Memphis Bioworks Foundation

In the Memphis area, more than one in nine jobs is tech-related. Memphis also had the highest rate of high-tech start-ups over the last three years among the nation's 60 largest metro areas.
Frederick W. Smith
Chairman, President, CEO, FedEx Corporation

Expanding Infrastructure to Support Bioscience.

Memphis already has an impressive infrastructure in place to support the bioscience industry; however, several key elements are needed to make the area competitive on an international scale. To attract bioscience companies, our city must have world-class facilities, an appealing quality of life, and excellent schools. The Memphis Bioworks Foundation has programs already at work in each of these areas.

Biofacilities

Our first priority is biofacilities – construction of the buildings necessary for scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to succeed. This effort began when Baptist Memorial Health Care donated property in the Medical Center district to the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. This property will be the site of a new research park with 1.4 million square feet of laboratory space and state-of-the-art technology.

Smart Growth

The Foundation is also actively involved in urban redevelopment in the areas surrounding research parks. For example, we are involved in a revitalization plan, transforming a former public housing complex into a new community that will offer a mix of households. Termed "Smart Growth," these types of programs encourage diversity and mixed-income housing, improve the quality of life, and ultimately remove blight in the inner city.

Community Development

Great businesses attract other great businesses. Bioscience companies need easy access to support services near research parks – law firms, restaurants, office supply stores, retail, and other life-enriching activities such as fitness centers. Working with the Memphis Regional Chamber, our goal is to round out the economy.