Overview and Outlook
The Metro Little Rock region has seen several biotech successes as a result of the UAMS Bioventures incubator, the region's specialized incentives and state support of research and development activities.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the foundation for the biotech industry in the Metro Little Rock region. Its Biomedical Biotechnology Center (BBC) works to commercialize research. The UAMS BioVentures incubator has had notable commercial success with the Safe Foods Corporation and other emerging companies.
Regional biotech successes occur in homegrown start-up businesses. The emerging biotechnology industry of start-up firms, angel investors and other stakeholders receive specialized support through incentives and state investment in R&D activities.
The Metro Little Rock Alliance supports establishing technology parks and other second-stage growth activities throughout the region. The Metro Little Rock area is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the growth in this exciting industry cluster.
Site Selection Considerations
Sites and Infrastructure: The Metro Little Rock region has a large selection of both developed and undeveloped properties to handle lab equipment and other lab requirements. Regional venture capital firms and financial services institutions who understand the timeliness and risks of the industry have demonstrated interest in providing long-term financial support of the industry cluster.
The region supports cutting-edge research with scientific and academic resources. The focus is on maintaining an environment that encourages a concentration of competing, interdependent and complementary businesses that cooperate.
Operating costs are more easily contained in the region-wide business-friendly environment.
Incentives: The availability of real estate and capital is coupled with legislated tax breaks and other attractive economic incentives designed to support biotechnology.
Workforce: A growing pool of scientific workers is provided by regional colleges and universities. Metro Little Rock region offers a quality of life that is attractive to scientific workers and supports recruitment and retention of employees.
Research and Development: The regional business culture of entrepreneurship encourages and rewards continuous innovation. The presence of a regional university system encourages the inquisitive mind.
Valuable Regional Resources
The State of Arkansas has created a solid base for the continued growth and development of biotechnology. As a major agricultural state and home to nationally ranked medical facilities, Arkansas is an excellent fit for the biotech sector.
A network of university faculty, medical researchers and practitioners, agricultural scientists, research groups and biotechnology associations serve to support this growing industry cluster.
Important resources include:
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Strong university presence (Six major four-year universities and several smaller independent and community colleges in the region)
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Expanding base of medical research at UAMS and its partnering institutions
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Major biotech support base of industry organizations including:
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Research and development incentives (including tax treatment and investment)
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Strong venture capital community
Existing Companies
UAMS Biomedical Biotechnology Center (BBC) – www.uamsbiotech.com/
U.S. FDA’s National Center for Toxicology Research (NCTR) – www.fda.gov/nctr/
UAMS Bioventures Spinoff Companies:
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Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH) –
www.cteh.com/
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Seer Pharmaceuticals, LLC – www.news-medical.net/print_article.asp?id=759
UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center (AQFI) – www.uaex.edu/aqfi/