Funding flows in Florida

Scripps Florida is expected to create 6,500 direct and induced jobs, and increase the state's economy by $3.2bn in the next 15 years.

As one of the world's largest biotechnology research centres, Scripps is responsible for groundbreaking research in leukaemia, ovarian cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, Alzheimer's and AIDS.Its state-of-the-art, 364,000ft² facility will focus on biomedical research, technology development and drug design to produce major drug candidates in a short period of time.

'In Florida, The Scripps Research Institute found a dynamic business climate, a vibrant university research community, a growing investor base and community leaders who are willing to collaborate to create successful life sciences enterprises,' said The Scripps Research Institute President Dr Richard Lerner. 'And in Scripps, Florida will find a partner committed to creating new opportunities for Florida businesses and workers.'

Florida already ranks 11th in the nation in number of biotechnology firms, with 53 biotechnology companies spanning all aspects of the industry. Florida's biotechnology activities have traditionally been concentrated in the discovery and production of safer vaccines, new pharmaceuticals, and faster, more reliable diagnostic tests.

'As a growing international biotechnology company, Viragen is part of Florida's developing biotechnology community and world-class business environment,' said Viragen executive vice president Mel Rothberg. 'We have tapped into Florida's many business and academic resources, and worked with state biotechnology organisations to cultivate relationships that have helped us successfully commercialise our innovations.'

Much of Florida's biotechnology development has stemmed from research taking place at universities throughout the state. Discoveries and innovation from twelve Florida universities make the transition to marketable products more quickly thanks to technology transfer programs. Programs such as the Sid Martin Biotechnology Development Incubator at the University of Florida (UF) are creating successful spin-off life sciences companies that produce vaccines, create innovative medical devices and develop lifesaving medical treatments. The Florida Research Consortium also assists university researchers in developing their discoveries through its statewide partnership with business leaders.

Florida has dedicated efforts to enhancing its university programs, with a $30m commitment to establish Centres of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology at Florida Atlantic University, Regenerative Health Biotechnology at UF, and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. The Centres are designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and give university-produced innovations a helpful push toward commercial viability.