Newton has just been designated a Gold BioReady community, a status that should help attract the burgeoning life sciences industry to the city.

 

The BioReady Community designation from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) signifies that a municipality has biotech and life sciences friendly zoning, has a streamlined permitting process and has robust infrastructure in place. The designation serves to showcase Massachusetts communities that are ready to host new life sciences research and manufacturing facilities.

 

“The Massachusetts life sciences cluster is no longer just in Cambridge and Boston but has expanded to towns across the Commonwealth, where lab space, manufacturing facilities, and office space are more accessible and affordable,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President and CEO of MassBio. “We’re thrilled to see more towns join our growing list of BioReady Communities to support the innovation and breakthrough science that give hope to sick people around the world.”

 

Newton joins Needham, which obtained gold BioReady status in 2016, and helps solidify the region as a great destination for bio tech, said Chuck Tanowitz, director of the N-Squared Innovation District.

 

“This is culmination of work done by the Newton Economic Development Commission, Newton City Council and Newton Biosafety Committee and demonstrates how Newton and Needham are a key part of the Massachusetts innovation ecosystem,” said Tanowitz.

 

“We’re committed to building a strong life sciences community and expanding on neighbor companies like the Newton-based Karyopharm and the Needham-based Verastem. We are on the map for any biotech or life sciences company looking to grow or expand in the state,” Tanowitz added.

 

MassBio and partner organizations across the state began the statewide BioReady Communities Campaign in 2008 to provide background to municipal officials about the biotech industry and offer guidance on how to position municipalities as destinations for biotech laboratory and manufacturing facilities.

 

Using a scale of Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, the ranking system helps Massachusetts cities and towns market themselves to biotechnology companies looking to expand or relocate. As part of the campaign, the MassBio Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) developed criteria to both guide communities in their pursuit of biotech facility opportunities and rate them for bio-readiness to provide each with a tangible marketing tool.