Bioscience & Technology Business Center

On October 5th, 2009, the LDCBA broke ground on construction of the Bioscience & Technology Business Center (BTBC) on the west campus of the University of Kansas, adjacent to major pharmaceutical and life sciences research facilities. (view ground breaking photos, speakers and dignitaries) The project represents a unique partnership between local and state entities, with the goal of creating local jobs and increasing the local tax base. And is on target for completion July 2010.

Facility. The center is a multi-tenant facility comprised of 20,000 square feet of office, wet, and dry lab space, expandable to 40,000 square feet. It will service the needs of companies in the technology and bioscience industries. Upon completion of the building, a substantial portion of laboratory space will remain unfinished and will be built out according to individual tenant needs and future demand.

The BTBC will accommodate the following types of ventures:

• KU “Spin-out” Companies: Newly established technology and bioscience companies from a University research group, department, or program that are “spun out” to the private sector (e.g., CritiTech or KC BioMediX).

• Emerging Local Private-sector Bioscience Companies: Start-up technology and bioscience companies that are created in the local private sector or recruited to Lawrence (e.g. Deciphera Pharmaceuticals).

• Collaborations: Research projects between KU researchers and large established bioscience companies (e.g., Pfizer and KU faculty).

Services & Support. In addition to offering a full spectrum of tenant services, Lawrence Regional Technology Center (LRTC) will manage the building and provide professional business development services to help tenants grow their businesses and maximize their chances of achieving commercial success. Below are examples of the services and support provided to incubator tenants:

• Tenant Services: Office space, wet and dry laboratory space, receptionist/administrative assistance, conference rooms, office equipment, audio/visual equipment, phone & voicemail service, high speed internet service.

• Business Services: Corporate formation, market and competitor research and analysis, business and revenue model development, business plan writing, grant writing, business valuation, capital acquisition, financial management and strategy, operations management and exit strategy.

• Technology and Bioscience Industries Expertise: Incubator clients will have access to and support from individuals with years of industry experience to help guide them through the product development and commercialization stages. For example, LDCBA will partner with the Office of Therapeutics, Discovery and Development (OTDD) to provide incubator clients with expertise in the area of drug discovery and development.

More detailed information regarding the BTBC can be found on its official website.