The biotech industry has strong roots in Central Massachusetts, and Jon Weaver and MBI are striving to build on that strength to transform the region into a global biomanufacturing hub.
MBI is the state’s oldest life sciences incubator, working with early stage companies from concept to clinical trials. Since 2000, the nonprofit fostered 188 companies, which have created more than 1,800 jobs and raised $1.4 billion.
The company’s headquarters at 17 Briden St. offers space, equipment, and support for young companies. In October, MBI opened the Pilot Biomanufacturing Center at the site, designed to help companies move from research to clinical trial manufacturing.
“We initiated this project because of the challenges we saw our incubator companies facing in making that transition,” Weaver said.
Over the last year, MBI collaborated with the MassTech Collaborative and the City of Worcester’s Economic Development Coordinating Council to create a Regional Biomanufacturing Strategy, outlining the steps necessary to compete against other states and countries in the highly competitive market.
Weaver believes the region has all the ingredients to succeed, notably a talented workforce, affordable lab and office space, a number of already well-established biotech companies, and easy access to Boston and Cambridge. Local leaders and policy makers are supportive of the industry, paving the way for pad-ready sites such as The Reactory biomanufacturing park in Worcester.
Weaver sees job opportunities for local residents, and MBI has partnered with industry and academic leaders to promote skills training and create a pathway to new careers.
“We forecast over 1,200 jobs coming to the region in the next two to three years,” Weaver said, “and we’re working to ensure our community is ready.”
