Birmingham-based Southern Research is taking applications for biotech startups to move into an incubator facility it’s building on its campus.
The facility is expected to open in January 2024 and will include 11 offices, 12 wet labs, shared lab equipment and some entrepreneurial services for businesses engaged in treating and diagnosing diseases.
“We conducted a feasibility study in 2022 that highlighted the gap between the needs of Birmingham’s growing biotech scene and the availability of services and wet lab space,” said Abi Kulshreshtha, chief business officer. “By offering biotech companies access to our space and our expertise, we can nurture their growth and further develop Birmingham’s biotech corridor.”
The incubator — designed by Williams Blackstock Architects and HOK, with Brasfield & Gorrie serving as general contractor — will be part of Southern Research Station 41 biotech commercialization hub that includes an accelerator and venture studio to help launch and fund startups.
The incubator is targeted to companies involved in treating and diagnosing diseases, with a preference for those aligned with Southern Research’s core focus areas, including cancer, infectious diseases and chronic diseases.
Companies that rent space in the incubator will be paired with experts at Southern Research, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and other local business leaders to assist with their technology needs. They will also have preferred access to Southern Research’s services and expertise to assist with their research and commercialization needs, according to the company.
“This allows participants to plug into Birmingham’s vibrant biotech community and take advantage of our best-equipped research facilities,” Kulshreshtha said. “We are already seeing interest across the Southeast and hope to grow Birmingham’s profile as a national biotechnology hub.”
To apply for the incubator, go here: https://rrhpob1zjl0.typeform.com/to/i2XuApdY
