Austin Community College celebrates the grand opening of the ACC Bioscience Incubator Tuesday, January 31, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at ACC Highland (6101 Airport Blvd.).

The innovative wet lab is the first part of phase two renovations inside the former Highland Mall, now called ACC Highland. The first such facility at a Texas community college, the Bioscience Incubator provides critically needed research space for life science companies to develop products such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices while providing educational programs, internships, and real-world training to ACC students.

“Together, we are transforming biotechnology, medicine, and education in our region,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president and CEO. “Students experience hands-on learning and gain marketable skills that employers are seeking.”

A partnership between ACC, Austin Technology Incubator, and Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center, the facility offers:

• Wet lab space:Single benches to full labs with over $1 million of advanced laboratory equipment and specialized clean rooms available to meet a company’s unique needs.
• Startup Business Development: Member companies own their research ideas and have access to business consultants, workshops, and industry partners.
• Core laboratory and instrumentation:Central management of state-of-the-art shared biotechnology equipment and facilities.
• Workforce education:Student internships and faculty collaborations.

It is funded by ACC and a $4.9 million grant from the state.

Companies interested in leasing space in the Bioscience Incubator are encouraged to visit austincc.edu/wetlab and complete the online application.

For more information about the lab, contact facility director Dr. Tyler Drake at 512-223-7163 or [email protected].

Tags: ACC Highland, Bioscience Incubator, grand opening