When we embarked on the ambitious journey of setting up our biotech lab, the budget constraints were tighter than the lid on a well-sealed petri dish. With more enthusiasm than funding, we quickly learned that creativity, perseverance, and a bit of cheekiness were going to be our best tools. Our story isn't just about scraping together resources; it's a testament to the power of community, ingenuity, and the age-old art of making do with what you've got.

Before we were even incorporated, we started doing some POCs and tests, to prove to ourselves what we envision is feasible. We rented the end of a bench —not even a full one —and set off to work. This is a good place to say a big Thank-You to Irit and the team of the Microbiological foundation for their great hospitality. But time-sharing on somebody else’s set-up will only get you so far. We needed a place of our own.

Our first stop on this unconventional journey was the realm of the second-hand. In the world of biotech, equipment can cost an arm, a leg, and perhaps a few vital organs. However, we discovered that treasures awaited in the corners of labs and institutions upgrading to the latest models. These places, as well as 2nd hand lab equipment social groups, became our goldmines, offering up gently loved centrifuges, microscopes, and incubators. Our motto quickly became, "One lab's outdated is another lab's startup kit.". Our fridge belonged to a friend who wanted to renovate her office, and our autoclave came from a dentist who closed his practice.

But it wasn't just about the equipment. Reagents, samples, and other consumables also posed a significant challenge. Here, our network became our lifeline. We reached out to anyone and everyone within the scientific community, sharing our vision and our constraints. The response was heartening, with donations of materials, advice, and even hands-on help flooding in. This generosity was a reminder that at its core, science is a communal pursuit, driven by a shared curiosity and a collective yearning to explore the unknown. We still occasionally “go to the well”, as we dubbed it, to get high filtration distilled water from another friend's lab. 

Our journey to establish a biotech lab on a shoestring budget has been a wild ride, filled with unexpected twists and the occasional scientific miracle (McGyvered from duct tape and determination). Through this process, we've not only built a lab but also a story about resourcefulness and community. We've learned that with a bit of audacity, a willingness to ask for help, and a healthy dose of creativity, even the most ambitious projects are within reach. Our lab, with its eclectic mix of second-hand equipment and DIY solutions, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when you're willing to beg, borrow, and, well, creatively acquire what you need.

This experience has taught us more than just how to set up a lab on a budget; it's shown us the value of collaboration, the power of community support, and the importance of never underestimating the potential of the resources around us. As we continue our scientific explorations, the spirit of 'Beg, Borrow, and Steal' remains at the heart of our lab—not just as a reminder of our humble beginnings but as a philosophy that drives innovation and ingenuity against all odds.

So, to anyone looking to embark on a similar journey, know this: your biggest asset is your mindset. Embrace the challenge, lean on your community, and never be afraid to ask for that old piece of equipment gathering dust in the corner. In the world of science, sometimes the most remarkable discoveries come from the most unremarkable beginnings.