New bioscience lab opens in southwest Portland

Today, the Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA) is presenting its new $1.5 million, 2,700-square-foot Bioscience Lab. It will supply space for six new bioscience companies to develop new drugs and medical devices.

The lab features expensive and rare equipment for Portland, including fume hoods that limit the user’s exposure to hazardous gasses and dust and autoclave sterilizers that are used to sterilize equipment.

“Bio-labs are just essential to do any kind of biotech or chemistry work, and there aren’t very many of them in Portland,” DesignMedix CEO Lynn Stevenson said.

Bioscience, otherwise known as life science, includes several scientific branches that deal with living organisms and their organization, life processes and relationships to each other and their environment.

Located in southwest Portland, just south of the Marquam Bridge, the six-year-old PSBA’s focus is on helping start-up companies that will improve Oregon’s economy. It has provided reasonably priced office and laboratory space, and through its developmental support, about 33 of the 40 companies based in the PSBA have been successful.

The PSBA has room to support roughly 25 companies in its 40,000 square-foot space. It has four wet labs, as well as small, mid-sized and large offices. PSBA clientele receive flexible lease terms, competitive lease rates, furnished offices, multiple meeting rooms and kitchens, programs to help support business and amenities to help companies control costs, such as free internet access and discounted parking.

One of the business-supporting programs the PSBA offers is “Road to Angel Oregon,” an investor readiness opportunity where startup consultant Dennis Powers works personally with companies at deducted rates in order to help them attract potential investors.

The PSBA welcomes all PSU students and faculty to attend this event, which will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. The lab is located at Southwest Corbett Avenue and Southwest Meade Street. For more information, contact the PSBA at 503-725-2312. ?