Boston, Massachusetts (4/6/2022) – BioConnects New England (BCNE) and Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD) are excited to announce a partnership to create a robust biomanufacturing industry cluster in the New England region.
With this partnership, BioConnects New England and ABCD aim to promote the growth and sustainability of the life sciences industry in New England through academic excellence and strategic programming. Additionally, BioConnects New England and ABCD agree to host BioConnects partners on ABCD sites, and assist with outreach to ABCD and local communities within the ABCD service area, including designated areas within the Massachusetts Metro North Workforce Area, which is served by the MassHire Metro North Career Centers (of which ABCD is the operator). BCNE and ABCD also agree to work together on workforce and DEI activities, with ABCD functioning as a partner to further the goals and objectives within these activity areas.
“We look forward to working with Action for Boston Community Development,” said Jared Auclair, Ph.D., an associate dean at Northeastern University and director of their Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Lab and co-lead of BioConnects New England. “They are reaching some of the same people that we are working to expand opportunities for, and by partnering we can double the impact of our efforts.”
“We are excited to announce our partnership with BioConnects New England,” added ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. “Their remarkable vision promises exciting changes for the better for our community by providing access to meaningful and well-compensated jobs, and we are proud to do all we can to advance these efforts.”
Through its grant challenge sponsored by the Economic Development Administration, BioConnects New England is leveraging its resources in the region to create a robust biomanufacturing industry. Massachusetts-based Northeastern University leads 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, -the I-195 Design & Innovation District in Providence, Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island, and FocusMaine. The coalition will lead K-12 education and engagement activities, jumpstart prototyping and incubation facilities throughout the region, and invest in accessible start-up entrepreneurship programming.
ABOUT BIOCONNECTS NEW ENGLAND
BioConnects New England is a multi-state coalition and finalist of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge—a $1 billion program sponsored by the Economic Development Administration. Through this initiative, BioConnects New England will create a biomanufacturing cluster in the region of Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island that have been historically excluded from the biotechnology industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in New England with national importance. This coalition will connect hubs throughout New England to support existing—and establish new—biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations.
ABOUT ACTION FOR BOSTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, INC. (ABCD)
A nonprofit human services community action organization, ABCD provides low-income residents in the Boston and Mystic Valley areas with the tools, support and resources they need to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. Each year, we’ve served more than 100,000 individuals, elders and families through a broad range of innovative initiatives as well as long-established, proven programs and services. For more than 50 years, ABCD has been deeply rooted in every neighborhood and community served, empowering individuals and families and supporting them in their quest to live with dignity and achieve their highest potential. For more, please visit bostonabcd.org.
