__________________________________________________________________________________
▼ Product Quality Sensors for ML-Guided Modularized Production Plants
▶ Biomanufacturing Equipment
PHOTO: © Schmidt Sciences | Iowa State University
PHOTO: © Hardy Wilson Photography | BioMADE that picture, given that certain supply chains can only be built through biology, and the pandemic showed all of us what happens when global supply chains are disrupted or shut down. In today’ s geopolitical climate, having dedicated domestic supply chains for at least a portion of your products is essential. That is exactly what the Minnesota facility helps us address,” Jill elaborates.
Alongside Minnesota, BioMADE is developing a pilot-scale facility in the San Francisco Bay Area, which will be the first to open, welcoming customers in summer / early fall 2027. The California site is smaller, equipped with 4000-liter fermenters and scale-up capabilities, but its location is a major advantage.“ We are surrounded by around 60 member companies within an hour’ s drive, which makes it super convenient. We also expanded the facility by acquiring additional lab equipment, allowing us to create an incubator space. This development reflects one of the most pressing trends in our sector right now. Capital markets are really tight, so many companies that have completed their basic research are now trying to stretch their money and runway by stepping out of expensive long-term lab leases,” Jill enlightens.
BioMADE’ s incubator offers companies the ability to come in for weeks or months at a time without the burden of a long-term commitment or rental agreement.“ We are also talking to investors about this,” she adds.“ Typically, a company receives a big tranche of funding and immediately signs a ten-year lease. What if instead they came to us for six months or a year, figured out exactly what they need, and then made that commitment? It is a more efficient model for everyone, and in the Bay Area, we think it will resonate strongly with the startup comunity.” In addition to Minnesota and California,
BioMADE is also developing its Iowa pilot-
160