This EDA investment supports the accelerate NC - life sciences manufacturing coalition, led by the north carolina biotechnology center, with strengthening the state's life sciences sector by investing…

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center will receive $2.98 million under a Project Grant award from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration's Economic Adjustment Assistance program. The grant will support the Accelerate NC - Life Sciences Manufacturing Coalition led by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. The Coalition will expand entry-level biotechnology training programs at ten North Carolina community colleges and establish university-based life sciences training hubs at seven minority-serving institutions across the state. Additionally, the Coalition and its private sector partners will create ambassador and mentorship programs to increase diversity in the biotechnology industry. The investment is intended to strengthen North Carolina's life sciences sector through workforce development initiatives while embracing economic equity and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally. The period of performance is from September 2, 2022 to January 2, 2025.

This EDA investment supports the accelerate NC - life sciences manufacturing coalition, led by the north carolina biotechnology center, with strengthening the state's life sciences sector by investing in a more robust pipeline of biotech talent across the state and expanding those opportunities to underserved and historically excluded communities. The coalition will expand entry-level biotechnology training programs at ten north carolina community colleges and establishes university-based, life sciences training hubs at seven minority serving institutions across the state. The coalition and its private sector partners will also create ambassador and mentorship programs to break down barriers to careers in the biotech industry, prioritizing equity alongside economic growth. Once implemented, the investment will help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters - all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. Competitiveness globally.