Residency

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of research can be performed in The Engine’s wet lab facilities?

  The Engine’s wet labs support research in life sciences, chemistry, and materials science. Resident companies can conduct molecular biology, microbiology, tissue culture, chemical synthesis, and analytical testing in both shared and private lab space. Residents may also pursue a CLIA certification to enable clinical diagnostic testing of human samples.

  Learn more about The Engine’s lab facilities.
  

• What Biosafety Levels are supported in The Engine’s wet labs?

  The Engine’s wet labs support Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) research. These levels allow Resident companies to conduct a wide range of biological and chemical work while meeting required safety standards and regulatory requirements.
  

• What specialized equipment is available in The Engine’s wet lab spaces?

  The Engine’s wet labs are equipped with a full range of biology, chemistry, and bioanalytics tools. Available equipment includes fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, convection ovens, microscopes, spectrophotometers, flow cytometers, gel electrophoresis systems, and real-time PCR instruments. Labs are also stocked with PPE and essential consumables.
  

• Do Resident companies at The Engine share wet lab space or have dedicated benches?

  Resident companies can access both shared wet lab areas and dedicated benches, with the option to rent private lab suites. This flexible setup allows teams to choose the space that best fits their technical needs while ensuring secure, consistent environments. All spaces and equipment are maintained by The Engine in compliance with CLIA and local, state, and federal regulations.
  

• Can non-resident companies rent wet lab space at The Engine?

  Wet lab space is primarily reserved for companies in The Engine’s Residency program. Non-resident organizations that partner with The Engine or are associated with partners of The Engine may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  
  Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities.

• What safety protocols are required for working in The Engine’s wet labs?

  All wet lab users must complete safety orientation and training before starting work. The Engine enforces strict protocols for PPE use, chemical handling, biological safety, and waste disposal in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  

• Is training provided for using wet lab equipment at The Engine?

  Yes. The Engine provides training in the general use of shared wet lab equipment and specialized instruments. Resident teams are expected to have baseline lab training, but the lab operations team offers instruction on instruments like the SONY Cell Sorter, Thermo Fisher Scientific Attune Flow Cytometers, and the Thermo Fisher Scientific CellInsight CX7 microscope. Training covers equipment operations and maintenance, not experimental design. Staff are also available to assist with troubleshooting to ensure safe and effective use of specialized tools.

• Does The Engine provide cold storage, freezers, or incubators in the wet labs?

  Yes. The Engine’s wet labs include shared and private cold storage, shaking incubators, and CO₂ Incubators for secure sample preservation. Storage space can be allocated based on each company’s research requirements.
  

• How is waste disposal handled in The Engine’s wet lab facilities?

  The Engine partners with Triumvirate Environmental to manage hazardous chemical and regulated medical waste. Designated waste collection points and scheduled disposal services ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  

• Are The Engine’s wet labs compliant with relevant safety and regulatory standards?

  Yes. The Engine’s wet labs comply with OSHA, CDC, and NIH guidelines, as well as the State of Massachusetts and local Cambridge regulations. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure all facilities remain safe and functional. Support is also available for Residents to enable compliance with CLIA and other certifications.

• Does The Engine offer wet lab space for prototype development and testing?

  Yes. The Engine’s wet labs can be used for developing and testing prototypes and building pilots that require chemical or biological workflows. This includes early-stage product validation and iterative research and development.

• What sectors or types of Tough Tech companies benefit most from The Engine’s wet labs?

  The Engine’s wet labs are especially well-suited for Tough Tech companies in sectors such as synthetic biology, advanced materials, biomanufacturing, medical devices, and environmental science. These facilities enable critical early-stage research and development that accelerates progress toward market readiness.