Waltham, MA–The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a quasi-public agency tasked with implementing the state’s ten year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative, today announced the launch of the second round of an open solicitation for life-sciences related capital projects. The solicitation covers equipment and supplies for high schools in Gateway Cities and vocational/technical schools as well as capital projects for academic/research institutions (including community colleges), business incubators, and other not-for-profit organizations in the Commonwealth. The Center will invest in STEM education in select high schools and in high-potential economic development projects across the state that promise to create jobs and make a significant contribution to the state’s life sciences ecosystem. The Center has allocated up to $40 million in capital dollars for this solicitation.
The Equipment and Supplies for High Schools program will enable the purchase of equipment and supplies to train high school students in life sciences technology and research. The program will address a funding gap in capital dollars for public and not-for-profit workforce training and educational institutions. Eligible high schools, as well as community-based organizations that serve such high schools, are invited to apply for this grant funding by completing an online application via the Center’s website (www.masslifesciences.com).
The Center will manage the capital solicitation for academic/research institutions, business incubators, and other not-for-profit organizations through a two-phased approach. In Phase I applicants will submit a short, on-line application and 1-page summary of the proposed project. Applicants selected for Phase II will be asked to submit a full proposal for evaluation. For-profit organizations are generally not eligible for capital funding, and municipalities and other governmental entities are not eligible for capital funding through this solicitation. Applications must be submitted online, and more information about the program can be accessed via the Center’s website.
“Funding for capital projects is a central part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s vision for life sciences expansion, with capital funds making up fully half of the resources of the Life Sciences Initiative,” said Greg Bialecki, Secretary of Housing & Economic Development and Co-Chairman of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Board of Directors. “These projects create much-needed jobs in the building trades, and permanent jobs in the life sciences. This open call for proposals will allow us to identify projects across the state with the most potential for job creation, scientific advancement and enhancements in STEM education.”
“The Center has thus far committed $189 million to twelve capital projects, which are expected to create more than 4,000 jobs in the building trades and more than 1,400 permanent jobs in the life sciences,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. “We have also invested $3.4 million in equipment and supplies for academic institutions throughout the state. Through these investments we are creating unique resources to strengthen our life sciences ecosystem, and our position as a global leader in the life sciences. We look forward to receiving additional proposals through this open solicitation.”
One past recipient of capital funding was the Joslin Diabetes Center. Through last year’s solicitation the world leader in diabetes research and care received a $5 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, among the highest amounts ever received to support diabetes research in Massachusetts. The grant was matched with funds raised from generous Joslin donors, and a total of $10.8 million will be used to build the comprehensive center. The renovation project broke ground in June of this year.
“This grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will enable us to accelerate our clinical and research efforts, develop translational studies for curing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and will advance our work in diabetes prevention and obesity,” said John Brooks, President & CEO of the Joslin Diabetes Center. “Funding from the Life Sciences Center not only provided us with critical resources, but also enabled us to leverage additional private funding needed to fully fund this important project.”
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is a quasi-public agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tasked with implementing the Massachusetts Life Sciences Act, a ten year, $1 billion initiative that was signed into law in June of 2008. The Center’s mission is to create jobs in the life sciences and support vital scientific research that will improve the human condition. This work includes making financial investments in public and private institutions that are advancing life sciences research, development and commercialization as well as building ties among sectors of the Massachusetts life sciences community.
For more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com
