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Science, sustainability, community
In Watertown, MA, Cambridge Scientific sells laboratory equipment and provides furnished labs for startups to kickstart their research endeavors. The company's origin story is inspiring. In the 1990s, Barbara Pearlman worked in sales for a medical equipment company that sold hospital gear, such as beds and x-ray machines. While in the field, she "ran into a lot of research equipment for laboratories," which inspired an idea. Pearlman recommended that her employer begin selling the research equipment. He declined the idea, which Pearlman took as an opportunity.
The biotech industry was booming in Cambridge, so Pearlman gave her two-week notice and started Cambridge Scientific. The entrepreneur began selling pre-owned lab equipment used in research labs for pharmaceuticals and diseases. The response was immediate. "It was extremely busy. The phone started ringing off the hook, and we were selling all over the state, and it kept growing," Pearlman said about the early days of her business.
Eventually, Cambridge Scientific increased its offerings. "It grew into different types of research equipment and more elaborate and expensive research equipment. And then we got noticed, and new manufacturers asked us to represent their lines," Pearlman said. At that point, Cambridge Scientific became a new and used equipment provider and expanded nationwide and into global markets.
However, Cambridge Scientific's most significant evolution came with the inception of creating laboratories for rent—Cambridge Scientific Labs. Recognizing the surplus of equipment in her warehouses, Pearlman devised another innovative idea—to furnish labs and rent them out to startups. Cambridge Scientific Labs provides affordable research spaces and facilitates the growth of budding scientific ventures in Massachusetts.
"We built our first lab in November 2016. The tenant moved in, and then the demand was so great, we couldn't build these labs fast enough because our labs came completely finished with anything that anybody needed to get their research off the ground. We built at one location and now we have 15 at that location. And then we actually opened up another location around the corner in Watertown, and we have an additional 10 labs over there and a shared suite. And it's kind of like a co-working space but for labs."
Pearlman said that Cambridge Scientific can provide pretty much everything a lab needs. "Because we have so much of everything that we're happy to put it in their lab rather than have it sit in our warehouse. A tenant can get almost a hundred percent of what they're looking for when they come to our furnished lab."
Additionally. the business owner shared that the incubator labs have served as a marketing tool for Cambridge Scientific. Let's say one of its incubator clients outgrows its lab space. In that case, they will open a larger lab and furnish it with equipment from Cambridge Scientific. "So our tenants have become customers, and all our tenants are talking about us. And so, they're getting us more customers. So ever since the labs came into play, Cambridge Scientific has got even busier," said Pearlman.
The business owner also discussed the sustainability of her company’s incubator program."It's green because we're using used equipment. Our whole facility is built with equipment that was pre-owned, very much brand names that are known in the industry. So people come to us when they're getting rid of one piece or closing an entire lab. We pretty much have access to anything we could want or need."
Pearlman's role has changed as Cambridge Scientific has increased its staff to 12 employees. When she first started her business, she handled sales and management. Today, she is its visionary leader.
"I'm more of an overseer now. I have a team of salespeople and a general manager and a controller. I'm more of an advisor about how to bring in new. I'm more of an advisor when there are questions. I also implement new ideas. I'm often creating new vendor relationships or creating new marketing material. I'm more of a leader as opposed to doing the day-to-day work, so more of an ideas person," Pearlman noted.
When asked what she enjoys most about her business, Pearlman said, "I love that it's green. I love that we're taking stuff that could be in a landfill and repurposing it. And I love that we're helping people do science that couldn't afford to do it necessarily. Our equipment is often half of its original price. And our used equipment is typically between one and five years old, and everything's young enough to make sure parts and service are available. So, it just gives people access to equipment at an affordable price so they can do their work."
Moreover, Cambridge Scientific Labs supports underrepresented scientists through its Sumner Prize initiative. Each year, the company awards an underrepresented scientist with a bench in its shared lab, including all amenities for a year. "The prize is named after the 19th-century abolitionist and civil rights advocate Charles Sumner who fought for racial equality," Pearlman noted.
"Underrepresented companies often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing funding, building networks and establishing themselves, and Cambridge Scientific Labs hopes to set a model for other companies in life science research to follow," she added.
Pearlman also supports underrepresented artists and created an art gallery within Cambridge Scientific Labs. "Every four or five months, a new artist hangs their work and holds their opening there," she said.
While Massachusetts offers abundant opportunities, Barbara acknowledged the challenges that exist. "There's so much opportunity in Massachusetts, and that's what I love about it. And I promote it to many people, but it's not accessible to everyone. I try to help through Cambridge Scientific's outreach initiatives. I'm able to use the company's success to help support other things."
When asked what she loves about the Cambridge area, Pearlman said, "The new ideas and all the innovation occurring in the area. There are a lot things happening in this city, and folks are moving here from all over the world!—it’s pretty amazing."
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