BioConnects New England (BCNE) and the Baker Company are excited to announce a partnership to create a robust biomanufacturing industry cluster in the New England region.
With this partnership, BioConnects New England and Baker aim to promote the growth and sustainability of the life sciences industry in New England through academic excellence and strategic programming. Additionally, BioConnects New England and Baker agree to foster research and development collaboration on a range of projects. Baker is also committed to providing equipment in discount to facilitate buildout of training facilities, funding and slots for paid internships and apprenticeships, training assistance to BCNE beneficiaries, and technical assistance on collaborative research and development projects.
“We are so grateful for this commitment by Baker to BioConnects New England,” said Jared Auclair, Ph.D., an associate dean at Northeastern University and director of their Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Lab and co-lead of BioConnects New England. “Their partnership and tangible support will go a long way toward reaching the goals we’re setting out to accomplish.”
“We are excited to be a part of this amazing effort,” added David Eagleson, president of the Baker Company. “Our company is founded on the principles of collaboration toward advancing scientific innovation, and this collaboration promises to positively impact so many throughout the field and region. We are proud to be on board.”
Through its grant challenge sponsored by the Economic Development Administration, BioConnects New England is leveraging its resources in the region to create a robust biomanufacturing industry. Massachusetts-based Northeastern University leads the coalition, which includes The Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory at Northeastern University, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, -the I-195 Design & Innovation District in Providence, Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island, and FocusMaine. The coalition will lead K-12 education and engagement activities, jumpstart prototyping and incubation facilities throughout the region, and invest in accessible start-up entrepreneurship programming.
ABOUT BIOCONNECTS NEW ENGLAND
BioConnects New England is a multi-state coalition and finalist of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge—a $1 billion program sponsored by the Economic Development Administration. Through this initiative, BioConnects New England will create a biomanufacturing cluster in the region of Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island that have been historically excluded from the biotechnology industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in New England with national importance. This coalition will connect hubs throughout New England to support existing—and establish new—biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations.
ABOUT THE BAKER COMPANY
The Baker Company (dba, Baker) developed the world’s first clean air workstation and vertical flow biological safety cabinet in 1949 and is now the world leader in the manufacture, design, and supply of contamination control solutions. A pioneer in the industry, Baker maintains an unparalleled passion for helping its customers advance science, discovery, and clinical care through the supply of high-performance scientific, contamination control and biosafety equipment.
