PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), Ann Arbor SPARK, Greater Wayne Economic Development Corporation and a private foundation have collaborated to create the Michigan Life Science and Innovation Center (MLSIC). MLSIC will connect well-funded, experienced entrepreneurs with business accelerator organizations and start-up life science companies.
"By offering state-of-the-art labs and start-up support in one location, MLSIC will be a catalyst for the growth of biotech and life sciences companies in southeast Michigan," said Michael A. Finney, president of Ann Arbor SPARK. "Access to wet lab space will help emerging life sciences companies conduct critical research, and access established biotech entrepreneurs - MLSIC's anchor tenants - is a resource that can help growing companies overcome obstacles, get good business advice and further propel their growth."
MLSIC is a 57,518 sq. ft. facility that offers office space, in addition to the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. MEDC, Ann Arbor SPARK, Greater Wayne Economic Development Corporation and a private foundation contributed a combined $4.5 million to purchase the facility from Pfizer.
Current research and innovation taking place at MLSIC includes focused drug development, clinical research organization (CRO), biological processes, and life science services. At its grand opening, MLSIC is home to several companies:
MLSIC's ongoing operational costs will be funded through a combination of public, private and foundation support.
Business acceleration services offered at MLSIC will include peer-to-peer mentoring that will connect experienced entrepreneurs with start-up ventures. Additional business acceleration services offered will include access to wet lab and research space, funding support and other critical services.
ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Works!/ETCS, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.
SOURCE Ann Arbor SPARK
CONTACT: Elizabeth Parkinson, Ann Arbor SPARK, +1-734-761-9317
Web site: http://www.AnnArborUSA.org/
