Brooklyn Boro

Opinions & Observations: Biotechnology leading the way in Brooklyn

March 18, 2021 Kathleen Otto and Diana Reyna
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When New York City fully enters a post-COVID-19 world, Brooklyn will lead the city into recovery. Our strong workforce development pipeline, talent and centers of research and development, makes this borough best positioned to not only survive the economic crisis but build back better and stronger than before. 

One of Brooklyn’s hidden gems is BioBat, a state-of-the-art campus situated in the diverse and bustling neighborhood of Sunset Park and home to start-ups developing innovative scientific research and advanced manufacturing driving medical progress, sustainable solutions and agriculture bio-technology.

BioBat laboratories are built to accommodate all companies; from early-stage startups to international teams expanding to New York City and the United States. Strategic vision, planning and public-private investment over the last two decades has positioned companies like BioBAT to provide a world-class home to life science companies who have moved past one-bench work spaces on the Brooklyn Army Terminal waterfront. 

Affordable space, business development resources, and youth science education at BioBAT  place Brooklyn at the forefront of New York’s resurgence. 

But, when will the rest of New York City recognize the power that Brooklyn holds with incubators like BioBat leading the way to the future? Funding for the life sciences and technology continues to flow mostly into Manhattan, ignoring Brooklyn’s contributions to the industry and potential to become a model for the nation.

Located in Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, BioBAT is zoned for commercial and light industrial use, including research and manufacturing. Its campus offers a secure and gated campus on the Sunset Park waterfront, free on-site parking, restaurant and daycare facility on campus, convenient access to transportation and ferry access to NYC research institutions. Photo courtesy of BIoBAT

BioBAT has been a part of Brooklyn’s revitalization since 2006. Starting with its anchor tenant, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the organization has been a magnet for science and technology firms. Today, there are many cutting edge science companies housed at the BioBAT campus. 

Brooklyn provides an easy access-point for companies who are looking to identify the talent that will power their work as so many New Yorkers are leaving Manhattan in the wake of the pandemic. Brooklyn’s invigorating growth of commercial real estate, co-working spaces, entrepreneurship, and population provides companies access to talent. 

The technology and life science hubs that have grown exponentially over the past decade have steadily increased the number of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) experts who are a part of the New York City hustle. The number of longstanding Universities and Community Colleges are a major factor in Brooklyn’s rise in talented individuals. 

Schools such as Brooklyn College, NYU Tandon, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and Medical Center, Saint Francis College, St. Joseph College and Kingsborough and Medgar Evers Colleges are training and educating the next generation of life science talent, and have been doing so for decades. Brooklyn also boasts a number of youth STEAM camps for elementary school, middle school, and high school students supported by local companies and volunteers. 

These programs foster a love for science and technology from a young age, and engages them in fields for which they are passionate. These established workforce pipelines drive Brooklyn’s economic ecosystem and world class innovation. 

The life science and technology centers in Brooklyn and BioBAT bring global solutions daily. The time is now for New York City’s leadership to increase funding, access to affordable laboratory, biomanufacturing and office space for biotech companies in Brooklyn. 

BioBAT is open for business, committed to connecting and growing New York City’s biotech ecosystem, promoting growth sectors, engaging and educating the public on the benefits of biotechnology. BioBAT is ready for investors, both private and public, to discuss and address the economic opportunities in Brooklyn.

Kathleen Otto serves as the executive director of BioBAT, Inc., the New York City Science and Technology Center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Diana Reyna is the Former City Council member and deputy Brooklyn Borough President. 

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