Biotechnology
The biotechnology component of the Tampa Medical & Research District (TMRD) focuses on cultivating innovation in medical technologies, diagnostics and therapeutics. Florida is fifth in the nation for biotech research and development facilities, and Tampa is already home to some of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb and Bausch+Lomb. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council is playing an important role in the expansion of Tampa’s biotech sector as well. The Tampa Bay EDC recruits new life sciences companies and helps existing companies retain and expand with a suite of services. These efforts are especially focused within strategic growth areas such as cell and gene therapies, medical devices and digital health solutions. In addition, University of South Florida (USF) is home to USF Research Park, a 112-acre hub for biotechnology, life sciences research and entrepreneurship, right in the heart of the USF community in Tampa.
Thriving on the strong relationships among our partner organizations—including many other leading Tampa healthcare and life sciences companies, biotech firms, academic institutions and healthcare providers, such as Moffitt Cancer Center—the TMRD is driving research and developing the biotechnology solutions of tomorrow.
An Interactive Ecosystem
As an inclusive and ever-growing ecosystem that attracts talent, sparks innovation and increases access to world-class health care in Tampa, the TMRD is a low-barrier to entry, collaborative and business-friendly environment that nurtures the sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise. As a result, the TMRD serves as a catalyst for the development of novel biotechnological solutions and enhances the overall impact of our collective research efforts.
Innovation and Development
The unique setting of the TMRD—featuring a dynamic built environment in an urban, water-centric landscape with diverse stakeholders in industry, academics, infrastructure and investment—is highly conducive to cutting-edge biotechnological research, leading to the creation of new medical devices, diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions. Our partners closely collaborate to accelerate the transition from inception to launch, ensuring that the benefits of our groundbreaking discoveries reach patients efficiently and effectively.
Investment and Funding
Significant investment in biotech research and development is a hallmark of the TMRD. We aim to reduce the barriers facing companies, helping to connect them with the resources they need to scale and grow. From facilitating access to robust venture capital and private equity and assisting with grants, we help companies navigate the ever-growing funding landscape and find and attract new sources of funds.
With this in mind, the TMRD ultimately supports the transition of groundbreaking biotechnological advancements—such as new diagnostic tools, drugs and therapies—from concept to market. TGH Ventures, Tampa Bay Wave, Florida APEX Accelerator, SOFWERX, Florida High Tech Corridor and Embarc Collective are just a few of the many incredible organizations offering resources to startups, early-stage companies and established businesses.
In addition, the TMRD aims to continually evolve in meaningful ways to attract the type of capital partners needed to facilitate growth. From holding networking and kickoff events and bringing in subject matter resources to taking the discussion to where the resources are located, we are committed to providing evergreen support to the overall ecosystem.
Regulatory and Compliance Support
By helping to connect businesses to the vast network of companies that provide robust regulatory and compliance support, the TMRD ensures the smooth navigation of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, compliance challenges and intellectual property management. Additionally, our partnership with MacDill Air Force Base—home to two, four-star Combatant Commands: United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)—highlights the TMRD as a unique home for defense contractors to grow and receive support.
Ultimately, the regulatory and compliance support we offer enhances our ability to develop and deploy advanced biotechnological solutions that improve healthcare outcomes and boost economic growth in Tampa.
