University of Vermont and BioLabs to Launch Start-up Incubator

Source: UVM Larner College of Medicine

The University of Vermont (UVM), and Cambridge, Massachusetts–based BioInnovation Labs (BioLabs), will launch a dedicated incubator at UVM’s Colchester facility. BioLabs is an internationally known innovation laboratory platform with a network of shared lab and office workspaces,

The BioLabs Innovation Center at UVM will support entrepreneurs and start-up companies specializing in all areas of life sciences research and development with fully equipped combination office and laboratory space to test and scale their research. Through this strategic partnership, UVM will oversee the new facility and provide technology, equipment, and direct collaboration with faculty at The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. The college includes nearly 200 research faculty and more than 700 clinical faculty who practice in the UVM Health Network. BioLabs will support UVM with facility operations, access to industry partners, and networking and programming events.

Currently, BioLabs partners with an elite group of universities, pharmaceutical companies, and other engaged stakeholders worldwide. The UVM–BioLabs partnership reinforces the university’s steadfast commitment to research, education, and innovation. Additionally, UVM is the first rural university to join the BioLabs ecosystem.

The center will offer select tenants nearly 7,000 sq. ft. of shared wet labs, common areas, and flexible office space, which will allow approximately 10–20 early-stage companies to tailor their laboratories according to their needs. The location—a short drive from UVM’s main campus in Burlington—provides convenient access to UVM and the Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine’s core facilities, public transit options through Green Mountain Transit, and The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, as well as numerous local amenities.

“Admission to the BioLabs Innovation Center at UVM will be a highly competitive process,” Kirk Dombrowski, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development at UVM, said. “And with access to the full research enterprise at UVM, these start-ups will join the more than 500 companies BioLabs has supported since its launch, ultimately creating jobs and furthering our regional economic development.”

Although the center is expected to open in late 2025, the BioLabs Innovation Center at UVM will begin accepting applications and hosting tours in the coming months.

“I am excited for the University of Vermont and the Larner College of Medicine to work with Vice President Dombrowski in this important partnership, which will provide critical incubator space for scientists both at UVM and in our community. This will provide a kick start to advancing local scientific discovery to clinical investigation and supporting patient care,” said Richard L. Page, M.D., dean of the Larner College of Medicine.

“Working with the team at UVM is an extraordinary opportunity, and we are proud to be part of expanding access to state-of-the-art facilities for the scientists and entrepreneurs in Vermont and in the UVM ecosystem. Like all our facilities, this site is designed to stimulate creative interaction and collaboration with a bonus of offering access to the wide resources of UVM’s world-class facilities and teams,” said BioLabs founder and CEO Johannes Fruehauf, M.D., Ph.D.