Nucleate San Diego x JLL: Biotech Real Estate 101
Led by Grant Schoneman, Vice Chairman of Life Sciences at JLL, and Stephanie MacLeod, Managing Director at JLL, this workshop will provide an insider’s view into how biotech companies successfully identify and secure lab space. Drawing on deep experience advising life sciences companies and developers, the session will walk through the full process, from defining technical and infrastructure needs to evaluating locations, negotiating leases, and managing buildouts. Key considerations will include access to talent and ecosystems, shared infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and the tradeoffs between incubators, co-working lab space, and purpose-built facilities.
The discussion will also cover the financial realities of biotech real estate, including lease structures, tenant improvement allowances, capital planning, and strategies for balancing flexibility with long-term growth. Attendees will gain practical insights into market dynamics, common pitfalls, and how to approach conversations with brokers, landlords, and partners to secure space that aligns with both scientific and business milestones.
**site tour included after the workshop!!**
Agenda:
5:30-5:45 Check-in
5:45-6:15 Presentation by Grant & Stephanie
6:15-6:30 Site Tour
6:15-7:30 Open Networking
About the Host:
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.org for more information, and visit https://nucleate.org/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.
We want to thank our HQ supporters for championing our open-access mission and empowering the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs!
Platinum: Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, MilliporeSigma
Philanthropic Support: Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Preferred Partners: Pillar VC, Amino Collective, Fenwick, Excedr, Mercury, Brex, Fedsprout, Browne Consulting
In-Kind Support: AcademicLabs, Lens.org