Biotech Industry in Gainesville Is Booming
The biotech industry in Gainesville is strong, and it’s easy to see why companies are popping up in droves across north-central Florida.
According to data from SelectFlorida, a partnership of businesses, government leaders and economic development partners, the Sunshine State is home to the nation’s second-largest medical device manufacturing industry and is ranked fourth in the number of biotech research and development facilities.
More than 34,000 Floridians work in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device manufacturing industries.
Educational Assets in Gainesville
Greater Gainesville punches above its weight in biotech and medtech, which both fall under the biosciences industry umbrella, because of its higher education institutions. Associated with the University of Florida (UF), UF Innovate|Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech is a leader in biotech business incubation. It is located in Progress Corporate Park in Alachua, roughly 25 minutes from the university. UF Innovate|Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech assists growing biotech businesses by providing well-equipped laboratories and specialized equipment as well as a network of mentors, advisers and collaborators.
Additionally, on campus is UF’s Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research. This research facility enables and champions scientific discovery by providing access to world-class biotech expertise and instrumentation.
“With UF’s over $1.26 billion of annual research expenditures, it is a fertile ground for high-quality ideas, talent and resources, and translating those ideas into sustainable, investable companies,” says Karl R. LaPan, director of UF Innovate|Accelerate. “UF’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation has resulted in our Accelerate organization garnering 13 industry and international awards for our successful business incubation program.”
Success Story
One business that demonstrates this success is Alachua-based Evergen (formerly RTI Surgical), a leading manufacturer in regenerative medicine that creates surgical implants using advanced biomaterials science.
“In 1998, we graduated from Sid Martin Biotech and began operations as Regeneration Technologies Inc.,” says Olivier Visa, Evergen’s president and CEO.
Visa says UF Innovate|Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech provided access to turnkey laboratories and shared scientific and entrepreneurial programming that positioned the company for a successful spinoff.
“We are one of UF’s most successful technology transfers,” Visa says.
In 2024, Sid Martin Biotech turned 30 years old, and it has seen great success over the years.
“Since our program’s inception, we’ve seen $25.3 billion in cumulative economic impact,” LaPan says. “Our companies served have overall survival rates exceeding 81%. Plus, more than 113,000 jobs were supported through our direct program efforts.”
Productive Partnerships
Public-private partnerships help ensure the region’s biosciences ecosystem remains robust.
“The innovation engine in Gainesville and Alachua has been a catalyst for our growth,” Visa says. “The local businesses support each other by sharing best practices, pooling resources, building talent, providing referrals and collaborating with state and local officials to improve the business environment.”
LaPan agrees that the region is an excellent location for biosciences businesses.
“I have been here for just over three years, and a consistent theme I hear daily is how proud this community is of our incubation excellence,” he says. “Our program has exceptional community ownership and pride. Our companies receive the support needed to grow and thrive.”
And this kind of business environment is reciprocal.
“It’s a very hardworking, value-based and collaborative workforce,” Visa says. “Our ecosystem of companies support, encourage and strengthen each other to drive innovation and positively impact the community.”
Visa says Evergen has a social responsibility to develop and grow its community. Employees are offered eight hours of paid volunteer time off each year.
“Additionally, we collaborate with local high schools, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College to provide internships, tours and expert speakers that support their educational programs. The more we contribute, the more we can connect with our communities, which is highly rewarding to both our employees and our business.”
LaPan says the time is right for entrepreneurs to consider opening shop in Greater Gainesville.
“Affordability, accessibility and entrepreneurial energy make us a top choice for innovative ideas, companies and people to flourish,” he says. “Our goal is frictionless support or handoffs, leaving every individual we meet better than we found them.”
Get to Know Gainesville, FL
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