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iCell Gene Therapeutics Granted Orphan Drug Designation

iCell Gene Therapeutics, a CFB client company, has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation for its chimeric antigen receptor engineered T-cells directed against the target protein CD4 (CD4CAR) for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). The Orphan Drug Designation program provides orphan status, and associated development incentives, to drugs and biologics intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Read more about the designation and company here.

iCell

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The Redesignation brings $10 million in funding to drive innovation, company formation, and economic growth.

The Center for Biotechnology (CFB) has announced its re-designated as a Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) by Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), a recognition that comes with $1 million in annual funding over the next ten years. The $10 million commitment underscores the CFB’s leadership in accelerating life science innovation, supporting early-stage technology development, and fueling economic growth through start-up formation and industry partnerships.

“The Center for Biotechnology has served as a critical bridge between academic research and commercial success,” said Dr. Clinton Rubin, Director of the Center for Biotechnology. “This re-designation ensures we can continue to expand our impact, helping innovators bring breakthrough technology to market and strengthening New York’s position as a leader in the bioscience industry.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology are vital to our strategic efforts to grow New York’s economy and the state’s greater innovation ecosystem. By investing in the industries of tomorrow, New Yorkers benefit today through dynamic partnerships that help to create new jobs, generate more revenues, and encourage more companies to establish a footprint in communities all throughout the state.”

The Center for Biotechnology is located on the campus of Stony Brook University (SBU), the flagship research institution within the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) system. Stony Brook University is recognized as a national and global leader in life sciences research, biomedical innovation, and clinical care. Situated on Long Island, New York, Stony Brook has built a formidable reputation as a hub for cutting-edge scientific discovery and translational medicine. The Center for Biotechnology builds upon these strengths by providing cutting-edge programming and competitive financial support to advance biomedical innovation and emerging company growth.

“We are excited to build upon the successful foundation of strong entrepreneurial networks, infrastructure, and programming that we have built over the last four decades” said Dr. Diane Fabel, Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Biotechnology. “The impacts we have had during our last designation period include over $1B in total economic impact with more than 1000 jobs created, and driving more than $315M in follow-on funding. We are excited to see those numbers continue to grow when we celebrate fifty years of hard work at the end of this redesignation period”.

As part of the New York State CAT program, the CFB will continue to work with emerging and established companies across the state to de-risk early-stage technologies, advance both technology and company value, foster public-private collaboration, and provide critical infrastructure for the region’s growing life science ecosystem. Additionally, the CFB team will continue its efforts to develop a life sciences workforce to support the region's bio-innovation economy with a specific emphasis on sectors deemed important to the NYS economy.

Dowload the full press release here.

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Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled plans for New York BioGenesis Park, a groundbreaking $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Innovation Hub in Nassau County, Long Island. To be developed by The Albanese Organization, Inc., this state-of-the-art facility would catalyze CGT research, development, clinical manufacturing, and commercialization across New York State. With a historic $150 million state investment—the largest nationwide for a cell and gene therapy hub—NYBGP would accelerate the delivery of new therapies from lab to patient in New York's diverse communities. This transformative hub aims to establish New York as the leading global destination for CGT innovation, driving economic growth, attracting top talent, and revolutionizing patient care statewide and beyond.

The Center for Biotechnology is thrilled to be counted as a partner in this effort, and is looking forward to working with our colleagues in the initiative to help catalyze and accelerate life-changing therapies.

New York BioGenesis Park is envisioned as a cutting-edge, full-service campus dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapies and accelerating their commercialization. At full build-out, the 700,000-square-foot park would create an end-to-end Cell and Gene Therapy innovation and supply center, featuring interconnected areas for public engagement, research, manufacturing, and collaboration.

A cornerstone of New York BioGenesis Park is its incubator, supported by a $50 million investment from ESD's Long Island Investment Fund. This facility will empower early-stage therapeutic developers by offering state-of-the-art wet lab space, shared equipment, office space, and other essential resources. This nurturing environment will provide Cell and Gene Therapy companies with access to specialized equipment, mentoring, and stage-appropriate financial guidance. As a critical component of New York BioGenesis Park, the incubator is poised to catalyze the growth of promising Cell and Gene Therapy companies by providing them with resources and support, unlocking their potential for innovation and success.

New York BioGenesis Park would foster strong ties with academic and medical institutions throughout New York, creating a robust ecosystem for Cell and Gene Therapy innovation. Collaborating with the Empire State Cellular Therapy Consortium and world-class institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes, Northwell Health, Roswell Park, Stony Brook University, Weill Cornell, Columbia University and others around the state, New York BioGenesis Park would enhance research synergies and accelerate medical breakthroughs. This ecosystem would bring together experts in advanced Cell and Gene Therapy therapies, offering specialized facilities, services, and resources to both tenants and collaborating institutions. By facilitating cutting-edge science, innovative technology development and novel approaches to clinical trials, New York BioGenesis Park would ensure New York's institutions remain globally competitive in groundbreaking Cell and Gene Therapy research and commercialization.

Read the press release of Governor Hochul's announcement here:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-next-phase-long-islands-nation-leading-cell-and-gene-therapy

[post_title] => Long Island to be location for Nation-Leading Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub: New York BioGenesis Park. [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => long-island-to-be-location-for-nation-leading-cell-and-gene-therapy-innovation-hub-new-york-biogenesis-park [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-02-26 16:35:20 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-02-26 21:35:20 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=4488 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2486 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2016-11-22 16:36:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-11-22 16:36:20 [post_content] => The application period for the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Class of 2017 is now open. The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) provides investments to support the advancement of SUNY innovations from the lab to the marketplace. TAF investments are made on a highly competitive basis in projects that target critical research and development milestones, such as feasibility studies, prototyping and testing, which demonstrate that an idea or innovation has commercial potential. Faculty, staff, and students from all disciplines and campuses are encouraged to submit proposals for the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Class of 2017 funding. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 20, 2017. See TAF Class of 2017 Application and Administrative Guidelines. Please be advised that all proposals require the review and participation of your campus administration prior to submission. To be certain that you adhere to any local proposal submission deadlines, you are urged to immediately contact your technology transfer office and/or office of sponsored programs if you are interested in applying for TAF Class of 2017 funding. Jointly funded by the State University of New York and the Research Foundation, the Technology Accelerator Fund has invested over $2 million since its launch in April 2011, and brought to life 36 of SUNY’s most promising technologies by catalyzing the investment of an additional $4.1 million from external partners, including federal agencies, industry licensees and angel investors. To learn about the technologies in which TAF has invested and the people who made it happen, see Technology Accelerator Funded Projects. Questions? Please send any questions to TAF@rfsuny.org. All questions and answers will be posted to www.rfsuny.org/taf. [post_title] => Funding Opportunity: SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Accepting Proposals [post_excerpt] => The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) provides investments to support the advancement of SUNY innovations from the lab to the marketplace. The application period for the SUNY TAF Class of 2017 is now open. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => funding-opportunity-suny-technology-accelerator-fund-accepting-proposals [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-11-30 15:19:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-11-30 15:19:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=2486 [menu_order] => 159 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2952 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-02-07 19:01:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-02-07 19:01:39 [post_content] =>
Inline image 1
 
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Info Session Call
Friday, Feb. 9 from Noon - 1pm EST
Monday, Feb. 19: Deadline for applications
A GLOBAL COMPETITION FOR EARLY-STAGE MEDICAL DEVICE AND BIOTECH STARTUPS
The goal of the $200K Challenge is to identify the most promising innovations that will move the needle in healthcare. They will be presented to a group of experts - industry partners, investors, product development experts, regulatory and quality experts, and medical, academic and business experts. The applicants whose innovations are deemed best will be awarded with in-kind services to advance their technologies.
The $200K Challenge is being sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Amgen, Boston Scientific, Mintz Levin, MPR and R&Q.
[post_title] => A Global Competition For Early-Stage Medical Device And Biotech Startups [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => a-global-competition-for-early-stage-medical-device-and-biotech-startups [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-02-07 19:01:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-02-07 19:01:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=2952 [menu_order] => 124 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1015 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2014-02-20 06:06:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2014-02-20 06:06:51 [post_content] => Springboard Enterprises is recruiting for Springboard: Life Science 2014 - a community-driven accelerator designed to promote and support women-led, life-science companies seeking equity investments or strategic partnerships. Companies that apply will undergo a rigorous screening process before being selected to participate in the program which includes a targeted, hands-on coaching process with industry experts and a two-day intensive Bootcamp workshop in Boston in May. Participants gain unique exposure to Springboard's nationwide network of VCs, angels, corporate investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and strategic partners through a variety of virtual and in-person events, and presentation assessment opportunities. Application Deadline: March 12, 2014 Cost: $100 application fee; if accepted: $2,000 program fee, 1-2% warrants (contribution of warrants to Springboard is optional but encouraged in recognition of the value of the Springboard network) Location: Virtual + in-person events Event Website: http://sb.co/programs/lifescience-2014/ [post_title] => Springboard: Life Science 2014 — Call for Applications [post_excerpt] => Springboard Enterprises is recruiting for Springboard: Life Science 2014 - a community-driven accelerator designed to promote and support women-led, life-science companies seeking equity investments or strategic partnerships. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => springboard-life-science-2014-call-for-applications [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-03-21 21:58:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-03-21 21:58:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://centerforbiotechnology.org/new/?p=1015 [menu_order] => 227 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 5 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4906 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2025-07-17 10:27:09 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-17 14:27:09 [post_content] =>

The Redesignation brings $10 million in funding to drive innovation, company formation, and economic growth.

The Center for Biotechnology (CFB) has announced its re-designated as a Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) by Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), a recognition that comes with $1 million in annual funding over the next ten years. The $10 million commitment underscores the CFB’s leadership in accelerating life science innovation, supporting early-stage technology development, and fueling economic growth through start-up formation and industry partnerships.

“The Center for Biotechnology has served as a critical bridge between academic research and commercial success,” said Dr. Clinton Rubin, Director of the Center for Biotechnology. “This re-designation ensures we can continue to expand our impact, helping innovators bring breakthrough technology to market and strengthening New York’s position as a leader in the bioscience industry.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology are vital to our strategic efforts to grow New York’s economy and the state’s greater innovation ecosystem. By investing in the industries of tomorrow, New Yorkers benefit today through dynamic partnerships that help to create new jobs, generate more revenues, and encourage more companies to establish a footprint in communities all throughout the state.”

The Center for Biotechnology is located on the campus of Stony Brook University (SBU), the flagship research institution within the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) system. Stony Brook University is recognized as a national and global leader in life sciences research, biomedical innovation, and clinical care. Situated on Long Island, New York, Stony Brook has built a formidable reputation as a hub for cutting-edge scientific discovery and translational medicine. The Center for Biotechnology builds upon these strengths by providing cutting-edge programming and competitive financial support to advance biomedical innovation and emerging company growth.

“We are excited to build upon the successful foundation of strong entrepreneurial networks, infrastructure, and programming that we have built over the last four decades” said Dr. Diane Fabel, Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Biotechnology. “The impacts we have had during our last designation period include over $1B in total economic impact with more than 1000 jobs created, and driving more than $315M in follow-on funding. We are excited to see those numbers continue to grow when we celebrate fifty years of hard work at the end of this redesignation period”.

As part of the New York State CAT program, the CFB will continue to work with emerging and established companies across the state to de-risk early-stage technologies, advance both technology and company value, foster public-private collaboration, and provide critical infrastructure for the region’s growing life science ecosystem. Additionally, the CFB team will continue its efforts to develop a life sciences workforce to support the region's bio-innovation economy with a specific emphasis on sectors deemed important to the NYS economy.

Dowload the full press release here.

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Center for Biotechnology Announces Redesignation as New York State Center for Advanced Technology

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Long Island to be location for Nation-Leading Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub: New York BioGenesis Park.

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Funding Opportunity: SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Accepting Proposals

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A Global Competition For Early-Stage Medical Device And Biotech Startups

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Springboard: Life Science 2014 — Call for Applications

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