BIRMINGHAM, AL — Southern Research recently marked the official opening of its Station 41 biotech incubator, which is one of four programs that make up the newly launched Station 41 biotech commercialization hub. The incubator provides wet lab space and office space, shared lab equipment, and services to support biotech startup growth.

The incubator is located in a newly renovated space on Southern Research’s campus on Birmingham’s Southside.

“In the past, Birmingham has lost companies and jobs to other markets because we did not have available commercial wet lab space,” said Josh Carpenter, Ph.D., CEO of Southern Research. “With this incubator, we are beginning to meet this need. Under the same roof, we are also providing early-stage biotech and pharma companies with unique access to our renowned drug discovery and development capabilities here at Southern Research.”

In addition to their own office and lab space, companies in the incubator have preferred access to Southern Research screening facilities, and they are able to connect with staff experts who can help them move their product forward.

The incubator space is a part of Southern Research’s Station 41 biotech commercialization hub, which also includes the Accelerator, the Venture Studio, and the Therapeutics Development Fund, which all exist to help biotech startups with funding, expertise, and resources.

“Opening Station 41 marks another great stride in making Birmingham the premier biotech commercialization hub of the Southeast,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “Here we will nurture local innovation and entrepreneurs and attract new businesses and talent to our region, helping make Birmingham and Alabama all the more competitive in the 21st century global economy.”

The incubator has space for 12 companies, and it is targeting companies involved in treating and diagnosing diseases — especially those aligned with Southern Research’s core focus areas, which include cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases.

The contractor on the project was Brasfield & Gorrie.

“Our team is passionate about building projects that serve the communities where we live and work, and Southern Research takes that a step further,” said Robby Hayes, Brasfield & Gorrie Regional Vice President and Division Manager. “Southern Research’s efforts affect the world as they develop world-class solutions that address modern-day health threats. By providing space to biotech entrepreneurs, Southern Research is creating opportunity for others as well as further developing that biotech ecosystem in our city and state. We’re thrilled that we were able to construct this essential lab space.”