A crowd of more than 50 representatives from the University of Vermont, the Larner College of Medicine, BioLabs, the city of Burlington, local industries, and the center’s first tenants attended the event at the University of Vermont Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine’s Colchester Research Facility in Colchester, Vermont.
“The BioLabs Innovation Center places UVM in a select group of universities with world-class incubator infrastructure, signaling the university’s bold commitment to research commercialization and biotech entrepreneurship,” said Kirk Dombrowski, UVM’s vice president for research and economic development. “With the first BioLabs facility in a rural U.S. state, UVM is now aligned with institutions in Boston, New York, and San Diego—cities known for their biotech excellence. This partnership not only enhances UVM’s reputation but also attracts top-tier faculty, researchers, and students who seek a vibrant, innovation-driven academic environment.”
This new facility is a two-year, collaborative effort between UVM’s Office of the Vice President for Research and BioLabs, the premier international network of shared lab and office facilities for life science startups. The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone for the university and region, offering early-stage life science startups and companies critical infrastructure, equipment, and resources designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
“At the Larner College of Medicine, we are witnessing a growing commitment among our medical students, faculty, and researchers to drive meaningful change through rigorous scientific inquiry and forward-thinking initiatives,” said Richard L. Page, M.D., dean of the Larner College of Medicine. “Our scholars increasingly recognize that strategic partnerships beyond the academic realm can enhance both basic and applied research—by uncovering questions shaped by the needs and priorities of Vermont, our region, and the world.”
The center is designed to foster creative interaction and collaboration while leveraging the extensive resources of UVM’s world-class facilities and research teams.
This professionally managed, state-of-the-art incubator features 7,000 sq. ft. of shared wet labs, private labs, flexible office spaces, and community areas, equipped with more than $1 million in cutting-edge technology. By supporting a community of 10 to 20 startup companies, the center aims to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship that extends beyond campus—serving as a powerful economic engine for a rural region’s continued development.
“In just a few short months since launching, BioLabs UVM is already supporting more than four companies onsite and another four through our Accelerate program. Our goal is to have over 10 resident companies onsite within the next year,” said James Stafford, director of the UVM BioLabs Innovation Center.
Located less than three miles from the UVM campus, center residents also benefit from access to the university’s state-of-the-art core facilities, library, and researchers, fostering collaboration within the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine. Convenient to the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and vehicle and rail inter-state travel hubs, the center is positioned to drive innovation in the region while staying connected to the world.