FAQs

What is the mission of the Memphis Bioworks® Foundation?

Our mission is to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for the development and commercialization of bioscience technologies, including bioagriculture, and biologistics. Our efforts are focused in four strategic areas: develop infrastructure, expand the workforce, drive entrepreneurship and program leadership.

 

How will I benefit from the mission of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation?

The Memphis Bioworks Foundation is making its mission felt in Memphis in many ways. Perhaps the most visible way is in the continuing construction of the UT-Baptist Research Park. Once the UT-Baptist Research Park is completed there will be thousands of jobs available. In addition, the Foundation is developing entrepreneurship through its subsidiary Innova; an entrepreneurial accelerator which allows Memphis to attract and retain intellectual capital that otherwise would go elsewhere to develop into a business. It is developing infrastructure through the UT-Baptist Research Park, the Memphis Life Science Incubator and the elimination of urban blight. It is continuing to develop education and workforce through partnerships with The University of Memphis, UT Health Science Center, Tennessee Tech, Southwest Tennessee Community College and state universities, and through the creation and implementation of the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering. The Memphis Bioworks Foundation, in partnership with regional universities and colleges, institutions and business partners is developing and implementing a regional business plan for bio-agriculture that capitalizes on the areas fertile land. This plan will ultimately lead to more jobs in the region. 

 

Where are you located?

We are located at 20 South Dudley, Suite 900, Memphis, TN 38103

 

Is Memphis Bioworks Foundation involved in any bio-agriculture activities?

Yes. The Mississippi Delta has some of the most fertile land in the country and Memphis Bioworks Foundation is involved in helping the region take advantage of its many assets and capitalize on the emerging interest and investment in a biobased economy. In order for farmers and industry to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a biobased economy, good strategy planning and implementation are critically important.

 

What is Bio-logistics?

Thanks to FedEx, Memphis is the center for global logistics.  Bio-logistics differs from bio-logistics because it focuses on the personalized shipment of medical goods such as vaccines, orthopedic devices and pharmaceutical drugs.  In bio-logistics speed, security, tracking and the biology behind the treatment are each equally important. Technologies such as RFID, cold chain logistics, warehousing, packaging and even GPS to track critical shipments are critical components of the solution.  In the bio-logistics leadership future, there will be airports surrounded with every stage of bioscience operations.  Memphis Bioworks Foundation recognizes everyone in Memphis will benefit from investment in bio-logistics and seeks to make sure that equal emphasis and investment (infrastructure, education and entrepreneurship) is placed on both the bio and the logistics.

 

What is Memphis Fast Forward?

Memphis Fast Forward is a $63 million plan which will draw from public and private contributions to focus on growth in four key industries – logistics, bioscience, music/film, and tourism.  Ultimately, the city and county hope to gain 49,395 new jobs and additional annual tax revenues in the amount of $53.3 million for the city as well as $32.1 million in the county.

 

What role does Memphis Bioworks Foundation play in Memphis Fast Forward?

As the driver of bioscience initiatives in the region, Memphis Bioworks Foundation is accountable for several areas involving the biosciences: biomedical, biologistics, and agricultural biotechnology. Innova has been funded through Memphis Fast Forward in order to drive new high-value business ventures and jobs. We are working closely with the Memphis Regional Chamber, the Memphis Minority Business Council and other organizations to recruit, retain and expand bio-businesses in Memphis. We are continuing to execute the existing “Battelle” Bioscience Plan and have commissioned a new Battelle study to check progress on current initiatives and to delve deeper into our competitive positioning and potential in bioagriculture and biologistics.

 

What is Innova?

Memphis Bioworks Foundation created Innova to help drive the development of new bioscience-related companies in the Memphis region by bringing together the necessary technologies, entrepreneurs and funding. Innova invests in young, rapidly growing companies that have the potential to grow into significant economic contributors. Innova is developing a portfolio of companies in a single venture fund. Innova’s goal is to nurture the growth of high technology and entrepreneurial efforts in the Mid South that will result in significant job creation, economic growth and competitiveness.

 

How would the Medical Center be described today?

Today the Memphis Medical Center District is about more than taking care of patients, although that is still a key area of emphasis. It has become a center of research, discover, treatment, education and business, as well as a place to live and work. Life saving research is being conducted at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist University Hospital and the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

The Memphis Medical Center District has always been a place for treatment and is expanding as a place for education and research. The key difference is that we are establishing it as a place for businesses to thrive as well. Already, there are companies choosing to locate here – GTx, Luminetix, BioDimensions, Argentis Rx, and InMotion are a few.

And ten years from now, we will have a place that is attractive both professionally and personally to new businesses and new talent. It will be a place where people will live and work.

 

How important is the role of residential and commercial improvements in the neighborhood play in developing the desired district and its importance to the Memphis Bioworks Foundation?

To attract the necessary talent, we need to improve all areas of the community, not just provide jobs. We need neighborhoods that are comfortable, affordable and within close proximity to available jobs. The UT-Baptist Research Park is located in the heart of the Memphis Medical Center.

Beyond the medical and science community in which to work, Downtown Memphis is a dynamic place to live and play. The city's urban renaissance has produced an eclectic combination of historic attractions, businesses, residential development, hotels, retail stores, restaurants, small shops, sports facilities, and other conveniences. Fortunately, Downtown Memphis continues to experience dramatic residential, retail, and entertainment growth, with tremendous prospects on the horizon, which will continue to help us attract the talent that we need.

 

What is the UT-Baptist Research Park?

The Memphis Bioworks Foundation is in the process of building the UT-Baptist Research Park, which will ultimately consist of 1.3 million square feet of laboratory space located in the heart of the Memphis Medical Center District. Housing research activities for multiple tenants, the first phase of development of the UT-Baptist Research Park is a dedicated, six-story, 165,000 square foot world-class biotechnology research facility. The Research Park will include an incubation program to develop new business in bioscience and foster creation of new jobs. The new campus will integrate the most current research, teaching and biomedical developments.

 

In addition to the construction of the UT-Baptist Research Park, what other efforts are underway?

One key accomplishment has been the success of bringing the community together for the betterment of Memphis. We have organizations that would typically be in direct competition working together to strengthen Memphis’ bioscience industry. By working together, we are positioning Memphis as a vibrant and growing center of the biosciences among the national business communities, within the education and research institutions, and on the political front on the state and national levels. A lot of money is being focused into this industry through investments and grants, and we want to ensure that Memphis is getting its fair share.

Another significant development was the creation of InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute. This organization will have a huge influence on the future of the orthopedics industry and orthopedics education.

 

Where did the UT-Baptist Research Park get its name?

When Baptist Memorial Healthcare donated the buildings and property to the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, their request was to name it the UT-Baptist Research Park because it is located right next to the University of Tennessee Medical School.

 

Can I view the implosion of the old Baptist Hospital?

Yes, the implosion can be accessed through the Home page of this website.

 

Why does the Memphis Bioworks Foundation support the Memphis Academy of Science Charter School (MASE)?

Growing the workforce through education is vital to establishing a thriving bioscience industry in Memphis. This requires a broad community solution that initiates new educational programming and outreach. 

As a first initiative, the Foundation helped launch the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, which will provide a flow of qualified workers to the industry and offer a math and science curriculum that can be used throughout the secondary school system.

 

How can I get involved with the Memphis Bioworks Foundation?

If you are interested in volunteering or an internship, please e-mail info@memphisbioworks.org.

 

How do I donate?

If you are interested in donating to the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, click here for more information.

 

How do I get on the mailing list?

Click here if you would like to receive updates on events and news from the Memphis Bioworks Foundation.

 

Is GTx affiliated with the Memphis Bioworks Foundation?

No. The Memphis Bioworks Foundation is a non-profit entity. GTx is a for-profit biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutics primarily related to the treatment of serious men's health conditions and oncology. GTx is an example of the type of business the Foundation would like to begin to bring to Memphis when the UT-Baptist Research Park is built.

 

How are work/partnerships going with local universities/colleges?

We have strong relationships with the universities and colleges in the area. Southwest Tennessee Community College is developing a new career ladder to train technical workers and a new building dedicated to that program is under construction on its Midtown campus. Our relationship with UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) is strong. We also have a lot of activity going on with the University of Memphis as they try to grow their bioscience programs and license intellectual property discovered through the campus research programs. 

Recently, the Foundation helped researchers at the Southern College of Optometry find a licensee for a new treatment for dry eyes that is now moving to clinical trial.

 

How is the Memphis Bioworks Foundation funded?

The foundation is funded by state and local governments, grants and private donations.

 

What is the difference between biotechnology and bioscience?

Bioscience - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms. 

Biotechnology - applied biological science (such as bioengineering or recombinant DNA technology).