The Phoenix Bioscience Core is excited to welcome the Arizona Bioindustry Association, Inc. (AZBio) to the PBC. Its new office in Connect Labs by Wexford Science + Technology expands on AZBio’s close relationship with the PBC and its community members.
AZBio is a not-for-profit, 501(c)6 trade association supporting the growth of Arizona’s life science sector. Its membership includes companies and organizations in the fields of business, research and education, patient advocacy, health care delivery, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences that are the key drivers of the growth of Arizona’s life science sector, according to its website.
“The Arizona Bioindustry Association is a vital component to the state’s life science ecosystem,” said Scarlett Spring, Executive Director of the Phoenix Bioscience Core. “They provide critical resources and advocacy for life science companies and organizations so they can continue their work in improving population health in the state. We’re thrilled AZBio will be joining us on the PBC and look forward to future partnerships and collaboration.”
“Having an AZBio office within Connect Labs makes it easier for health innovators on the PBC, and across our community, to tap into the AZBio resources and programs that they can use to grow their businesses and accelerate their health innovation journey.” said Joan Koerber-Walker, President & CEO of AZBio. “We appreciate this opportunity to work with Wexford Science + Technology, the Arizona Board of Regents, and the City of Phoenix to support the city’s growing life science ecosystem.”
Dylan N. Peay, PHD, AZBio’s Manager of Entrepreneurial Programs and Grants, will staff the AZBio office on the PBC. AZBio’s headquarters and administrative offices will remain in Chandler, Arizona.
“Phoenix greatly values its partnership with AZBio, and we are excited to welcome them to the growing Phoenix Bioscience Core,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “This new office — ideally situated within Connect Labs by Wexford Science + Technology — will provide companies at every stage of growth with convenient, robust access to AZBio benefits. That means more of our emerging life sciences leaders will have the tools they need to scale up their work and keep making positive impacts on our community.”
AZBio is the latest company to open its doors in Connect Labs. Opened in January 2023 and now home to more than a dozen companies, Connect Labs by Wexford Science + Technology is one of the state’s only Class A life science coworking spaces. Last summer, Connect Labs welcomed three new companies including Crystal Sonic, an Arizona State University spinout that supports next generation semiconductor manufacturers in reducing waste and cost by enabling thin device lift-off and substrate re-use. Additionally, Connect Labs most recently welcomed Lenoss Medical, a Rhode Island-based company providing natural solutions for bone repair. Lenoss Medical is the recipient of free office space in COnnect Labs following a win at ASU InvestU’s Pitch Event.
And in the rest of 850 PBC, where Connect Labs is located, space is quickly filling up. In September 2023, the National Institutes of Health announced it signed a lease for the entire 7th floor of the building for its National Institutes of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The design and development of their space is ongoing and NIDDK will move in following its completion.