The launch of the Georgia Bioscience Commercialisation Center (GBCC) is expected to act as a start-up catalyst and resource centre for bioscience entrepreneurs in Georgia.

Seed funding for the GBCC was provided by Georgia Bio (GaBio), a private, non-profit association, and the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA).

The GBCC is being described as a first of its kind initiative in Georgia, drawing on the expertise of proven CEOs and senior executives to assist entrepreneurs in growing their potential business and producing jobs.

Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, too, highlighted that the development will result in new biotech jobs.

Lt. Gov. Cagle said, “It will serve as an engine for economic growth supporting development of high-paying, 21st century jobs that will stay in Georgia and enhance our state’s leadership in bioscience. This innovative mentoring programme, as well as the tax credit for investing in early stage entrepreneurial endeavors we just passed this session, means entrepreneurs have a real chance for success in Georgia.”

Guidance

It is being highlighted that the key element of the GBCC’s operation is the faculty of experienced bioscience executives who will offer guidance to start-up firms, free-of-charge.

These experts are volunteering their time to advance the growth of Georgia’s bioscience industry by assisting start-up companies that want to locate in Georgia and by helping scientists at our universities translate their discoveries into new bioscience products.

In addition to GaBio and GRA, other GBCC partners are the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber and other members of the Innovation Crescent Regional Partnership, which includes the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Foundation; Atlanta Development Authority; Barrow County Chamber of Commerce; Cobb County Office of Economic Development; DeKalb Private Hospital Authority; Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce; Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce; and the Oconee County Development Authority.