Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) Announces 2024 Challenge Grant Recipients

MBI Challenge Grants program aims to increase the diversity of the life sciences workforce

Worcester, MA (October 22, 2024) – Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), the longest-running non-profit life sciences incubator in the Commonwealth, announced the recipients of its 2024 Challenge Grants program. MBI’s Challenge Grants help fund programs that increase the diversity of the life sciences workforce while also solving the industry’s future workforce needs.

“At MBI, we recognize that diversity in the life sciences workforce is essential for driving innovation and building Central Massachusetts into a global biomanufacturing hub,” said Jon Weaver, President and CEO of MBI. “Our Challenge Grants empower organizations that are building the workforce pipeline with the talented individuals who already call Worcester County home, ensuring we have a vibrant, inclusive workforce ready to tackle tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs. We are proud to support this year’s recipients and excited about the impact their programs will have on the next generation of life sciences talent.”

MBI welcomed all Challenge Grant recipients to its 17 Briden Street facility in Worcester today to meet other recipients, create opportunity for connection and collaboration amongst recipients, and for recipients to tour of the facility and meet the emerging life sciences companies that reside at MBI. Recipients also received a certificate from State Representative John Mahoney (D-Worcester) and Kevin Kuros from the Massachusetts Office of Business

A report from CBRE titled Life Sciences Research Talent 2022 ranked Worcester the 15th best market in the US for life sciences research talent. In addition, the 2024 MassBio Industry Snapshot reported that Worcester County was the only county in Massachusetts with positive job growth in biomanufacturing. The 2024 Challenge Grants support organizations dedicated to continuing this momentum.

This year’s grant recipients include:

Increasing Diversity in STEM Grant recipients:

• BioBuilder Educational Foundation: For the expansion of its High School Apprenticeship Challenge program in Worcester
• Latino Educational Institute: For their program that provides students with STEM experience through STEM expos, LIDER program (Latinos Involved in Discovering Educational Resources), & ASPIRE Summer Academy
• Girls, Inc: For the continuation of its Eureka! Program, a five-year college and career prep program that builds girls’ STEM confidence and introduces them to potential STEM careers

Workforce Challenge Grant recipients:

• MassBioEd: For the expansion of its Life Sciences Career Hub
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: To support its certificate program in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs in STEM Grant recipients:

• Massachusetts Life Science Center: For the continuation and expansion of its MassNextGen initiative
• Lina Gonzalez: Founder of SpadXTech, an MBI company that uses microbes and synthetic biology to produce high performance, circular materials to significantly reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Photos available upon request

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About Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives

MBI is a non-profit focused on building the Central Massachusetts bio-cluster. MBI’s mission is to be a partner for fostering innovation in the life sciences and achieves that goal through its small business incubator system, workforce development efforts, and regional economic development initiatives.   It is estimated that since 2000, MBI has assisted over 197 companies that have created over 1,800 jobs resulting in a $2 billion economic impact.

Media Contact:

Alicia Curran, [email protected], cell: 407-797-2076