When I spoke with Aaron Sokol, the founder of Second Lab, I realized this wasn’t just another marketplace—it’s a reinvention of how science gets done. His company is making it radically easier for researchers and innovators to access the kinds of labs and equipment that were once locked behind university walls.
Here’s a look at what I learned from our conversation.
What is Second Lab?
Second Lab is a software platform that opens the doors of top-tier university research facilities to anyone who needs them—whether you’re a scientist at a biotech startup, an R&D lead, or a solo researcher. The idea is to provide on-demand access to world-class scientific equipment and specialized expertise that would otherwise be hard to reach.
Aaron explained that their goal is to democratize science, helping researchers accelerate discovery by lowering the logistical and financial barriers to high-end research tools.
How does the platform work?
The process is surprisingly intuitive. Researchers can browse an extensive marketplace of services—from unique cell lines to complex instrumentation time—and reserve what they need with just a few clicks.
Once a service or instrument is selected, communication with lab directors happens directly through the platform. Payment is handled securely via credit card, wire transfer, or ACH, and users can modify their bookings as needed.
Aaron pointed out that data security is a priority: researchers retain full control of their intellectual property and confidential data throughout the entire process.
What kind of services are available?
The catalog of services is massive. Second Lab provides access to facilities across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including:
- Preclinical and Clinical Research: Vivariums, animal cores, and imaging suites
- Genomics & Omics: Sequencing centers, proteomics and metabolomics cores
- Imaging & Microscopy: MRI, PET, and electron microscopy labs
- Nanotech & Materials Science: Cleanrooms and material characterization labs
- Environmental Science: Botanical research and testing labs
- Energy and Power Systems: Dynamic electric grid and efficiency testing
- AI & Quantum Computing: Advanced development and test facilities
- Human Performance: Cognitive and exercise physiology labs
- And even specialized labs for Seismology and Blast Wave Physics
Aaron emphasized how the diversity of offerings allows researchers to tackle almost any scientific challenge—without the need to invest in their own infrastructure.
How does Second Lab benefit researchers?
For researchers, it’s about speed, flexibility, and simplicity. Instead of waiting months for partnerships or budget approvals to purchase costly equipment, they can get started in days. Everything from contracts to payments to scheduling is streamlined.
Aaron told me this model helps researchers stay focused on their work—not on red tape. It also makes collaboration easier, connecting users with top university lab directors and faculty who are often at the forefront of their fields.
How does Second Lab support university labs?
One thing that stood out to me was how much value Second Lab brings to the universities themselves. Many research labs have expensive equipment sitting idle part of the time. Second Lab helps them monetize that downtime.
Aaron explained that it’s not just about generating extra revenue. It’s also about increasing the visibility of university facilities, attracting new collaborators, and building a more connected research ecosystem.
What’s the mission behind Second Lab?
At its core, Second Lab is about making science more accessible. Aaron’s mission is to break down the walls between academia and industry by enabling researchers everywhere to access the same resources, regardless of institutional affiliation or funding size.
Their belief is simple but powerful: more access leads to more innovation, more breakthroughs, and more impact.
How can people get involved?
If you’re a researcher, startup, or organization that wants access to cutting-edge facilities, the easiest way to get started is by signing up at secondlab.com. For partnerships, questions, or custom needs, their support team is just an email or phone call away: [email protected] | 866-954-5227
Aaron also mentioned they’re hiring—so if you’re passionate about research and innovation, it might be worth checking their careers page.
Second Lab is building more than a marketplace—it’s building a movement. By unlocking access to some of the world’s most powerful research tools, they’re creating a future where innovation is no longer limited by location, budget, or red tape.
And that’s a future worth betting on.
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