for advances in the life sciences.

Not surprising, then, that CBRE Research's 2024 survey of life sciences incubators finds them in high demand – and most with high occupancy. "Startups that grow from innovative research at educational institutions often cannot afford to lease full office and lab space, making incubators essential resources," the survey found. Some 95% offer accessible space of this type, as well as mentorship.

"All incubators we surveyed were at least 50% occupied, including 59% that were at least 75% occupied and 19% fully occupied. Over the next decade, 63% expect to open more locations and 52% also project the average size of their locations to increase," the report stated.