We're twelve people in an incubator. Isn't this overkill?▼
The point is to do a small amount of work early so you don't do a big amount later. At twelve people, moving accounts to company ownership, turning on SSO and MFA, managing laptops and backing up research data takes a short project, not a department. The alternative is discovering during a partner's diligence that the ELN belongs to a former co-founder or that a sequencing bucket was public for a year. We size the setup to your stage and add only what the next milestone actually requires.
What do pharma partners usually ask about our security?▼
Expect questions about who can access research data, whether MFA is enforced, how devices are managed, where data is stored and backed up, how you handle departing employees, what vendors can reach your systems and whether you've had incidents. Larger partners may want a SOC 2 report or a call with their security team. We keep an evidence package that answers those questions with real configurations and can support your team on partner calls. Contract commitments should still go through your counsel.
When does 21 CFR Part 11 start to matter for us?▼
Generally when you create or maintain electronic records that support regulated activities, such as GLP studies or GMP manufacturing, or that will be submitted to FDA. Much discovery-stage research data isn't subject to Part 11, but habits formed early are hard to change. Your quality or regulatory consultant decides the scope. We build identity, logging, time sync and backup so they can support validated systems later, and we work with that consultant when the time comes.
We use NIH controlled-access genomic data. Does that change anything?▼
It can. NIH's security best practices for users of controlled-access data, which took effect in 2025, expect approved users and their institutions to meet NIST SP 800-171 security requirements for systems storing that data. Your data use agreement and institutional signing official define the obligations. We help you scope which systems hold the data, apply the relevant controls, document them and keep that environment separate from the rest of the company where practical.
Can you work with our instrument vendors and CROs?▼
Yes. Instrument vendors control the software on their PCs, so we isolate those machines and coordinate any patching or remote support through them. For CROs and other partners, we set up secure ways to exchange data, such as dedicated shared folders with expiration, SFTP or partner portals with named accounts and MFA, instead of large files flying around by personal email. We also keep a list of every outside party with access so it can be reviewed and trimmed.
Do you support biotechs outside the major hubs?▼
Yes. Most startup IT is cloud and identity work that our U.S.-based engineers handle remotely. For lab buildouts, network installs or hardware swaps, we do the work locally near our offices or send a vetted local technician who follows our engineer's direction. We support life sciences companies in Texas and nationwide, whether you're in an incubator, a shared lab facility or your own first space. The same identity and device baseline follows you when you move into bigger space.
Do you provide Biotech Startups IT Services in Houston and nearby areas?▼
Yes. LayerLogix is based in the Greater Houston area and delivers biotech startups IT services to businesses across Houston and the surrounding communities, including The Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Sugar Land, Conroe, Cypress, and Pearland. For most Houston-area clients we can be on-site the same day when something needs hands-on attention, and our help desk is available during business hours, with after-hours emergency support. Call 713-571-2390 to check coverage for your specific address.
What does Biotech Startups IT Services cost for a Houston business?▼
Pricing depends on your size and what you need, so we do not publish a one-size-fits-all number — but Houston businesses generally pay a flat, predictable monthly fee rather than surprise hourly bills. We start with a free, no-obligation assessment of your current setup, then give you a clear quote in plain English with no hidden costs. That way you know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before you commit.