SUNY Downstate Medical Center's creation of the Advanced Biotechnology Incubator in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, is spurring the development of technology companies and medical innovations.

Designed to help meet the high demand for affordable biotech incubator space in New York City, SUNY Downstate's initiative is also leading the development of biotech manufacturing and expansion opportunities throughout Brooklyn – New York City's most populous borough.

Firms leasing space in the Advanced Biotechnology Incubator have convenient access to SUNY Downstate's extensive resources and amenities, including its research and animal facilities, scientific library, and seminars and symposiums, as well as its pool of highly trained graduate students and scientists. Additional attractions include close access to New York City's capital markets, Brooklyn's diverse patient population for clinical trials, the area's many strong research institutions, and recent designation as an Empire Zone.

The Incubator is part of a two-block biotechnology "park" adjacent to SUNY Downstate that is the cornerstone of Brooklyn's initiative to nurture biotechnology research and development. In addition to the Advanced Biotechnology Incubator, the biotechnology park includes a division of ImClone Systems Incorporated, and space for expansion.

Phase I of the Advanced Biotechnology Incubator opened in June 2004 and is now leasing space; Phase II is currently under construction. When all planned phases are complete, the incubator will offer 50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory space, accommodating 20 to 30 companies.

ImClone Systems Incorporated, one of the state's largest biotechnology firms, is the park's anchor tenant and a model for success. SUNY Downstate has leased 13,000 square feet to ImClone to house a new small molecule compounds division that is working on innovative treatments for cancer.

As an Empire Zone – an area designated by the state for economic revitalization – biotechnology firms choosing to lease in Downstate's incubator will be eligible for financial incentives for development and growth. In addition, as they grow or consider product manufacturing, they will also have the option of expanding into a wide range of low-cost industrial space in Empire Zones throughout Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn biotech initiative has received strong support from federal, state, and local legislators. In addition, to facilitate the growth of biotechnology in the borough, SUNY Downstate has joined with Brooklyn organizations and companies to form the Brooklyn Biotechnology Consortium. The goal of this organization is to help companies access experts in business, and venture capitalists, and provide incentives that reduce operating costs. By providing an affordable, supportive business and scientific environment, the Consortium hopes to encourage technologies developed in New York City to stay in New York City.

SUNY Downstate Advanced Biotechnology Incubator, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 5, Brooklyn, NY 11203-2098, http://www.downstate.eduPhone: (718) 270-1011Fax: (718) 270-1878