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The state has awarded a Worcester university $5.2 million for an initiative to create more programs and jobs in bio-industries. The award from the Healey administration was given to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), along with the City of Worcester, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives and 30 regional partners, WPI announced Thursday. The initiative, known as the BioHub, aims to establish 24 pilot projects, train over 500 individuals and create 3,000 new jobs in bio-industries throughout the next three years, according to an email from WPI. Bio-industries are industries that make use of bio-technology, which uses living organisms, biological systems or parts of biological systems to create products and technology. Vaccine development is one example. “WPI’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and life sciences make us a natural catalyst for collaboration and economic growth,” said Grace Wang, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the email. “The BioHub builds on this foundation — bringing together academic, industry, and government partners to drive bio-manufacturing innovation, create jobs and expand opportunity for people across Central Massachusetts and beyond.” As part of the initiative, WPI will use its facilities, such as the Bio-manufacturing Education and Training Center (BETC), to help accelerate the necessary work to accomplish the BioHub’s goals, according to the email. The BETC is a 10,000-square-foot pilot-scale laboratory, the email reads. “By designating Worcester as a BioHub, the Healey-Driscoll administration will help the city build on the work it has already been doing to make the city a hub of innovation and help grow industry across the state,” said City Manager Eric Batista in the press release. “I am excited to see how WPI and the MBI will accelerate the commercialization of new food, fuels, chemicals, and materials.” The BioHub also includes several other initiatives: expanding foundries for bioengineering, developing hands-on and augmented-reality training programs, and connecting academic and industrial partners to create a state-wide bio-industrial network. More Worcester Stories Worcester City Council candidate calls for a recount Worcester council newcomers will reshape agenda on housing, police oversight. Here’s how Worcester Election 2025: Results for mayor, city council, school committee ”
