With an office in Southlake, a new nonprofit is on the scene to encourage the development of a rich ecosystem that allows for the growth and success of North Texas life science companies, as well as strengthening the economy of our local communities (according to the company's mission statement).
Bio North Texas is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association serving and representing the life sciences industry in northern region of Texas.
The Star-Telegram recently chatted with the co-founder, Kay Tieman. "According to a state report last year, Texas has more than 3,600 biotechnology manufacturing and R&D operations," a July 24 article says.
"'We’re kind of a sleeping giant,' said Tieman, who is life science practice leader at Risk Consulting Partners, a commercial insurance firm," the article continues, stating a third of biotech manufacturing and R&D operations are right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The company looks to accomplish its mission by providing enterprise promotion and support, enhancement of research collaboration, education, partnering, workforce development, and support of state advocacy efforts. The core scope of the company's elements are (according to its website):
Innovation – working closely and supporting our research institutions, inventors, incubators, and entrepreneurs to broaden the impact of breakthrough discoveries
Capital – facilitating access to capital, especially early stage funding through programming, networking, and support of area investment initiatives
Talent – helping to recruit, train and retain the talent needed to grow life sciences through partnering with member companies, creation of job posting and career center, and via engagement with students at all levels pursuing careers in medical technology and life sciences
Environment – ensuring that bionorthTX is a great place to start, grow and retain the organizations needed to remain competitive and prosperous
Advocacy– working on behalf of our members so that each has a strong local, regional, and national political voice. We are not lobbyists but make sure our members have access to the most up to date regulatory information, can participate in relevant events, and that we invite key representative to meet with our community.
For more information, visit http://bionorthtx.org/. For the full Star-Telegram story, click here.