Gabby Everett, Director of Business Operations & Strategy/Site Head, BioLabs
Invest: spoke with Gabby Everett, director of business operations and strategy and site head for BioLabs, to discuss the organization’s recent achievements, innovative expansions, and collaborative efforts to foster a thriving biotech ecosystem in North Texas.
Reflecting on the past year, what were the key achievements and highlights for BioLabs in North Texas?
BioLabs has been incredibly busy since last year. One of the most significant updates at Pegasus Park is the expansion of the lab space on campus. BioLabs, as the startup incubator, reached 90% occupancy recently, a milestone we originally projected for six to seven years of operation. Reaching this capacity in just two and a half years accelerated the need for expansion. Currently, BioLabs offers 32,000 square feet of fully equipped lab space, and on Sept. 29, we opened Bridge Labs, a new facility with 135,000 square feet of more space. Bridge Labs includes graduate lab spaces for companies transitioning out of shared facilities and spec labs ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet, designed for single companies. This expansion is generating significant interest, and we anticipate reaching 50–60% occupancy by Q2 next year. It’s an exciting time for biotech, with substantial growth and an influx of companies driving demand for space.
How does North Texas compare to other bio and health centers across the United States?
North Texas offers a unique combination of factors that make it ideal for a thriving biotech ecosystem. To succeed, you need outstanding research institutions, skilled talent, and access to funding. North Texas is home to six Tier 1 research centers producing world-class science and technologies, which naturally fuel the growth of startups. This region also boasts one of the top technical workforces in the country, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for the biotech industry. Additionally, while funding in North Texas has traditionally focused on real estate and energy, we are witnessing a shift toward healthcare and biotechnology investment, opening new opportunities for growth. What sets North Texas apart is its collaborative ecosystem. Cities like Arlington, Mansfield, Plano, DeSoto, and Irving work closely together, supported by organizations such as the Dallas Regional Chamber. This collaboration ensures smooth transitions for companies as they grow, from shared facilities like Pegasus Park to larger spaces such as Bridge Labs or even new manufacturing hubs. However, challenges remain, particularly the need for local manufacturing facilities for biotech products, which often require outsourcing to other states or countries. Addressing these gaps is a priority as we continue to build a comprehensive biotech ecosystem.
Are there specific fields besides cancer research that are seeing growth?
North Texas stands out for its diversity in biotech subindustries, which sets it apart from other regions. UT Southwestern, for example, ranks third globally for publishing high-impact research among healthcare institutions, surpassing institutions like the Mayo Clinic, St. Jude, and Cedars-Sinai. The scope of research regionally is incredibly broad, encompassing oncology (both small molecule and immunotherapy advancements), neurodegenerative diseases, regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, and RNA-based technology. A notable collaboration between UT Southwestern, UT Dallas, and Texas Instruments has also driven innovation in biomedical engineering, focusing on wearable devices, surgical tools, and vaccine development. This variety of research areas creates a dynamic environment that fosters growth across multiple sectors.
As your focus is on hosting startups, how do you support them through their growth phases?
Supporting startups during these critical growth phases is one of our main priorities. At BioLabs, we provide a comprehensive infrastructure that includes $5 million worth of shared research equipment, which is available at no additional cost. This allows startups to experiment and innovate freely without the financial burden of renting expensive tools. Additionally, we manage operational support, including facilities maintenance, waste disposal, permitting, and purchasing, so that companies can focus entirely on their research. Startups also benefit from significant cost savings through our global purchasing platform, which offers discounts of up to 40% on essential supplies. We further mitigate financial risks by eliminating the need for startups to establish large lines of credit with suppliers. Through close partnerships with regional universities and organizations, we ensure startups have access to additional resources if needed. Our goal is to create a seamless environment that allows startups to focus on de-risking their innovations while we handle the logistical and operational complexities.
Do you host programs to facilitate networking between tenants, universities, and other research institutions?
Collaboration is at the core of what we do. We work closely with institutional technology development offices to help researchers navigate the process of taking their discoveries from the lab to commercialization. Our partnerships extend to BIO North Texas, a local biotech trade organization that provides startups with resources and expertise in areas such as talent, regulatory processes, logistics, and IP. These connections allow our startups to integrate seamlessly into the broader ecosystem, ensuring they have access to the expertise and networks needed to succeed. We also host investor events and networking happy hours to catalyze the partnerships that accelerate innovation.
You have mentioned challenges with venture capital in the past. Have you seen any changes recently?
There has been a growing awareness of the biotech sector among investors in North Texas. While traditional venture capital remains crucial, family offices have shown increasing interest in impact investing within this field. However, biotech is a complex industry, and many investors hesitate to engage with something they don’t fully understand. To address this, we partner with groups like LaunchBio to educate investors on the biotech landscape, including the risks, opportunities, and potential returns. These educational efforts have started to shift perceptions and increase interest in the sector.
What are your top priorities for BioLabs in North Texas over the next two to three years?
The next few years will be transformative for BioLabs Pegasus Park. Our primary focus is on strengthening our startup community, scaling the industry, and fostering economic development. We anticipate more companies relocating to North Texas as they recognize the cost and resource advantages here. With the recent opening of facilities like Bridge Labs, we are well positioned to support the growing biotech sector in our region. Beyond infrastructure, we are focused on building a sustainable ecosystem that includes robust job creation and significant economic impact. Reports such as the Perryman Report indicate that Pegasus Park alone is expected to generate billions in revenue and thousands of jobs, and these figures will only grow as additional facilities come online at Pegasus Park and in regions like Plano and DeSoto. As companies continue to migrate from traditional biotech hubs on the coasts to North Texas, we are committed to ensuring they have the resources, community, and support they need to thrive.
