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BioDistrict New Orleans hosts Louisiana's largest statewide gathering of Bioscience professionals
BioDistrict New Orleans partnered with the Louisiana Board of Regents and Xavier University of Louisiana to sponsor the Louisiana Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) collaborative workshop. The workshop examined the bioscience industry in Louisiana through the lens of industry, academic, capital and economic development leaders. More than 140 professionals attended the two-day affair to network, collaborate and coordinate the current plans for continued economic growth.
Building a successful hub requires local, regional, state and international collaborations. As such, the BioDistrict workshop moves into the implementation phase to accelerate growth beyond research and start-up ventures and into economic growth through industry partnerships and capital investments.
The BioDistrict continues to capitalize on our unique strengths, engaging in direct dialogue with our constituents and the biopharmaceutical industry, while also developing strategies and public policies that will make our hub successful. Simultaneously, we act to foster an environment that will enable our hub to emerge rather than create one completely from scratch. This workshop is yet another activity that provides key policymakers such as the Board of Regents, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and practitioners with information to promote and sustain the economic conditions and enable the BioDistrict to emerge as a premier hub on the global landscape.
 | | Attendees of the BioDistrict biosciences workshop |
BioDistrict hosts local professionals, poster event
Sponsored by the Adams & Reese Law Firm
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Xavier VP and BioDistrict Chair, Dr. Gene D'Amour welcomes participants to the Collaborative Workshop
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Dr. Gene D'Amour, senior vice president at Xavier University and BioDistrict Chair, opened the evening by welcoming everyone to New Orleans and the Collaborative Workshop. Dr. D'Amour has been one of the leaders in building bridges between the universities and local economic development agencies like the BioDistrict and GNO, Inc.
Pres.
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Eighteen researchers participated in the poster session
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McNamara was followed by Tulane University's tech transfer leader John Christie, who described the challenges in today's tech transfer world and his vision for growing revenues and research opportunities for Tulanians. For those who don't know, Tulane excels at tech licensing and transfer because of Mr. Christies's hard work and the fantastic team he has built around him that includes Ms. Jenna Matheny and Mr. Justin Levy.
The final presenter of the evening was NOBIC's President Aaron Miscenich, who discussed the current status of the BioInnovation Center and its plan to grow new start-ups and launch them into successful new bioscience entities right here in New Orleans. According to Mr. Miscenich, the center has a number of commercial tenants that support the effort including; South Coast Angel Fund, two venture capital funds who invest in a number of technologies, an IP Attorney and a healthcare recruiter.
Workshop and Break Out Interviews In spite of horrible spring weather, the daylong workshop had a capacity crowd of notable bioscience academia and professionals. The slate of notable speakers and panel members who presented case studies gave quality advice and information on the how, who, what, when and why needed to continue the momentum that has been created. The room was supercharged with excitement as each presentation was made.
Ms. Ruth Shuman, program director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), provided valuable insight to the world of SBIR\STTR grants for academia and entrepreneurs considering the commercialization of a research discovery. She spoke about the history of the NSF, the process used to evaluate grant requests and a variety of different programs available to help researchers in the commercialization process. One interesting comment was that the NSF is looking for game-changing technology with a focus towards commercialization.
Mr. Tony Boccanfuso, executive director of the National Academies' University Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP), spoke about the absolute need for collaboration between researchers and to "crack the code that links the patient to the researchers - a linkage called translational medicine and one that the BioDistrict and its member universities are focused on. He pointed to the need and role for clinical trials in the drug development process and the need for bioscience hubs like to the BioDistrict to recruit more Clinical Trial Organizations (CTO's) to full out the ecosystem. Mr. Boccanfuso also discussed the role of Open Innovation, which was also the subject of one of BioDistrict's recent newsletters and part of the BioDistrict Health Education Campus Plan -- a little less bricks and mortar, and more people-centric activity. Key message: Collaborate! Network! Build Relationships!
 | | Mr. Bernard Davitian, vice president with Sanofi-Aventis, addresses workshop attendees. |
Mr. Bernard Davitian, vice president of Deputy Corporate Licenses, Strategy and Business Development at Sanofi-Aventis, spoke about 'Successfully Managing the Top Line Transition" from the current model of drug development and delivery that tends to be slow and expensive to one that is focused on the patient's needs and sensitivity to cost. He also spoke about a three prong growth strategy of being: 1) an efficient R&D organization, 2) focusing on high value medicines and 3) establish new models of external innovation. Joining Mr. Davitian from Sanofi was Dr. Shiv Krishnan, Scouting and Partnering for Sanofi, USA, who carried on the themes that interest biopharmaceutical companies in developing external collaborations. He cited the parallels between the upstart BioDistrict and the leading San Diego Bio Hub.
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Information on a successful biosciences hub
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Keynote Speaker Louisiana Economic Development
 | | LED Assistant Secretary Jason El Koubi addresses conference attendees |
Assistant Secretary Jason El Koubi presented the latest successes of LED on behalf of the citizens of Louisiana. It is truly impressive the substantial improvement Louisiana has seen under Governor Jindal and Secretary Stephen Moret. Secretary El Koubi described in detail how education reform is the key to Louisiana breaking into the top echelon of states economic opportunities for its citizens.
Dr. Larry Botticelli, Chief Business Officer of Tufts University's Institute for Biopharmaceutical Partnerships spoke about international collaborations and partnerships as a means of accelerating the BioDistrict's growth. Dr. Botticelli travels the world looking for partnering opportunities. The objective of the Institute is to form innovative drug discovery and development alliances between Tufts, other university partners and the pharma industry based on existing assets of common strategic interest. The intent is to generate additional revenue streams to benefit the universities and industry alike without conflicting with traditional tech licensing and transfers or the development of new start-ups.
Look for a follow-up conference in conjunction with the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the US Economic Development Administration later this summer that will include the biosciences other categories of university research from Dilliard, LSUHSC, Loyola, Tulane, UNO and Xavier.
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BioDistrict Moving New Orleans into Future
Key Development Area - Canal Claiborne Area provides for expansion of Tulane Medical School and Health Science Center and adjacent Health Education Campus
The BioDistrict Initiative represents the best opportunity to break from the past and lead New Orleans into the future as the city "we want to become," with a greater reliance on the knowledge economy for higher quality, better paying jobs and economic growth - reversing the pattern of brain drain forever.
President and CEO James P. McNamara with Ms. Jocelyn Lockwood on The 411:
Updated viewers on BioDistrict New Orleans
In addition to the industry building activities above, the BioDistrict has completed a master plan to address its' place based responsibility as a cohesive, strategically-planned community of neighborhoods that unites around local university research strengths to form a sustainable built environment and ecosystem. These strengths include commercialization of technology for increased entrepreneurialism, capital formation, housing, workforce development and training programs, all designed to attract outside investment and encourage existing companies to expand. Our long-term, integrated master planning, university research capabilities and economic impact studies of the District demonstrate a positive return on investment. The District proposes by following a coordinated approach for the development of this new industry sector, with financing provided in the short term by public dollars followed later by private investment dollars, 34,000 new or retained jobs and $24 billion in economic activity will be created over the next 20 years.
The key to success is maintaining a consistent level of commitment from private and public stakeholders, investors and above all, the members of the community. The first step is operational funding from the City and the State in the amount of $1.5 million for 2011-12.
Depicted below are renderings of the proposed development plan for the outer Canal Street area around Tulane Medical School and the old Technology Center. The area is programmed in accordance with the City Master Plan and anticipated Zoning Codes to follow. Currently, this area is a mixture of vacant lots, boarded up commercial office buildings and hotels awaiting the new hospital construction and the Iberville Housing transformation. This part of Canal Street has seen some upgrades with the addition of the BioInnovation center and the Joy Theater but more is on the way. This week, HANO authorized the commencement of the Iberville Redevelopment and the renovation of the old Texaco Building into 112 elderly apartments and ground floor retail. Working with the Landrieu Administration, we developed an alternative that will attract more residents, commercial development and a self sustaining green space.
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1600 Block of Canal Street towards river
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The residential and retail projects will be driven by private developers and will respond to market conditions, i.e., positive demand. There is no timeline for completion and no contemplated public taking of property. Our economic analysis and planning has identified demand for additional retail and in-city housing that will be consistent for the next five years.
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Canal Claiborne area map including the UMC
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The intersection of Canal Street and I-10/N. Claiborne will be undergoing a great number of changes based on additional planning underway with the intent to slow traffic down, making the avenues more pedestrian and retail friendly.
The BioDistrict is part of the New City Partnership that sought a Tiger II Grant to study the comprehensive transportation and economic planning of South and North Claiborne Avenue from Jefferson to Judge Perez Drive. The City of New Orleans is leading the effort which is about to get underway.
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Emerging Leaders Profile Mr. Eliel Oliveira -- Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium Emerging Leaders are individuals who are working to advance the development of the bioscience industry beyond just new buildings and into actual job creation and economic growth for our city and region.
Mr. Eliel Oliveira is the Director of Information Technology for the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium (LCRC), a partnership between LSU Health Sciences Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Xavier University and Ochsner Health System. The primary goal of the consortium is to become an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, the gold-standard for cancer research, prevention and treatment. Mr. Oliveira has been instrumental in the design, management, and construction of all technology systems in the new state-of-the-art cancer research facility that the LCRC has built on the corner of Tulane and Claiborne Avenues. The new center has one of the most advanced technology infrastructure in the state that will serve to accommodate the highly sophisticated computational needs of LCRC researchers. Eliel received his BS in Computer Science from Universidade de Alfenas in Brazil, his MS in International Development from the Payson Center and his MBA from A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
Mr. Oliveira is now a member of the Emerging Leadership with the BioDistrict and biosciences community in Louisiana.
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If we work together,
we can be a better community!
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DID YOU KNOW?
The BioDistrict is the #1 Employment Center in Louisiana and growing!
We are always looking for ways to create and attract quality, better paying jobs for New Orleanians.
BioDistrict New Orleans has created a special group on LinkedIn called Bio New Orleans where professionals and employers can post job opportunities, discuss research findings or industry trends and network with other professionals in the biosciences industry. The aim is to create a bioscience community.
As of today, we have posted six new job openings and more will follow as the community builds. In five months, more than 290 (up 20 since the last newsletter) multi-disciplined professionals have joined and started sharing ideas, leads, knowledge and contacts. Some are locals, some ex-pats looking to stay in touch.
This is how clusters are formed, thrive and take on a life of their own.
Are YOU in the game or on the sideline?
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Japanese Delegation visits the BioDistrict Sustainability, Pension Funds as a source of capital and Fabrics on agenda
The BioDistrict was honored to meet leaders from Japan to discuss common concerns about disaster recovery including some action steps to accelerate economic development. Mr. McNamara welcomed our guests:
Mr. Masayuki AZUMA, Official, International Pension Division, Pension Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
Mr. Kazuto NAKAMURA, Principal Assistant Director, Europe Division, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Mr. Atsushi WAKUI, Assistant Director, Textile and Clothing Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Look for information on a BioDistrict New Orleans Industry Building mission to Japan, China and India in 2013, 2014.
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For more information, please visit www.BioDistrictNewOrleans.org
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We Are Social
Stay in touch:
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
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BioDistrict New Orleans has it's own channel. Subscribe today for updates!
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BioDistrict
1515 Poydras St
Suite 150
New Orleans 70112
Come by to see
renderings of the new
proposed developments within the BioDistrict
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James C. Greenwood
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| | What will it take to form a successful BIO Hub?
For that we turn to our friend and supporter, Mr. James C. Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
BIO says it takes:
- Strong science base
- Ability to attract and/or train a skilled workforce
- Specialized Facilities
- Continuous community and political commitment
- Connectivity
- Effective marketing of scientific and business networks
- Effective financing mechanisms and incentives
- Strong ecosystem, i.e., infrastructure and business support services
- Conducive intellectual property environment
- Supportive policy, advocacy and regulatory environment
- Investment in technology transfer and commercialization mechanisms
- Entrepreneurial culture
- Sustainably built environment
- Operating efficiency
It is more than just buildings, it's a commitment to the total ecosystem including open innovation.
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&
OFFER:
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A STRONG FOCUSED SCIENCE BASE THAT IS GROWING + POSITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Top Rankings
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HOUSING
A wide array of beautifully transformed homes of all sizes, offer flexibility and comfort to anyone, from families to singles. Most of our units are conveniently located in Mid-City, selected for its convenient location to employment opportunities as well as its easy access to public transportation.
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CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
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PJ's on Poydras 1515 Poydras Street
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and
Ur Way Yogurt & Coffee
in the BioDistrict
3001 Tulane Ave
Shops at the Crescent Club
Great treats and good eats! Free WIFI for customers.
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| SPECIALIZED FACILITIES
New Orleans
BioInnovation Center
1441 Canal Street
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Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium
1700 Tulane Ave. 
more information
on either the BioInnovation
or the LA Cancer
Research Centers
about business
opportunities and partnerships.
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The role of the BioDistrict is to attract bio - industry investment into New Orleans region.
We are currently tracking 4,125 new jobs, with
3.211 million square feet of new development underway
(public and private).
 | Demand is UP!
50,000 Sq. Ft. |
<<<<<>>>>>
On the Drawing Boards
225 new jobs
125,000 square feet of newdevelopment (private).
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BioDistrict wants your opinion on this newsletter
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TRAFFIC ALERT!RTA Lane/Intersection Closures Announcement: Beginning April 9, 2012
- Elk Place (riverside) between Tulane Avenue and Canal Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for a period of 30-45 days. Canal Street-bound traffic will be detoured to O'Keefe Avenue.
- Bus routes 28 M.L.King, 39 Tulane, 51/52 St. Bernard, 57 Franklin, 62 Morrison, 63 New Orleans East Owl, 64 Lake Forest Express, 84 Galvez, 88 St. Claude, 100 Algiers Owl, 101 Algiers Loop, 102 General Meyer and 114/115 General DeGaulle will be affected.
- Loyola Avenue (riverside) between Gravier Street and Tulane Avenue will be open for local access only.
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 | | Featured Survey
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