As India cements its status as a global R&D hub for life sciences, the demand for advanced, adaptable, and innovation-driven lab environments is rising sharply. Yet, a significant gap persists in aligning lab infrastructure with evolving scientific workflows, talent expectations, and digital advancements. In this exclusive discussion, Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal – Strategy at Unispace India, speaks with Dr. Asawari Savant from Elets News Network (ENN) on how forward-thinking design can bridge these gaps and future-proof India’s research ecosystem. Edited excerpts 

India is emerging as a major hub for biotech and pharma R&D. How are Indian life sciences firms leading in future-ready lab designs?

India is rapidly solidifying its position as a global leader in biotech and pharma R&D, and this forward-thinking approach is reflected in how Indian life sciences firms are pioneering future-ready lab designs.  Labs are no longer seen as static infrastructure but as strategic assets that drive innovation, collaboration, and talent retention. Indian firms are prioritising adaptability; 66% report highly adaptable labs compared to the global average of 56%. They’re also integrating advanced technologies early, with 65% saying their labs are tech-ready. Additionally, 80% confirm their labs support cross-functional collaboration. This reflects a fundamental shift: labs are being built to be intelligent, agile, and human-centric from the outset, making them key enablers of R&D excellence.

How does Unispace approach strategy integration between architectural design, workplace experience, and lab functionality in the Indian context?

Unispace’s approach is to integrate lab functionality, architectural design, and workplace experience into one cohesive ecosystem. We begin with a “science-first” mindset, ensuring workflows, safety, and compliance are seamlessly built in. 

The core purpose of the lab, the research itself, must be seamless and efficient.

We prioritise workplace experience as the differentiator. In India’s competitive landscape for STEM talent, a superior employee experience is key to attraction and retention. We integrate human-centric design principles, recognising that well-being and comfort are crucial. Our report highlights that 57% of Indian leaders see rest and recharge zones as essential, and 53% are prioritising visually striking, engaging spaces. This holistic approach supports diverse working styles and fosters innovation.

Finally, architectural design serves as the bridge that unifies these aspects. It’s about thoughtful layouts that facilitate fluid movement between lab benches and collaborative zones, designs that maximise natural light for enhanced well-being, and smart infrastructure that seamlessly integrates advanced technology into the building’s fabric. By ensuring flow between research, collaboration, and rejuvenation spaces, we enable environments where both science and scientists thrive. In India, this holistic integration ensures labs meet functional, cultural, and talent needs.

The report shows that 49% prioritise inclusive, accessible environments. What does this look like in Indian lab settings?

Inclusive and accessible lab environments are no longer viewed as compliance checkboxes; they are emerging as critical enablers of performance, especially in India’s rapidly evolving life sciences sector. According to our report, 49% of executives now prioritise inclusive design, reflecting a broader shift toward creating spaces that support the full spectrum of human diversity.

In Indian labs, this vision takes tangible form through thoughtful physical and ergonomic design, wider corridors for smooth navigation, adjustable height workstations, and adaptable furniture that accommodates diverse body types and physical abilities. Beyond physical access, there’s a growing emphasis on neurodiversity. Labs are being zoned to include quiet pods for deep focus, sound-managed areas to reduce sensory overload, and natural, calming lighting to replace traditional fluorescent setups.

Equally important is psychological safety. Open, transparent layouts encourage spontaneous interaction and foster inclusion, while wellness amenities signal that employee well-being is a core priority. Purpose-built collaboration zones enable every individual to participate meaningfully, promoting a culture of shared innovation.

How are lab spaces evolving to attract and retain the next generation of STEM talent in India?

To attract and retain India’s next generation of STEM talent, lab spaces are evolving from functional environments into strategic assets that shape the employee experience. Today’s professionals seek more than just a place to work; they want inspiring spaces, advanced tools, and visible support for their well-being.

This shift is evident in design priorities. Sterile layouts are giving way to vibrant, visually engaging spaces. According to our report, 53% of Indian leaders now prioritise impactful aesthetics, while 44% are integrating biophilic design to foster calm and creativity.

Technology is another key driver. Digitally native talent expects seamless access to AI, automation, and cloud-based platforms. Labs that invest in cutting-edge systems signal innovation and empower employees to do their best work.

Equally vital is well-being. With 57% of leaders citing rest and recharge zones as essential, Indian organisations are acknowledging the risks of burnout. Ergonomic setups, proper ventilation, and wellness-focused amenities are becoming standard, reinforcing a culture that values people as much as performance. Together, these elements position modern labs as holistic, future-ready workplaces, critical for attracting and keeping top scientific talent in a highly competitive market.

How advanced is the adoption of AI and digital technologies in Indian labs, especially given the 54% global emphasis?

India is not merely keeping pace with global digital transformation in the life sciences sector; it is actively leading the charge. Our research shows that 56% of Indian life sciences executives prioritise the adoption of AI, smart technologies, and digital tools, surpassing the global average and underscoring a strong national commitment to future-ready innovation.

What sets India apart is the shift from ambition to execution. Indian labs are already implementing intelligent systems such as IoT sensors to monitor equipment health, environmental parameters, and energy consumption in real time. AI and machine learning are being harnessed to process vast datasets, accelerating everything from compound screening to predictive modelling. In parallel, digital twins, virtual replicas of lab environments, are being deployed for workflow simulation, training, and space planning, allowing teams to optimise design and processes before physical execution.

This transformation is underpinned by a forward-looking mindset: technology is not treated as a distant investment but as a present-day, strategic tool. For Indian firms, digital integration is fundamental to improving efficiency, ensuring data integrity, and enabling faster, more precise discovery.  Data-driven discovery is being revolutionised through the use of AI and machine learning platforms that analyse vast datasets, significantly accelerating the R&D process and enabling faster insights. There’s also a growing interest in Digital Twins and Simulation, where virtual replicas of labs are created for training, planning, and simulating workflows before physical implementation.

By embedding intelligent infrastructure at the core of their labs, Indian life sciences organisations are positioning themselves for sustained global competitiveness, driving innovation today and shaping the research ecosystems of tomorrow.

Are Indian clients more cost-conscious or are they willing to invest in next-gen lab tech for long-term benefits? Are sustainability goals driving design changes in Indian labs, or is it still secondary to cost and function?

Indian clients are demonstrating a sophisticated evolution in their perception of cost, moving beyond minimising upfront capital expenditure to making strategic investments for long-term benefits. They are increasingly willing to invest in next-gen lab technology, understanding the significant return on investment (ROI) it offers in terms of enhanced efficiency, accelerated speed-to-market, and improved talent retention. This indicates a shift towards valuing long-term operational advantages over immediate cost savings.

Similarly, sustainability is no longer secondary to cost and function in Indian lab design; it has become a primary driver for both cost-efficiency and enhanced functionality. Our report reveals that Indian leaders are prioritising smart energy infrastructure, including solar power and energy-efficient systems. This is driven by a dual objective: achieving environmental goals and addressing the crucial business need for operational resilience and reduced long-term operating costs. As one leader in our report articulated, “Using eco-friendly materials and tools makes labs cheaper to maintain and better for the planet”. This reflects a growing understanding that sustainable design is not just environmentally responsible, but also a smart business strategy, making it a core expectation in modern Indian lab development.

What are the biggest hurdles in implementing future-ready lab spaces across India?

Implementing future-ready lab spaces across India is a bold and necessary step, but it comes with notable challenges. While the ambition among Indian life sciences firms is high, the path to realising that vision involves overcoming three key hurdles.

The first is the accelerating pace of scientific and technological change. With research methodologies evolving rapidly, labs must be designed to remain relevant and effective in the face of future demands. This makes flexibility and modularity non-negotiable; spaces must be built with adaptability embedded from day one to prevent premature obsolescence.

The second challenge lies in retrofitting existing infrastructure. Many Indian companies operate in legacy facilities, where integrating advanced digital systems, automation, and human-centric design elements can be both complex and resource-intensive. The shift from traditional labs to smart, sustainable environments often requires significant reconfiguration and investment.

The third, and perhaps most underestimated, challenge is change management. A well-designed lab is only as effective as its users’ willingness to embrace new tools, workflows, and collaboration models. Without intentional strategies to guide this behavioural shift, the full potential of future-ready labs may remain untapped. Addressing the human side of transformation is critical to ensuring lasting success and maximising innovation outcomes.

Also read: Expanding Care Beyond Metros: Tech-Driven Solutions for India’s Infertility Care Crisis

How is Unispace positioning itself as a strategic partner in India’s rapidly expanding life sciences infrastructure?

Unispace is strategically positioned to serve as a trusted partner in turning India’s ambitious life sciences vision into world-class, future-ready infrastructure. Our value lies not just in building spaces, but in delivering end-to-end certainty through deep expertise and an integrated delivery model.

Our approach is anchored in three key pillars. First, we bring global experience enriched by local insight. Drawing on best practices from our extensive work across the US, UK, and Europe, we tailor solutions to India’s unique landscape, where strategic partnerships, speed-to-market, and operational resilience are critical.

Second, we take a data-driven, strategy-led approach. Our insights are grounded in our proprietary Future Life Sciences Report, ensuring our recommendations align with long-term business goals, not passing trends. This empowers our clients to make confident, informed decisions from the outset.

Third, we offer seamless, single-point accountability throughout the entire project lifecycle, from strategic planning and design through to construction and delivery. This integrated model reduces risk, increases efficiency, and ensures flawless execution.

As India accelerates its investment in biotech, pharma, and medtech infrastructure, Unispace remains committed to delivering high-performance environments that are not only scientifically advanced but also resilient, scalable, and human-centric.

Like

Dislike

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or views of any organisation. The content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!