Launched last year as part of the Future Labs’ stable, the London show looks here to stay.
One year on, the newcomer to the lab show ecosystem is making its mark in terms of footfall, with organiser Terrapinn predicting attendance of around 3,000 for the estimated 100 speakers, with 100 exhibitors and numerous start-ups expected to be present for the two-day event.
The figures are a promising vindication of the decision to stage a dedicated UK offshoot, with a presence that compares even with the larger parent show (see facing page) staged the same month in Basel. There are strong similarities between the two, with their Lab of the Future focus together with innovation. R&D, automation, digitalisation and connectivity loom large, plus a similar range of session themes in London and at the Swiss event.
While the long-established Basel show serves as a hub for global pharma giants such as Roche, Novartis and others, London Lab Live (though it boasts a similarly impressive range of attendees) also provides a closer presence to the hi-tech, specifically the UK biotech environment, not to mention domestic academic spin-outs.
This is borne out in the demographic detail: just over half (51%) of Future Labs Live attendees are based in the host country, with substantial representation from Germany (17%) and the UK (6%). At London Lab Live, domestic visitors account for 90% of the footfall. London and the south east predominate, a reflection of the London-Oxford-Cambridge Golden Triangle’s key role in British life sciences. But there is also a strong presence from Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds with their significant university start-up profiles.
Also noteworthy is the even spread of industries represented. Life sciences, of course head the list, but account for a minority if large 20% share. That is balanced by chemicals and materials at 15%; FMGC, distributions and solutions providers, plus tech each account for 10%; food and beverage as well as academia 8%; agriculture 5%.
There are also smaller cohorts of investors and incubators, together with government and non-profit organisations both on 2% – fewer in numbers but potentially valuable to those seeking backing and support.
As the event brochure puts it: bringing the world’s leading lab innovators, buyers and visionaries together.
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