Why Choose The Labs

The Labs is more than just space and infrastructure. It’s a community. It offers on-site support, flexible leasing, and enhanced credibility. It’s designed to provide you with everything you need to focus on success — and stay on budget.

A place to grow

• Flexible leasing arrangements so you can increase or decrease your space without penalty
• Purpose-built infrastructure, with lab and office space constructed to your needs
• Building designed and built for LEED certification
• Secure building (access card system)
• 24-hour building access
• Air-conditioned building
• Kitchen / cafeteria space and amenities
• Shared office equipment to keep overhead costs low (e.g. multifunction devices with colour copy, scan, print, fax and email capabilities; postage, laminating and binding machines; shredding service)
• Computerized mechanical and electrical systems, Aircuity Optinet System
• Emergency power (entire building)
• Loading dock
• Custodial services
• Occupational health and safety support
• Office space for off-site clients
• Individual company mailboxes

Reach out to the world

• State-of-the-art enterprise-grade integrated voice and data network and services at competitive rates
• IT professionals are available to assist you with software, hardware and network installation and troubleshooting
• Network monitored 24x7x365 so we can quickly and proactively address potential issues
• Security and reliability enhanced through enterprise-grade firewall/router and protection from power interruptions
• Ability to login securely from home or on the road through the Invest Nova Scotia network via virtual private networking (VPN)
• Advanced voice services via voIP
• Advice and assistance available for IT planning and troubleshooting; software, hardware and network installation
• Rapid moves, adds and changes of telephones and internet service
• Wireless access (wifi) in all common areas
• Server hosting (HVAC, secure caged client hosting areas, surveillance, backup)

Testing new ideas

• Wet and dry lab space
• Reverse osmosis water, chemical neutralization system, low-flow and canopy fume hoods and other sophisticated ventilation, chemical disposal, compressed air, emergency showers, etc.

A gathering place

• A four-storey atrium, flooded with natural light; a daily hub for everyone and ideal for special events
• A variety of room sizes and possible configurations
• Audio/visual and conference room equipment
• Assistance with organizing meetings

Share the load

• Shared administrative support staff can reduce your payroll costs and help you concentrate on growing your business. Examples: performing event and meeting assistance; proofreading and editing business documents; developing and updating databases; preparing and formatting documents; creating mail merges and executing large mailouts; creating presentations, spreadsheets, graphs and charts; and handling your filing, photocopying, binding, faxing and scanning needs
• Professional telephone answering, customized for your company
• On-site mail pickup and delivery
• Metered postage and courier services

Location, location, location!

• Prestigious address and environment for client company customers, investors and partners
• Professional reception services and security sign-in process
• Access to ample free parking
• Desirable location and image is a significant benefit for recruiting employees
• Venue for board and annual general meetings, industry announcements, workshops and info sessions, off-site meetings for other businesses, etc.
• Important destination for dignitaries and trade missions
• Directory board and company door signage

Tap into the network

• Your early stage technology company has unique and evolving challenges. Invest Nova Scotia understands these challenges, and offers hands-on business advisory services, and access to a network of mentors and service providers that complements our in-house business expertise.
• The challenges vary, but typically include:   
  • fundamental business planning
  • intellectual property identification and protection strategies
  • implementing product development best practices
  • financial and accounting management
  • cash flow management
  • value proposition development
  • pricing strategies  
  • competitive analysis
  • state-of-the-art marketing techniques
  • sales and distribution channel strategies
  • obtaining seed and venture capital
  • human resource management strategies

Learn the tools of the trade

• Access to information-rich professional development sessions
• Peer support from other early stage technology companies
• Trade opportunities and matchmaking

Off-site clients

Take advantage of The Labs. A corporate address, conference and meeting rooms, a supportive client network, and office space when you are in the area are some of the many benefits we offer.