San Jose BioCube hatches new facilities to woo local biotechs
Photo credit: Jane Lalonde, MatchCMO
San Jose BioCube has completed a major expansion of its HQ operations in South San Jose. Following a complete re-design of the ground floor once occupied by Roche, the South Bay biotech incubator now offers functional and appealing workspaces that include brand-new concept labs, huddle rooms, café kitchens, and on-site concierge support.
This latest 67,000-square-foot addition to Silicon Valley’s biotech scene provides a hive-like setting for up to 50 life-science startups and emerging companies, ranging from small to mid-size.
“This is a major milestone for us because we wanted to provide the next frontier of lab design so our scientists could feel inspired and looked after. When we hear that it’s more reminiscent of a hip hotel than a lab, we know we’ve succeeded in creating an experience that promotes our long-term vision.”
Since BioCube’s mission is to attract and retain the next generation of life-science innovators in Silicon Valley, it's hardly surprising that its design and amenities echo the techniques employed by Silicon Valley’s top tech companies to woo sought-after employees in a competitive labor market. Only since BioCube is targeting founders of biotech startups, more emphasis has been placed on their specific needs and expectations.
The new facility blends highly advanced biotech workplace environments with a modern lab design and beautiful architectural elements that feature space, natural light, greenery, and glass. It overlooks the Coyote Creek Preserve with its running and hiking trails, providing easy access to the inspirations of nature.
Concept resonates with progressive early and mid-stage companies
Already, four biotech startups are flourishing in the new location:
Loliware is the world’s leading seaweed-based material technology company, replacing single-use plastics. “We needed a new headquarters to rapidly advance our materials and tech development,” said Loliware CEO Sea Fawn Briganti. “We wanted a like-minded community setting ambitious goals in an inspiring setting. We ultimately found both in BioCube.”
Ionobell is a battery R&D company with expertise in cell and battery material. “After Stanford University shuttered its labs, we asked BioCube to co-develop a battery concept lab with us in their new facility,” said CEO Robert Neivert. “Fast-forward to today, and we have one of the top battery equipment infrastructures in the Bay Area and one of the newest in the country.”
Oxford BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology company with a pipeline of immune-oncology and antibody-drug conjugate-based therapies aimed to fulfill major unmet patient needs by targeting difficult-to-treat cancers. “We are tripling our footprint at BioCube, where we began our US journey,” said CEO Christian Rohlff, Ph.D. “The expansion allows us to grow in the workplace for our existing staff.”
ZingPR developed and executed a successful media strategy for BioCube
Working in close collaboration with BioCube CMO Jane Lalonde, ZingPR honed the messaging and orchestrated a media outreach campaign that built on earlier media initiatives between ZingPR and BioCube. Several strategically important media articles have since been published — that will serve to attract new tenants.
