BioConnects New England

Mission Statement

BioConnects New England strives to strengthen the biotechnology and biomanufacturing ecosystem by expanding innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development across the New England region. We are dedicated to accelerating advanced manufacturing capabilities, fostering collaboration among industry and academia, and contributing to a resilient bioeconomy that drives scientific progress, delivers cures and treatments for patients, and connects our work to the broader vision of global health and economic impact.

Equity Statement

At BioConnects New England, equity is the foundation of a resilient and diverse biomanufacturing ecosystem. Rooted in a commitment to inclusivity, BCNE is dedicated to providing career opportunities in biotechnology that are accessible to all.

From micro-credentials to advanced degrees, BCNE collaborates with educators and industry leaders to ensure multiple entry points into biotech careers.

Through thoughtful infrastructure planning, BCNE locates manufacturing hubs near underserved communities and research institutions to reduce barriers to employment and foster inclusive growth. Wraparound services including childcare assistance, transportation support, career coaching/ mentoring, and workplace ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are offered to empower individuals with the tools needed to fully participate in workforce training, achieve employment, and thrive in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors.

BCNE partners with mission-driven organizations to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the life sciences workforce, working together to build sustainable systems that promote fairness and representation.

At BCNE, equity isn’t a one-time goal. It is an ongoing journey.

illustrated map of the six states that comprise New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Six States and Over 40 Partners

Through this initiative, BioConnects New England will create a biomanufacturing cluster in Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island regions that have been historically excluded from the biotechnology industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in New England with national importance.

Massachusetts-based Northeastern University will lead the coalition, which includes The Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory at Northeastern University, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Rhode Island Commerce, the I-195 Design & Innovation District in Providence, Rhode Island, and the University of Rhode Island.

Creating Opportunity with BioConnects New England

BioConnects New England is a multi-state coalition comprised of leadership from across the northeast.

Dr. Jared Auclair
Co-PI, BCNE
Northeastern University

Dr. Alicia Sasser Modestino
Co-PI, BCNE
Northeastern University

The Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory at Northeastern University

The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Rhode Island Commerce

The University of Rhode Island

FocusMaine

A Message from Dr. Jared Auclair, Co-Lead of BioConnects New England

Welcome to BioConnects New England (BCNE) – a collaborative initiative with the mission to build a resilient and inclusive biotechnology ecosystem that drives innovation, creates equitable economic opportunity, and positions New England as a global leader in the life sciences.

At BCNE, we believe that the future of the fast-growing biotechnology/ biomanufacturing industry must be rooted in community, access, and sustainability, a vision that is dependent on a skilled workforce. To achieve this, investing in workforce development programs that reach underserved populations is essential, along with strengthening regional infrastructure, and fostering partnerships with academia, industry, and government.

Our work in biomanufacturing is also about building hope. By expanding capacity for the production of biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, we help to accelerate the development and delivery of life-saving treatments. These efforts contribute to a larger mission to strengthen the local, national, and global healthcare ecosystem by ensuring that innovation translates into treatments, cures, and accessible care.

Our objective to grow a vibrant, inclusive biotech ecosystem across the New England is much more than an economic development project – it is a movement to ensure that the benefits of the biotech evolution are broadly and equally shared.

Whether you are a policymaker, industry leader, educator, researcher, or student – there is a place for you at our table. Together, we can build a future where innovation thrives and opportunity is accessible for all.

History

Established in 2021 as a multi-state coalition with a mission to create inclusive biomanufacturing opportunities in historically underserved communities, BioConnects New England BCNE) has evolved through key milestones.

In 2021, BCNE was selected as a Phase 1 finalist in the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The grant supported BCNE’s planned efforts to increase biomanufacturing infrastructure and associated workforce development across Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island.

Throughout 2022, BCNE expanded its network to over 40 partners, including universities, research institutes, and economic development organizations. Despite a strong proposal and regional support, BCNE was not selected for Phase II Build Back Regional Challenge funding.

In early 2023, BCNE released its first impact report, a 14-page document highlighting progress in coalition building, community engagement, and infrastructure planning. The report release was concurrent with BCNE’s inaugural Community Leadership Summit in partnership with the city of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, BCNE continued to amplify its reach through new training programs, regional workforce development efforts, and leadership recognition.

BCNE remains dedicated to expanding inclusive biomanufacturing, evolving innovation, increasing workforce pipelines, and establishing new biomanufacturing hubs across underserved communities in New England. These hubs will focus on advanced technologies, including gene and cell therapies, positioning New England as a leader in pharmaceutical production.

In just a few years, BCNE has transformed from a grant-seeking initiative into a robust, multi-state coalition driving inclusive growth in biomanufacturing – one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.

Meet Our Partners

BioConnects New England is proud to have the support of our community and industry partners.

Learn More

BioConnects New England will connect hubs throughout the region to support existing—and establish new—biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities in underserved regions and populations.

Read Our Proposal

What is Biomanufacturing?

Discovering a drug and testing its efficacy are two major steps in the process of getting a treatment to patients.

Biomanufacturing addresses the next stage of commercialization. When a drug has been approved, companies rely on biomanufacturing facilities to reliably produce and commercially scale the product distribution.

For the purpose of this coalition, by creating these facilities in the same region where discovery begins, companies will be able to remove many of the bottlenecks that outsourcing creates.