Funding for the Center for Biotech Innovation and Training

The University of Washington Bothell School of STEM is thrilled to announce that the upcoming Center for Biotech Innovation and Training (CBIT) has been awarded additional funding from the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The CBIT will support the growing Biomedical Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ) in the Bothell-Woodinville corridor, as well as the broad array of biotech opportunities in the region and across the state. Its aim is to expand curriculum, increase student-faculty research and create a pipeline of talent for the growing biotech sector. The $750,000 funding allows for CBIT startup costs, space, staff and three new tenure track faculty positions among other considerations. CBIT seeks to develop new biotechnology curriculum focused on laboratory-based skills and the knowledge needed for employment in the biotech industry. Providing a space for talent development and collaborative research, CBIT will address the needs of the biotech industry in medicine, public health, disease outbreak prevention/preparedness and environmental impacts.

CBIT, envisioned by physical sciences professors Hyung Kim and Lori Robins with Leslie Cornick, Dean of the School of STEM, is a collaborative partnership including support from computing & software systems faculty Mark Kochanski and David Socha, along with Surya Pathak from the School of Business. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray were instrumental in ensuring the funding of this initiative. Cantwell said, “The Puget Sound region is a national hub for biotech research and development…UW Bothell’s new Center of Biotech Training and Innovation will provide high-tech training for tomorrow’s biotech workers and help develop the next biotech breakthroughs.” (“Cantwell announces 129 million for Puget Sound region included in omnibus bill”)