Doylestown-Based Institute Chosen To Manage New York Biotech Incubator

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The team selected on Tuesday by New York to build and launch BioGenesis Park, a cell and gene therapy center on Long Island, will include Bucks County-based Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, which is being brought in to manage the biotech incubator.

The Blumberg Institute currently manages the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) in Doylestown and B+labs at Cira Centre in Philadelphia.

Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of the Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation and PABC, said engagement in this new venture will boost his organizations’ efforts to strengthen biotech in Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to be part of this project as it will leverage and enhance our current ecosystem in Pennsylvania by allowing us to have more scientific collaborations and work with more academic institutions,which will benefit all that are associated with our two current incubators,” Kassa said. “Our commitment to Pennsylvania is stronger than ever and we believe having a national presence will help bring more attention to the Commonwealth as a home for pioneering biotech
innovation.”

Pennsylvania State Senator Steve Santarsiero, whose district includes the PABC, Blumberg Institute and Hepatitis B Foundation, promotes the unique mission of the nonprofit research organization as an exceptional model for nurturing academic research into viable commercial ventures that improve health outcomes.

“It is no surprise that the prestigious Blumberg Institute is being sought out for this important work,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “This collaboration is another example of the vibrant biotech industry in our region, and I am proud to advocate for more investment to extend the reach of the incredible work of the PABC, Blumberg Institute and Hepatitis B Foundation.”

The Blumberg Institute has been engaged to manage the incubator, which the Governor’s office said will be “…a cornerstone of New York BioGenesis Park and supported by a $50 million investment from ESD’s Long Island Investment Fund. This facility will empower early-stage therapeutic developers by offering state-of-the-art wet lab space, shared equipment, office space, and other essential resources.

"This nurturing environment would provide cell and gene therapy companies with access to specialized equipment, mentoring, and stage-appropriate financial guidance," the Governor's office continued. "As a critical component of BioGenesis Park, the incubator is poised to catalyze the growth of promising cell and gene therapy companies by providing them with resources and support, unlocking their potential for innovation and success.”