$50,000 award will grant access to LabCentral’s lab space, shared resources, and community to one early-stage biotech company working to treat or cure type 1 diabetes.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. , Aug. 5, 2025 — LabCentral, the premier Massachusetts-based network of coworking labs designed to accelerate high-potential biotech startups, today announced the launch of a Golden Ticket competition with Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization.
As part of a first-of-its-kind partnership, the Breakthrough T1D Golden Ticket is specifically earmarked for applicants working to treat or cure T1D. Unlike previous Golden Tickets, which have traditionally been sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, this award will be given in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, a mission-driven nonprofit with deep expertise and commitment in the T1D space.
The winner of the Breakthrough T1D Golden Ticket will receive a $50,000 credit toward space at LabCentral’s flagship site in Kendall Square, granting access to over $15 million in shared lab equipment, startup support programming, and an expansive life sciences network. In addition to the core benefits of LabCentral residency, the winner will participate in a founder-focused fellowship to aid in building a stronger foundation and growing more effectively.
Breakthrough T1D’s overall goal through this award and the research it supports is to deliver therapies that prevent the onset of T1D and restore pre-diabetes physiology in people with established T1D. Breakthrough T1D invites early-stage companies pursuing research relevant to Disease Modifying Therapies (DMT) and Cell Therapies (CT) research strategies to apply for the Breakthrough T1D Golden Ticket. Areas of particular interest include the following:
Disease Modifying Therapies (DMT):
- Immune Modulation
- Beta Cell Protection
- Beta Cell Regeneration
Cell Therapies (CT):
- Immune Protection
- Alternative Implantation Sites
- Vascularization and Engraftment
- Monitoring and Biomarkers
Applications for the Breakthrough T1D Golden Ticket opened on July 14, with a submission deadline of Aug. 29, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with Breakthrough T1D’s DMT and CT research strategies; scientific rationale and supporting data for application in T1D; innovation and differentiation from existing approaches; and potential for clinical impact and improved outcomes for T1D patients. To learn more and apply, visit https://www.labcentral.org/events-and-media/events/bt1d-golden-ticket-2025.
“Accelerating life-changing therapies that can prevent type 1 diabetes and lead us toward cures for the disease is a key priority for Breakthrough T1D,” said Esther Latres, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D Vice President of Research. “This innovative partnership with LabCentral will allow organizations new to the space to advance critical research that aligns with our focus areas and that may lead to new breakthroughs for those impacted by type 1 diabetes.”
“We are proud to partner with Breakthrough T1D to support early-stage companies working toward revolutionary cures for type 1 diabetes,” said Maggie O’Toole, CEO of LabCentral. “At LabCentral, our mission is to provide the infrastructure and operational foundation that empowers these entrepreneurs to pursue bold ideas and drive scientific innovation.”
About Breakthrough T1D
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
About LabCentral
A private, non-profit institution, LabCentral is a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech start-ups with 243,000 square feet of space across Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass., and the Harvard University campus. Founded in 2013, LabCentral offers a full complement of programming and networking to life sciences entrepreneurs in addition to fully permitted laboratory and office space for early-stage and growing life sciences companies. In its first eleven years, LabCentral residents raised more than $20 billion in funding and created more than 7,000 jobs. More information is available at www.labcentral.org.
