UA accommodates bioscience incubator

University of Arizona (UA) formally launched a bioscience-focused branch of its incubator network UA Center for Innovation yesterday.
Founded in 2003, Center for Innovation incubates startups in the southern Arizona ecosystem through co-working space, mentoring and industry-specific resources.
In addition to biotech, the network targets sectors such as defence and security, agriculture, smart vehicles, and mining and energy.
The new branch, situated in Oro Valley, becomes the Center for Innovation’s third location alongside existing offices at two sites owned by UA subsidiary Tech Parks Arizona, which also runs the incubator network.
The Oro Valley facility comes equipped with typical wet lab equipment as well as specialised tools such as ultra-cool refrigerating and inverted fluorescence microscopes.
Tenants will undertake a bespoke business development roadmap aimed at maturing their bioscientific discovery to the stage where it has a conceivable path to market.
UA is now accepting enquiries from companies hoping to join the new incubator having already accepted TheraCea Pharma, a developer of image radiolabelling agents spun out in October 2019, as its first resident.
Carol Stewart, president of UA Center for Innovation and associate vice-president at Tech Parks Arizona, said: “The community worked for several years to launch this project.
“Knowing the need and knowing our business incubation expertise resulted in our team working diligently to bring this community resource over the finish line. I am proud to say that, today, bioscience entrepreneurs have the critical infrastructure and support needed to thrive.”