Birmingham continues its stride toward becoming a biotech hub. Southern Research has opened applications for biotech companies to move to its new incubator facility in January 2024. Here’s what to know and how to apply.

About Southern Research’s new biotech incubator space

Founded 80 years ago in Birmingham, Southern Research is known for its role in moving science forward through scientific research. One big thing to note is the organization helped shape modern cancer treatment practices, including developing seven FDA-approved cancer drugs and testing more than half of active chemotherapies in the US.

Now, the company has a new incubator space available to biotech companies to help further Birmingham’s status as a biotech hub.

According to a media release by Southern Research, the new incubator space will be part of Southern Research’s Station 41 biotech commercialization hub. It also features an accelerator and a venture studio to help launch and fund startup businesses.

“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. By offering a biotech companies access to our space and our expertise, we can nurture their growth and further develop Birmingham’s biotech corridor.”
Abi Kulshreshtha, Chief Business Officer, Southern Research

Here’s what the space will include:

11 offices
12 web labs with shared lab equipment
Entrepreneurial services

Behind the incubator’s design is Williams Blackstock Architects and HOK. Brasfield & Gorrie served as general contractor.

Which companies should apply for incubator space?

A media release by Southern Research states 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 of 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. On top of that, they’ll also have preferred access to Southern Research’s services and expertise to assist with research and commercialization needs.

“This allows participants to plug into Birmingham’s vibrant biotech community and take advantage of our best-equipped research facilities. We are already seeing interest across the Southeast and hope to grow Birmingham’s profile as a national biotechnology hub.”
Abi Kulshreshtha, Chief Business Officer, Southern Research

Applications for the incubator space are now being accepted. Interested? Apply here.

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