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India’s life sciences industry is outpacing its global peers when it comes to designing and delivering future-ready lab environments, according to a new survey and report by Unispace, a global leader in strategy, design, and construction of workplace environments.
At least 66% of Indian leaders of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech firms surveyed for the report consider their labs highly adaptable, outperforming the global average of 56%. Further, 65% of Indian leaders believe their labs are well-equipped for integrating new technologies, compared to 56% globally.
These findings are part of Unispace’s Global Life Sciences 2025 Survey Report and are based on insights from 400 senior and mid-level life sciences leaders across the US, UK, Switzerland, and India.
The survey’s findings suggest that India’s life sciences sector is not only ready for rapid R&D evolution but is also shaping global trends in lab strategy. Strategic partnerships and co-development initiatives are becoming central to fund new lab infrastructure, cited by 66% of Indian leaders. At least 56% noted smart technology adoption as a top priority, while 54% emphasised the importance of flexible, modular spaces optimised for collaboration.
Abi Roni Mattom, country director of Unispace India said, “Indian life sciences companies are truly emerging as global frontrunners in building labs of the future. Our findings further reinforce Indian companies’ progressive approach in reimagining their labs as truly strategic enablers of innovation, talent retention, and digital transformation.”
As life sciences and R&D sectors grow rapidly around the world, the survey points to an opportunity for companies to design labs that are agile, future-proof, and centred around human experience. “Today’s lab users are digital natives who expect high-performing, flexible spaces that support a range of activities, from focused individual work to team collaboration. “India’s forward-thinking life sciences leaders are clearly ahead of the curve in designing laboratories that are adaptable, digitally integrated, and aligned with sustainability goals,” added Mattom.
The survey reveals that sustainability is an important area of focus for Indian leaders, who are prioritising smart energy infrastructure, with high interest in solar power, LED lighting, and ventilation solutions tailored for energy efficiency. These choices are being made not just for environmental impact, but also to ensure resilience in regions with unstable power supply.
Further, wellness and human-centric design are equally gaining traction, with 57% of Indian leaders highlighting access to rest and recharge spaces as essential, and 53% advocating for visually striking, comfortable work environments that aid talent retention and productivity.
The report also underscores the need for lab environments that foster both innovation and employee satisfaction, especially as Indian companies compete on a global scale for top STEM talent.
Unispace conducted the survey among 400 senior and middle managers across India, USA, UK/Ireland, and Switzerland with 100 respondents per region. Survey participants represented CEOs, CSOs, directors, lab managers.
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