Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) and Sirti Partner to Grow Life Sciences Companies in Eastern Washington

WBBA to Locate Eastern Washington Office in the Sirti Building

The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association http://www.washbio.org (WBBA) and Sirti http://www.sirti.org announced today a collaborative partnership to focus their joint organizational strengths to stimulate the growth of the life science industry in Eastern Washington. The WBBA is the Pacific Northwest’s Leading Life Sciences Association comprised of more than 450 life sciences companies, universities, academic institutions and others working together with the mission to facilitate the translation of innovation to commercialization to provide better health to people everywhere. Sirti is a Washington State economic development organization focused on acceleration the development and growth of technology and life sciences companies in the Inland Northwest. In May, the WBBA will be opening an Eastern Washington office in the Sirti Building located in Spokane’s University District and designated Innovation Partnership Zone, to provide a central location to facilitate the translation of innovative technology into new life science products and start-ups, support member organizations and produce WBBA’s popular business development events.

“As the hub of life sciences, the WBBA represents the entire state of Washington,” said WBBA President Chris E. Rivera. “The life sciences industry is experiencing great innovation at an obviously quickening pace and is an economic driver for our state and region. It is important that we expand our reach in Eastern Washington to support our members east of the Cascades and capitalize on the tremendous track record that Sirti has for assisting companies in getting established and positioned for growth. Their accelerator facilities have state-of-the-art laboratory space that life sciences companies require to grow and ready access to Sirti’s team of experienced technology entrepreneurs.”

WBBA has solid partners in Eastern Washington. Washington State University is a worldwide leader in the research of plant biology, sleep disorders, global animal health, veterinary science and biofuel research. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is developing new technologies to increase energy capacity, while decreasing our dependence on foreign oil. Additionally, Sirti’s roster of clients located throughout Eastern Washington as well as in their facilities in Spokane’s University District includes eleven biotechnology and biomedical companies developing a broad range of innovative life sciences solutions.

“We are very excited about our partnership with the WBBA,” said Kim Zentz, Executive Director at Sirti. “The life sciences industry is a growing and important part of our innovative company eco-system and this partnership will help our emerging and established companies better access the resources and expertise the WBBA offers its member organizations. By focusing our joint organizational strengths we can grow the life science industry in Eastern Washington and create more high-paying jobs.”

There is a great deal of momentum that has helped to build a thriving life sciences sector in Washington State, contributing to economic vitality, educational excellence and better health for people everywhere. By locating its director of business development, Maureen Harlow at Sirti and in the heart of Spokane’s Innovation Partnership Zone, WBBA intends to increase its contributions to that positive momentum.

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About the WBBA

The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association is a not-for-profit association of more than 450 life sciences companies, universities, academic institutions and others working together with the mission of providing better health to people everywhere. Since 1990, the WBBA has been headquartered in Seattle and have had a staff member in Eastern Washington for more than two years working to help the industry translate innovation to commercialization and the creation of more life science jobs in the state. Members enjoy access to many great events throughout the year, purchasing discounts, governmental advocacy, timely industry news, as well as the opportunity to tap into the heart of the life sciences community in Washington. For more information, visit WBBA online at http://www.washbio.org

About Sirti

Sirti is an agency of the State of Washington which is a collaboration of business, higher education and government to accelerate the development and growth of technology and biomedical companies in the Inland Northwest, especially in Eastern Washington. Its target clients are innovative technology companies with defensible intellectual property, large market potential, and principals who show a strong desire to grow their business. Sirti offers two state-of-the-art buildings with a total of 40,000 square feet of usable incubation space with wet labs and light manufacturing space along with full service offices and a sophisticated IT infrastructure. Sirti offers business coaching and management assistance, as well as access to capital and Sirti IP/BizNet legal services. Sirti’s experienced staff and veteran entrepreneurs provide expertise in technology assessment, market research, strategic planning, marketing, finance and management for both start-ups and high-growth businesses. For more information, visit Sirti online at http://www.sirti.org or contact us at 509-358-2000.

CONTACTS:

Tim Yeadon
Communications Specialist
Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association
206-732-6711
[email protected]

Linda Hemingway
Director of Market Development
Sirti
509-358-2031
[email protected]