Biotech center opens at NCSU
Published: Wed, Sep. 19, 2007 12:25PM
Modified Wed, Sep. 19, 2007 12:33PM
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closeRALEIGH -- Gov. Mike Easley dedicated a new biotech facility at N.C. State's Centennial Campus this morning.
The 82,500-square-foot facility will provide hands-on training for college students with commercial-grade biopharmaceutical equipment.
Easley said the goal was to provide "every child in every community" with the opportunity to earn more money in the growing biotech industry.
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"We are opening the door of opportunity to thousands and hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians across this state to be able to participate in a growing industry," he said.
Students will be able to earn degrees in biomanufacturing sciences.
The training center is a partnership of N.C. State, the state community college system, the Department of Commerce and the Golden LEAF Foundation, which provides grants from the state's tobacco settlement.
Easley noted that North Carolina is behind only California and Massachusetts in biotech training.
"I just want the governator out there to know that we are hot on his trail," he joked.
Golden LEAF provided about $38 million to design, build and equip the center as part of an overall initiative grant of about $68 million. Officials said the center is the largest of its kind in the nation.
The Golden Leaf funding also establishes biomanufacturing training capabilities at N.C. Central University and five regional skill centers.
Staff writer Ryan Teague Beckwith can be reached at 836-4944 or ryan.teague.beckwith@newsobserver.com
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