Birmingham-area biotech startups could have space to grow early next year if they set up shop in Southern Research’s new incubator facility.

Applications for the space, projected to open in January, are now being accepted.

The incubator setup includes 11 offices and 12 wet labs, along with shared lab equipment and entrepreneurial services to support startup businesses engaged in treating and diagnosing diseases, the facility says.

Williams Blackstock Architects and HOK designed the space, and Brasfield & Gorrie served as general contractor.

“We conducted a feasibility study in 2022 that highlighted the gap between the needs of Birmingham’s growing biotech scene and the availability of services and wet lab space,” Abi Kulshreshtha, Chief Business Officer said. “By offering a biotech companies access to our space and our expertise, we can nurture their growth and further develop Birmingham’s biotech corridor.”

The incubator space will be part of Southern Research’s Station 41 biotech commercialization hub, which also includes an accelerator and a venture studio to help launch and fund startup businesses.

Firms engaged in treating and diagnosing diseases are the facility’s aim, with a preference for companies specializing in cancer, infectious diseases and chronic diseases – Southern Research’s core focus areas.

Companies renting space in the incubator will be paired with experts at Southern Research, UAB and other local business leaders to help with technology needs. They will also receive access to Southern Research’s services and expertise, Kulshreshtha said.

For more information, click here. You can also find an application for the incubator here.