Donning laboratory coats for a tour of facilities at the new Biolabs Innovation Center, (from left to right) are University of Vermont President Marlene Tromp, Ph.D.; Richard L. Page, M.D., dean of the Larner College of Medicine and UVM Chief Medical Affairs Officer; Kirk Dombrowski, Ph.D., UVM’s vice president for research and economic development; and Kate Tracy, Ph.D, senior associate dean for research at the Larner College of Medicine. UVM photos.
Nation’s first BioLabs facility in a rural state launches to advance Vermont’s biotech future.
Vermont Business Magazine With a ribbon cutting, speeches, and tours of its extensive laboratory space, the formal opening of the BioLabs Innovation Center at UVM was celebrated on Tuesday, September 23. More than 50 representatives from the University of Vermont, the Larner College of Medicine, BioLabs, the city of Burlington, local industries, and the center’s first tenants attended the event at the University of Vermont Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine’s Colchester Research Facility in Colchester, Vermont.
“The BioLabs Innovation Center places UVM in a select group of universities with world-class incubator infrastructure, signaling the university’s bold commitment to research commercialization and biotech entrepreneurship,” said Kirk Dombrowski, UVM’s vice president for research and economic development. “With the first BioLabs facility in a rural U.S. state, UVM is now aligned with institutions in Boston, New York, and San Diego—cities known for their biotech excellence. This partnership not only enhances UVM’s reputation but also attracts top-tier faculty, researchers, and students who seek a vibrant, innovation-driven academic environment.”
This new facility is a two-year, collaborative effort between UVM’s Office of the Vice President for Research and BioLabs, the premier international network of shared lab and office facilities for life science startups. The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone for the university and region, offering early-stage life science startups and companies critical infrastructure, equipment, and resources designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
“At the Larner College of Medicine, we are witnessing a growing commitment among our medical students, faculty, and researchers to drive meaningful change through rigorous scientific inquiry and forward-thinking initiatives,” said Richard L. Page, M.D., dean of the Larner College of Medicine. “Our scholars increasingly recognize that strategic partnerships beyond the academic realm can enhance both basic and applied research—by uncovering questions shaped by the needs and priorities of Vermont, our region, and the world.”
The center is designed to foster creative interaction and collaboration while leveraging the extensive resources of UVM’s world-class facilities and research teams. This professionally managed, state-of-the-art incubator features 7,000 sq. ft. of shared wet labs, private labs, flexible office spaces, and community areas, equipped with more than $1 million in cutting-edge technology. By supporting a community of 10 to 20 startup companies, the center aims to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship that extends beyond campus—serving as a powerful economic engine for a rural region’s continued development.
“In just a few short months since launching, BioLabs UVM is already supporting more than four companies onsite and another four through our Accelerate program. Our goal is to have over 10 resident companies onsite within the next year,” said James Stafford, director of the UVM BioLabs Innovation Center.
Located less than three miles from the UVM campus, center residents also benefit from access to the university’s state-of-the-art core facilities, library, and researchers, fostering collaboration within the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine. Convenient to the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and vehicle and rail inter-state travel hubs, the center is positioned to drive innovation in the region while staying connected to the world.
Attending the ribbon cutting for the new BioLabs Innovation Center, (from left to right) are: Gary Olsem, BioLabs Vice President for Launch and Customer Experience; John Milligan of The Honeypot, a BioLabs tenant; Brad Palmer of Sarcometrics, a BioLabs Tennant, James Stafford, Ph.D., Director, BioLabs Innovation Center at UVM; Kirk Dombrowski, Ph.D., UVM Vice President for Research and Economic Development; Marlene Tromp, Ph.D,m UVM President; Richard L. Page, M.D., Dean of the Larner College of Medicine and UVM Chief Medical Affairs Officer; Kate Tracy, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Research, Larner College of Medicine and Director of Research for UVM Health Network.
About the University of Vermont: For People and Planet
Founded in 1791, UVM is the leading public university where discovery, creativity, community, and action coalesce to secure a thriving future for people and planet. Recognized among the nation’s top R1 research institutions, Vermont’s land-grant university attracts $260 million annually for groundbreaking research and enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 50 states and 75 countries. At UVM, students, faculty, and staff work together in pursuit of a healthier, greener future. Learn more at uvm.edu.
About the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont
Founded in 1822, the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont is the seventh-oldest medical school in the nation. The college is dedicated to developing exceptional physicians and scientists by offering innovative curriculum design, state-of-the-art research facilities, and clinical partnerships with leading health care institutions. The college’s commitment to excellence has earned national recognition, attracting talented students, trainees, physicians, and researchers from across the country and around the world. With a focus on inclusive excellence, the Larner College of Medicine prides itself on cultivating an environment that uplifts and supports its faculty and student populations while advancing medical education, research, and patient care in Vermont and beyond. uvm.edu/larnermed
About BioLabs
A membership-based innovation platform and network of shared laboratory spaces, BioLabs offers beautifully designed coworking environments that pair fully equipped and supported lab, office, and event spaces with relevant programming and unparalleled access to capital and industry partners. These fertile, supportive ecosystems allow young companies to shift their focus from startup operations to experimentation and innovation so they can reach their scientific potential quickly and achieve business success. Companies can start with a single lab bench and scale up as they grow. The expanding BioLabs network currently operates labs in the U.S. (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont); in Europe (Paris and Saclay, France; Heidelberg and Berlin, Germany); and in Kawasaki, Japan. Learn more at https://www.biolabs.io/
9.23.2025 UVM
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