Summit highlights cross-Atlantic collaboration in life sciences and tech
- 30 Apr 2025
A summit held in Boston has brought together senior leaders from London and Boston to explore new opportunities for collaboration across the life sciences, investment and innovation sectors. The event was hosted by Lendlease, a leading integrated real estate group with international investment capabilities; and focused on strengthening ties between two of the world’s leading innovation hubs.
With a growing number of UK and US organisations seeking cross-border partnerships, the summit highlighted the potential of a Boston–London innovation corridor to drive scientific discovery, health tech innovation and long-term investment.
The event was held at FORUM, a world-class life science facility offering 350,000 square feet of lab and office space, along with an extensive amenity program that includes a public plaza connected to a ground-floor lounge, café and art gallery. A joint venture between Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge, the facility was the first in an emerging cluster of purpose-built life science facilities in Boston Landing.
Speakers included London’s Deputy Mayor for Business & Growth, Howard Dawber, MedCity CEO Dr Angela Kukula, UCL’s Vice Provost for Research, Innovation and Global Engagement, Professor Geraint Rees, MIT Professor and Director Vladimir Bulovic and Lord Richard Harrington.
The summit began by exploring London’s expanding life sciences ecosystem, with a focus on growth opportunities for global occupiers and investors. As the UK capital continues to attract increasing interest from the health tech sector, panellists discussed its strengths in research, talent, and real estate; alongside its emerging role as a gateway for US firms looking to expand into Europe.
A second session examined how organisations on both sides of the Atlantic are adapting to regulatory shifts and evolving investment models. Delegates discussed strategies to navigate uncertainty while continuing to support high-growth sectors like biotech, AI, and precision medicine.
Matthew Steenhoek, Executive Director for Development in Europe at Lendlease, attended the summit and said: “This summit was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the ties between two of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. With so many UK and US organisations actively exploring cross-border partnerships, the potential for a Boston–London innovation corridor is incredibly exciting. The conversations we’ve had here – from unlocking new models of collaboration to supporting the next wave of scientific discovery – show there’s real momentum behind this relationship. It’s clear that by working more closely together, London and Boston can accelerate innovation, attract global investment, and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our societies.”
The summit reflected a growing appetite for institutional collaboration between Boston and London. Among the topics discussed were the potential for partnerships as well as strategies for unlocking new models of innovation and knowledge sharing.
Holding the event provided a platform for deeper engagement between investors, academic institutions, developers and policymakers. It also highlighted key real estate developments, including The Forum in Boston and the large-scale regeneration of Euston in London, where Lendlease is the master developer.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Business & Growth, Howard Dawber, said: “A few years ago, we saw a major opportunity to boost innovation by expanding lab space – and now we’re seeing the results. With strong government backing and proximity to Oxford and Cambridge, London is fast becoming a global life sciences hub. With 6 million square feet of lab space consented or under construction, we’re on track to become the third-largest cluster in the world – behind only San Francisco and Boston.
“London’s strengths lie in its world-class universities, pioneering research, and a growing ability to turn ideas into businesses. Science knows no borders, and London is a natural meeting point for global talent, collaboration, and investment.
“That’s why this summit has been so valuable – it brings together the people, ideas and partnerships that can turn ambition into action. We’ve had exciting conversations with our partners in Boston – about deepening collaboration. So the message is simple: London is open for business.”
As cities around the world seek to compete on innovation and science-led development, the Boston–London dialogue is likely to continue gaining momentum — driven by shared priorities around economic growth, sustainability, and the future of urban health.