Well-known for its roster of leading U.S. and international corporations, Westchester also appeals increasingly to organizations where scientific research drives their efforts.
The Biotech Incubator at New York Medical College, scheduled to open in early 2014 on the school’s Valhalla campus, is one outstanding example. According to Robert W. Amler, M.D., Vice President for Government Affairs and Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice, the facility will attract, screen and nurture small biotechnology start-up developers and firms. These companies will create new drugs, vaccines and even medical devices, possibly including new electronic healthcare supporting products such as smart phone applications with health relevance.
Particularly critical is that the Bio Incubator at NYMC will provide basic office and/or lab space, as well as access to critical devices such as centrifuges that firms lacking sufficient capital would not be able to buy or otherwise access on their own.
“We want to help promising scientific ideas develop to the point where they could become scalable to larger prototype production and thereby attract the interest of larger firms,” Amler explains. “Westchester has many companies that might well be interested in funding research initiated at the Bio Incubator. Participants will also be able to access business training that will prepare them for bringing their ideas to market, have opportunities for assistance from graduate students and access to our medical library.”
Whether or not these start-ups are able to market concepts on their own or attract funding from other sources, Amler is certain the Bio Incubator will be a valuable addition to Westchester’s roster of firms that back important scientific and/or medical advances.
On the web at: nymc.edu
