Cambridge, Massachusetts (3/31/2022) – BioConnects New England (BCNE) and Latinos in Bio, a first-of-its-kind organization of Latino leaders and professionals in biotechnology and life sciences in Massachusetts, are excited to announce a partnership to promote the creation of a robust biomanufacturing industry cluster in the New England region.
With this partnership, BioConnects New England and Latinos in Bio aim to dramatically accelerate the growth and sustainability of the life sciences industry in New England through academic excellence and strategic programming. Additionally, BioConnects New England and Latinos in Bio agree to participate in awareness activities, support educational events and programming in diverse and disadvantaged communities, assist with outreach to the Latinx population in the local communities, leverage existing Latinos in Bio Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs for the coalition’s programming, help recruit diverse candidates for the coalition’s created programs, leverage Latinos in Bio’s community relationships to introduce coalition programming to diverse and disadvantaged communities, and support apprenticeships and scholarships in diverse and disadvantaged communities.
“Partnering with Latinos in Bio will enhance BioConnects New England’s efforts in reaching a critical audience with which to discuss biomanufacturing opportunities,” 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. “Both organizations will be able to assist the other in communicating their purpose and advancing their mission. We look forward to working together.”
“We are excited for this partnership between Latinos in Bio and BioConnects New England,” added Carolina Alarco and José Estabil, co-founders of Latinos in Bio. “We look forward to contributing toward this effort of expanding opportunities in the life sciences field, especially for those in the Latino community.”
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 in Portland. 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 LATINOS IN BIO
Latinos in Bio is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to creating opportunities for success and amplifying the social capital of Latinx professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical technology, and other fields within the life sciences industry, and, by doing so, making a meaningful impact in the industry and in the United States. Latinos in Bio was incorporated in Massachusetts as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on June 9, 2021; it has been operating since August 1, 2019.
