What does the nation’s oldest HBCU have to do with the future of life sciences? On Feb. 16, attendees gathered to hear that and more at a special event, “ThinkUbator: Advancing the Future of Science,” at Cheyney University.
Regional leaders representing biotech, real estate, economic development, and higher education attended this informational event that featured a panel discussion on Cheyney’s plans to become the nation’s first HBCU to house a dedicated life sciences incubator. The “ThinkUbator” is a partnership among Cheyney, Mosaic Development Partners, IPS, CBS BioPharma, and CCEDC.
“The ThinkUbator carries Cheyney’s spirit of academic innovation infused with a message of deep social commitment,” said Greg Reaves, founder & co-owner at Mosaic Development Partners. “This siteoffers biologics, cell, and gene therapy companies the opportunity to practically pursue their science in a campus setting by leasing the process development and wet lab space.”
Cheyney is currently home to a number of life sciences companies. The launch of the ThinkUbator, currently in the design phase, will allow the university to accommodate more innovative companies and expand educational and internship opportunities for its students, said the panelists. The project comes as the Philadelphia life sciences sector faces low lab vacancy rates across the region.
For more information about the ThinkUbator, or to get involved, contact Patrick Hayakawa, phayakawa@ccedcpa.com