FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristin Marshall, ACPHS – (518) 694-7373
CAPITAL DISTRICT INSTITUTIONS COLLABORATE TO ADVANCE LIFE SCIENCE RESEARCH AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REGION
BioInnovation 2022: Cultivating a Biotech Ecosystem: Driving Innovation and Commercialization
Albany, New York – (October 6, 2022) – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), in collaboration with Albany Medical College, Center for Economic Growth, Empire State Development, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the University at Albany are hosting BioInnovation 2022: Cultivating a Biotech Ecosystem: Driving Innovation and Commercialization on Thursday, October 13 from noon – 5 pm.
Designed to showcase Albany’s expanding and vibrant biotech hub, the forum will convene industry experts, innovators, academics, and leaders who are transforming the field of life sciences. Center for Economic Growth President, Mark Eagan and Assemblymember and alumnus John T. McDonald III ’85 will kick off the forum with opening remarks, followed by a keynote speaker, two discussion panels, poster presentations, and a closing networking session. Win Thurlow, Executive Director at MedTech Association, will moderate the discussions.
An education and training bioprocessing center, the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET), supported by a $1.75 million ESD capital grant, recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council, offers academic and research opportunities pertaining to cell and gene therapy in New York’s Capital Region. Launched at SUNY Poly in 2020, the facility announced its relocation to 150 New Scotland Avenue in July 2022 as part of an effort to expand ACPHS’ footprint along the New Scotland Avenue medical corridor.
“An evolutionary leap in health sciences education and biomanufacturing workforce training, CBET will play an integral role in advancing New York’s employment and workforce development,” said Executive Director, Dr. Michelle Lewis. “At CBET, you can launch your career, strengthen your workforce, collaborate with faculty to explore an idea, or scale a process into a company.”
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Investing in training the next generation of skilled biopharmaceutical professionals will help to strengthen New York State’s life sciences industry and continue our leadership in finding cutting-edge solutions that can both save, and better our lives. New Yorkers have a unique appreciation for scientific advancement, and the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training will contribute to the growth of the critical industry.”
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Precede Forum
A 10 am ribbon cutting ceremony will precede the inaugural forum at CBET’s new 150 New Scotland Avenue location. ACPHS President, Dr. Toyin Tofade, and alumnus Dave Stack ’76, Chairman and CEO at Pacira Biosciences Inc., will commence the program and welcome several regional and state dignitaries joining the College for the debut of the building. Building tours will be provided. The new building encompasses 154,000 square feet uniquely designed for life science research. It includes ample START-UP NY space offering tax-based incentives and innovative academic partnerships for burgeoning businesses. With the accessible space, students and faculty will have expanded opportunities to conduct innovative research in biopharmaceuticals. The facility also boasts 60,000 square feet of laboratory space – both BSL2 and BSL3 levels – designed to address some of the most pressing issues facing society including bioterrorism and pandemic response.
“During the pandemic, the world’s eyes were on the Capital Region as our life sciences cluster helped produce life-saving medicines and tests. Now, this Bio Innovation Collaboration will allow us to further showcase the biotech innovation we’re capable off. The Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training is a new asset in the Capital Region’s R&D toolbox, and it will be crucial to growing our Life Sciences Cluster’s next generation of biotech companies,” said Center for Economic Growth President and CEO Mark Eagan.
Individuals and organizations are invited to register for the forum and/or the ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as present a poster or host a table.
About the BioInnovation 2022 Partners
The partners include a robust combination of academic institutions and economic organizations working to raise the profile of New York’s Capital Region’s life sciences environment. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany Medical College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University at Albany, Center for Economic Growth and Empire State Development are collaborating to develop critical resources and educational opportunities, such as the BioInnovation Forum, to showcase Albany’s expanding and vibrant biotech hub.