Open for business

Louisiana Emerging Technology Center's state-of-the-art facility for life science research

The future is looking bright for innovative research companies requiring wet lab facilities-because Louisiana's most technologically advanced business incubator is open for business and accepting applications for space. Designed specifically for companies with wet lab needs, the Louisiana Emerging Technology Center (LAETC) not only offers a state-of-the-art research facility, but also provides the resources and expertise to help convert Louisiana university research concepts and ideas into a marketplace reality.

In the past, researchers needing the special capabilities of a wet lab in Louisiana were either limited by inadequate facilities or left the state to find the technology environment they required. But the State of Louisiana has now provided funding for a statewide network of three wet lab business incubators/accelerators to nurture the technology research conducted in our universities. The Louisiana Emerging Technology Center, located on the LSU campus, and BioSpace 1 in Shreveport will both open this year, while the New Orleans BioInnovation Center is in the design stage. Louisiana researchers now have nationally competitive options right here at home.

Created to incubate companies working in environmental sciences, agriculture sciences and biotechnology, LAETC boasts state-of-the-art laboratories and flexible office space custom-finished to meet the tenant's needs. The beautiful three-story facility sits at the corner of oak-lined South Stadium and East Parker Streets and overlooks two sparkling lakes.

While the graceful building with its architectural arches and signature curved facade is impressive, many of LAETC's advantages are less tangible. LAETC links Louisiana's university scientists with business leaders who can sell their ideas in a global marketplace. The facility also provides its tenant companies administrative services and access to a network of business experts.

As Arthur Cooper, executive director of the LAETC, walks through the 60,000-square-foot building inspecting finishing touches, he explains the incubator's philosophy. "Our tenants are start-up and early-stage companies conducting research in life sciences, agricultural and environmental technologies. These companies have the concepts and technological expertise, but often don't have the business acumen or the contacts to move their concept to a marketable product."

Cooper points out that the LAETC provides the young companies access to business professionals, including accountants and attorneys. "We help them through the business maze of starting a new company so they can protect and grow their product."

"We know the people our tenants need to know. We link them with business leaders who can sell their ideas in the global marketplace. Basically, we assist them in moving their technology from the lab to commercialization," continues Cooper.

"And we put a wealth of resources at their fingertips," adds Paula Jacobi, CEO of the LSU System Research and Technology Foundation, the parent organization of the LAETC. "LSU's Agriculture Center, LSU's Vet School and the Pennington Biomedical Center are close by. The LAETC provides greater connectivity with resources in Baton Rouge and across the state."

"Access to seed and early-stage funding is always an issue for start-up companies," according to Jacobi. "But just last year early-stage funding became available in the state. One of the funds-Louisiana Fund I-was developed through the efforts of the LSU System R & T Foundation, but is a completely independent entity. Louisiana Fund I is a venture capital fund with almost $18 million available for start-up and early-stage research and technology companies. Plus, they can provide access to other funds they work with."

Cooper says that the Emerging Technology Center is already looking at expansion opportunities. The facility is planning to add a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP-Quality Systems) lab for technologies and research requiring adherence to GMP guidelines, making it only the second GMP facility in Louisiana.