Following the Scottish Government’s Life Sciences Strategy announcement aiming to achieve a £25 billion industry by 2035 and with the sector already generating £10.5bn in turnover, supporting 46,000 jobs and being home to more than 770 firms, Ryden says a steady pipeline of specialised property will be key to unlocking its full potential.

Recent market activity reinforces this message. One of the year’s standout lettings saw digital chemistry innovator Chemify acquire space at the new Health Innovation Hub in Glasgow, developed by Kadans Science Partner. Despite this momentum, supply remains limited, particularly for start ups and scaling businesses looking for mid size, high quality laboratory environments and GMP compliant manufacturing space.

Gillian Giles, agency partner at Ryden, who advised Chemify on its relocation, said: “Scotland has the talent, research excellence and now a national roadmap for long-term sector growth. But there is still a risk of investment shifting to regions with a wider offer of high spec laboratories and flexible R&D space that can support innovation at pace.

“With the right pipeline, Scotland can capture even more of the investment and scientific activity currently coming to the market. Expanding provision now will give life science organisations the confidence to scale here.”

The importance of seizing this opportunity was also underlined at the 2025 Life Sciences Conference in Glasgow, where Scotland’s distinctive triple helix collaboration between government, academia and industry was showcased as a powerful driver that allows breakthrough innovation to move efficiently from laboratories to commercialisation.

Recognising the potential risk of infrastructure bottlenecks, the Scottish Government has introduced funding for feasibility studies and pilot programmes aimed at expanding laboratory provision for early stage and scaling firms. This sits within a broader package of measures including SME pilot programmes, enhanced support for NHS linked innovation hubs and a new Financial Health Innovation Lab.

Adam Copeland, associate at Ryden Project Management, added: “Meeting increasing demand will require both new build projects and the strategic conversion of existing assets. Through our work as Project Managers for Health Innovation Hub and our experience across other life sciences schemes, we’ve seen first hand how every new lab and innovation hub directly strengthens Scotland’s competitiveness.

“With the Life Sciences Strategy now in place and new funding available, developers, investors and wider stakeholders will be able to design feasibility studies that, with the right strategic planning, development and conversion advice, align with their objectives while meeting funding requirements.”