Huntsville, Ala. – The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has made a $2.45B impact on the Alabama economy, according to a recent study conducted by the Center for Management & Economic Research at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
Impacts from employment, revenue and capital expenditures (construction, equipment) are included in the data analysis from 2006 to 2018. HudsonAlpha and resident associate companies co-located and interacting on the biotech campus in Cummings Research Park (CRP) have continued to expand their footprint in multiple sectors across the biosciences including Research, Testing and Medical labs (largest with 71% of the economic dollar impact), drugs and Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices and Equipment.
“HudsonAlpha has been instrumental in growing the business of biotech in North Alabama. Just over ten years ago, there were only a few people and companies dedicated to working in biotech, but now HudsonAlpha has a remarkable track record of success and growth,” said Jim Hudson, co-founder of HudsonAlpha. “These numbers show that the model we [Hudson and co-founder Lonnie McMillian] created works and that we’re positioned for the future.”
The study reflects data from more than 30 resident associate companies, a number that has continued to grow since the conclusion of the study in 2018. Now, more than 40 companies choose the biotech campus for lab and office space in an entrepreneurial bioscience ecosystem.
“Biotech companies located at HudsonAlpha have opportunities that are not available anywhere else. On the HudsonAlpha campus, entrepreneurs and companies of every stage and size can interact with global leaders in genomics; participate in mentoring initiatives with men and women with decades of success in science and business; and work in an environment of cooperation and encouragement where people see the benefits in everyone’s success,” said Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha. “The model created by the founders is unique, but the 800 people on campus make HudsonAlpha a destination for those who want to be on the leading edge of biotech.”
According to the study, HudsonAlpha has contributed 2,063 direct and multiplier jobs to Alabama with an estimated $863 million in payroll since 2006. This significant growth is due in part to the additional space on HudsonAlpha’s campus such as the Paul Propst Center, opened in fall 2018. The 105,000 square foot building houses education and research programs, as well as several of the growing for-profit associate companies.
“HudsonAlpha is a critical component to Alabama being in position to expand our bioscience activity. The positive impact of HudsonAlpha and the 40+ biotech companies to Alabama’s economy is remarkable but there is so much more that they do for our state. HudsonAlpha is making breakthroughs on cancer, working with Alabama farmers for better crops, diagnosing rare diseases for children and educating students, teachers and the public. I can’t wait to see what’s next for HudsonAlpha,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.
“This study reflects our ability to train, recruit and retain top biotech talent in Alabama and help strengthen the state’s economy,” said Rick Myers, PhD, HudsonAlpha president and science director. “It’s important to have our campus contribute economic value and provide higher-wage jobs in Alabama in an industry that is advancing human healthcare and the sustainability of food and energy resources.”
About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Opened in 2008, HudsonAlpha’s vision is to leverage the synergy between discovery, education, medicine, and economic development in genomic sciences to improve the human condition around the globe. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha has become a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and fosters more than 40 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.
Media Contact:
Margetta Thomas
mthomas@hudsonalpha.org
256-327-0425
