Pitch Day

How It Works

Four steps to free lab space.

1

Apply

Tell us about your technology, your team, and what you're building. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Biotools companies only — reagents, instruments, consumables, diagnostics, lab software.

2

Get Selected

Accepted companies are invited to Pitch Day. We're looking for founders with real technology, a clear market need, and a plan to build something labs actually want to buy.

3

Pitch

Present your company live in St. Petersburg to a panel of industry experts, investors, and the CoLab Haus team. 10 minutes to present, 5 minutes of Q&A. No slide decks required — bring a demo if you have one.

4

Move In

Winners are announced the same day. Residency starts July 1, 2026. Walk into a fully equipped lab with $1M+ in shared instrumentation, 50% off supplies, and a direct-to-market sales channel through Filtrous.

Timeline

Key dates.

Now

Applications Open

Apply anytime. Rolling review.

April 2026

Applications Close

Final deadline for Pitch Day cohort.

May 2026

Live presentations. Winners announced same day.

July 1, 2026

Move-In Day

Residency begins. Start building.

Evaluation Criteria

What we're looking for.

Real Technology

We want to see something tangible — a prototype, early data, a proof of concept. Not just an idea on a napkin. Show us what you've built or what you're building.

Market Need

Labs need to want what you're making. Show us the pain point you're solving. Bonus points if you've already talked to customers or have letters of intent.

Founder Grit

Building a biotools company is hard. We're looking for founders who are resourceful, persistent, and willing to do what it takes. Background in science, engineering, or the lab industry is a strong plus.

Filtrous Fit

Products that could eventually be distributed through Filtrous's lab supply network get extra consideration. Reagents, consumables, filters, instruments, kits — the picks and shovels of science.

Beyond Free Rent

What every resident gets.

Win or lose, every Pitch Day participant who joins CoLab Haus gets the full ecosystem.

🔬

$1M+ Equipment

GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC, mass specs, plate readers, and more. Included.

🧪

50% Off Supplies

Filters, vials, pipette tips, reagents — everything you need from Filtrous at half price.

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Sales Channel

Filtrous distributes to hundreds of labs nationwide. Build it here, sell it through us.

💰

Optional Investment

$25K–$50K via SAFE note through CoLab Ventures. Completely optional.

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24/7 Keyless Entry

Work on your schedule. All utilities, wifi, conference rooms, and parking included.

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No Equity for Space

Free rent is free. No catch. No equity required for your lab space — ever.

FAQ

Pitch Day questions.

We expect to invite 8–12 companies to present at the inaugural Pitch Day. The exact number depends on the quality and volume of applications.

No. You can apply from anywhere. If selected, you'll need to present in person at Pitch Day in May 2026. Residency starts July 1, so plan to be in or relocate to the Tampa Bay area by then.

Pre-revenue to early revenue. You should have something more than an idea — a prototype, preliminary data, or proof of concept. You don't need a finished product or paying customers yet, but you need to show you're building something real.

Everyone still gets their first month free. You can still join CoLab Haus as a resident at standard rates. The ecosystem — equipment, supplies, sales channel, community — is available to all residents, not just winners.

Yes. The only thing: Filtrous gets first right of refusal on distributing products you build at CoLab Haus. If you develop something market-ready, Filtrous gets the first shot at distributing it. If terms don't work for both sides, you're free to go elsewhere. No equity, no IP claims.

Absolutely. Some of the best biotools companies start with a single founder and a deep domain expertise. Solo founders with SBIR grants or bootstrapped operations are exactly who this is designed for.

Ready to pitch?

Applications are open now. Pitch Day is May 2026. The best biotools ideas get free space to build.

Apply for Pitch Day Explore the Ecosystem