Launch of Construction for State-of-the-Art Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator that will Create Jobs of Today and Tomorrow
EDWARDSVILLE – Continuing to build upon the biotechnology infrastructure in Illinois, state, regional and local leaders gathered today to celebrate the launch of construction of the Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator in University Park at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has made a $1.6 million Opportunity Returns investment in the Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator, which is a key component of his economic development strategy for Southwest Illinois. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Jack Lavin attended the celebration to highlight the important project, which will be a critical catalyst of job creation in the biosciences – one of today’s greatest frontiers for research and development. Illinois was recently recognized in the July edition of Business Facilities Magazine as the top state in the nation for biotechnology growth thanks to these kinds of innovative partnerships.
“Companies both large and small must have access to research facilities that will provide that critical spark of innovation. Innovation is imminent in the biosciences, and this new wet lab will provide a synergy that could bring revolutionary products to the market,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “Small entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to innovate, create and bring new products to the marketplace by having access to special equipment in an environment that fosters bio-success.”
Construction of the Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator (BLI) has begun next to the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, where the 11,076 square foot incubator will soon house as many as twelve biology, chemistry or biochemical laboratories. The Incubator is expected to be complete by the end of 2005, and the “wet labs” will be leased to small plant and life science companies. A model biology laboratory will be installed first, and additional wet labs will be built to tenant specifications and installed in other portions of the building.
“Illinois has great strength in the biosciences, and Gov. Blagojevich’s investment in the Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator is providing important infrastructure for research and development in Southwest Illinois. Biotechnology will enable significant advancements for the future, and we are pleased that opportunities in this industry will be available at SIUE,” said SIEU Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift.
The launch of the BLI comes in response to a shortage of wet laboratories that can be leased to smaller companies. The St. Louis metropolitan area has a great deal of plant and life science activity at two research hospitals, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center, SIUE’s National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center and at companies such as Monsanto.
“Even during our state’s difficult fiscal times, Gov. Blagojevich and I know that it’s important to invest in jobs. In this case, we know that the Biotechnology Incubator will provide critical research facilities that will help smaller companies to grow, innovate and, ultimately, create high-paying jobs,” State Senator William Haine (D-Alton) said.
“Even though we can only see the foundation of the new wet lab today, I can already see the incredible innovation and breakthroughs in technology that will come from this facility in the future. Southwest Illinois is the perfect location to expand our state’s biotech infrastructure, and Gov. Blagojevich has the vision to know that the jobs this facility will create will grow exponentially,” said State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville).
Bioscience activity tends to cluster to take advantage of collaborative opportunities, highly skilled labor pools and specialized suppliers. The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) has marketed the region as a “BioBelt,” and SIUE’s National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center has played an important role in bringing other important assets to the cluster, including the BLI. The Incubator is owned by University Park, SIUE, Inc., the university-related organization that manages SIUE’s research and technology park. Companies interested in leasing space should call 618-659-9300.
At the center of a vibrant Midwest life sciences region, Illinois is at the forefront of the next generation of bioscience medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental solutions across a wide-range of different fields, including agricultural feedstock and chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, and research and testing. The BIO2006 Convention, one of the most prestigious international life sciences conference, will be hosted in Chicago and bring 20,000 industry professionals from throughout the world to Illinois, exposing them to the breadth and depth of the biotechnology industry in the state and throughout the Midwest.
“Illinois is a national leader in biotechnology, and Gov. Blagojevich is making important investments to foster our natural strengths in this sector. From our state’s strong pharmaceutical sector to our deep agricultural roots, Illinois will continue to be at the forefront in the biosciences because of top-notch research facilities like this that will create the jobs for today and tomorrow,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.