“India is setting a global benchmark with proactive adoption of AI in lab design"

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.

- Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal Strategy, Unispace

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. To find out how Indian life sciences companies can truly emerge as global frontrunners in building labs of the future, BioSpectrum India spoke to Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal Strategy at Unispace. Edited excerpts:

Why is Unispace betting big on India as a key player in global life sciences innovation? How do you see India's lab infrastructure evolving over the next five years, especially compared to mature markets like the US or UK?

At Unispace, we're not simply betting on India; we are following what evidence says. Our latest research positions India as a frontrunner in designing and delivering future-ready lab environments. 66 per cent of Indian life sciences leaders consider their labs highly adaptable, well ahead of the global average of 56 per cent. Similarly, 65 per cent of Indian leaders say their labs are equipped to integrate new technologies, again outpacing countries like the UK, USA and Switzerland. This speaks to a level of preparedness and progressive thinking that's rapidly shaping global trends. What's particularly striking is how the perception of lab spaces in India has evolved and made room for fostering innovation, talent retention, and digital transformation.

We anticipate three major developments in India's lab infrastructure going forward: a surge in strategic alliances and co-development models, a focus on modular and collaborative design, and a quick uptake of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The report notes wellness zones and human-centric design as important for talent retention. How is Unispace working with clients to bring these elements into labs that are traditionally focused solely on functionality?