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Bio+Tech Center

Since 1995, over 150 companies have started in the VA Bio+Tech Center, the Park’s life sciences incubator.  Approximately one-quarter of those companies have been started with discoveries and technologies coming out of research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), with the remaining companies being started by entrepreneurs and scientists from across the United States and around the globe. All have chosen to start their biotechnology companies in the VA Bio+Tech Park.

The Bio+Tech Center is equipped with 10 wet laboratory/office suites, a shared lab, and 22 private, furnished offices for companies not needing a wet lab. All have access to common equipment, meeting rooms and other shared amenities such as a kitchen with free Legacy coffee, copier/scanner, mailboxes, and common reception. The labs have built-in benches, casework and hoods, and office furnishings. All utilities, including high-speed internet access, are included in the cost for the labs and offices. Business services, such as marketing and accounting, and discounted prices on various services and equipment are also available to the companies located within the Bio+Tech Center.

Membership Benefits

Our benefits and programs are developed with founders in mind. We do our best to provide you with opportunities you might not find elsewhere, with the goal of connecting you to valuable resources, mentors, investors, and our community.

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Virginia Bio
Membership

Start-ups joining our community can also take advantage of membership to Virginia Bio, our statewide trade association representing the life sciences industry.

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Richmond Enterprise Zone Incentives

The City of Richmond offers several ways to assist start-ups joining Activation Capital including rebates on real estate tax, relocation, machinery and equipment, pending fund availability.

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Community
Events

Attend community events organized by Activation Capital, spanning from office hours to educational workshops to social gatherings.

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Select VCU
Resources

As a member of Activation Capital, you may be able to use VCU’s CORE Facilities at a discounted rate. Access to select online journals may also be available.

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Office
Essentials

Each member receives a mailbox and mailing address, copier, and complimentary coffee and water as part of your membership.

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Lab Supplies & Equipment

Members can take advantage of discounted purchasing through vendors like Thermo Fisher as well as access shared lab equipment including an autoclave, DI water, ice and cold storage.

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UPS
Discounted Rates

Activation Capital members receive domestic and international shipping discounts with UPS.

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Meeting & Office
Space

Members receive complimentary meeting space in several board rooms and breakout rooms. We also have larger event space available to rent at discounted rates.

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Recreation
& Fitness

Bike share and scooter program offered throughout the City of Richmond as well as a discounted gym membership to facilities on the VCU campuses.

Private Offices

We have multiple office spaces available to hold one or two individuals for life sciences and advanced technology startup companies. Bio+Tech Center benefits include shared amenities and equipment, discounted vendor services, educational events, and opportunities for connecting with other life sciences entrepreneurs and innovators.

a man sits at his desk in a shared office environment in the biotech park
three people sit and work on their laptops in a lab

Shared Lab Space

We have space available for daily or monthly use of our shared lab equipment. Lab equipment includes:

  • HERAcell 240 CO2Incubator
  • Biological Safety Cabinet – Level 2
  • Analytical Balance
  • Beckman Coulter AVANTI ® J-26 XPI Centrifuge
  • Genesys 6 UV-Vis Spectrometer
  • Genesys 5 Spectrometer
  • Fisher Scientific Sonicator
  • Branson Sonicator
  • Fisher Scientific Isotemp Water Bath
  • Pierce Reacti-Therm Heating Module
  • Fisher Scientific Stirring Hot Plate
  • Robinair CoolTech Vacuum Pump
  • Fisher Scientific MAXIMA C Vacuum Pump
  • Fisher Isotemp Dry Bath
  • Barnstead Electrothermal Flask Heater
  • Glass-Col Electrothermal Flask Heater
  • Olympus IX71 Inverted Microscope
  • Thermo Scientific Evolution 3000 UV Spectrophotometer
  • Thermo Scientific Heratherm Incubator
  • Fisher Scientific Electrotherm glass heater
  • Edwards nXDS Scroll Pump.

 

Common spaces include Autoclave Room, Freezer Room, Cold Room, and DI Water.