BioInnovations Gateway is the only incubator in the nation that integrates life science start-up incubation with high school and college education and training.

BiG is partnered and co-located with the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Programs of the Granite Technical Institute (GTI).  The program provides specific and industry-focused training for entry and mid-level positions in the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical device, and natural products industries.

Students interested in the life science industry may take classes in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, learning industry-specific skills such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Quality Management Systems (QMS), Verification and Validation and product design and safety. Also focusing on the “soft” skills such as effective communication, team building, and problem-solving, these students are well prepared for and highly employable following certificate or degree completion.

The interaction between start-ups and students is strongly encouraged by a synergistic culture of education and collaboration through student internships with the start-up companies and seminars presented to the students and faculty by BiG clients.

To date, the comments from both students and start-ups have confirmed the model’s success. Students have been heard to say, “This is WAY better than school.” These types of statements reinforce the belief that there’s no substitute for hands-on learning. Companies employing student interns or recent graduates claim these students are well ahead of their peers in laboratory-specific education and skills. In this higher FDA-regulated industry, having employees knowledgeable and comfortable with operating under stringent guidelines provides significant savings over on-the-job training.