Spark Labs offers lab modules ranging from 300 to 2500 sq ft, many equipped with fume hoods, compressed air, and vacuum lines.

Tenants enjoy shared conference rooms, kitchen areas, a beautiful courtyard, onsite parking, and flexible leasing terms.

Winston-Salem supports an ecosystem that promotes innovation and supports the success of biotech startups and established companies.

The crucial entities behind Winston-Salem’s success are prestigious academic and research institutions, a large scientific community, access to investment capital, and government and non-profit programs.

Winston-Salem is the home of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, a leading healthcare and research institution. Wake Forest School of Medicine faculty provides a constant influx of researchers, and its proximity to Innovation Quarter enables seamless collaboration between academic researchers and biotech and life science companies. This collaboration leads to the accelerated translation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications.

Besides universities, Winston-Salem is home to research institutions such as Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM). WFIRM’s research in tissue engineering and adult stem cells attracts top researchers and fosters a collaborative environment where companies can easily connect with experts.

However, the growth of the Winston-Salem biotech and life science ecosystem is also supported by government agencies and non-profit organizations. These organizations provide resources and support that enable biotech and life science startups to grow. These include grants, incubator programs, and mentorship opportunities.

In 1984, North Carolina experienced a decline in the three largest traditional industries: furniture, textile, and tobacco. Leaders realized they needed a new industry and that biotech had the highest potential. North Carolina had resources to develop biotechnology, including research institutions, four medical schools, and a workforce. The state prompted the development in 1984 by establishing the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park.

State officials’ Focus on the biotech industry led Winston-Salem to move away from the historical tobacco industry focus and to the rapid development of other sectors, particularly biotechnology and life science.

Today, Winston-Salem is known for its:

• Biomedical Research: Wake Forest University School of Medicine, which serves as the academic core of Advocate Health, is a leading research institution with emphasis in regenerative medicine, cancer, infectious diseases and aging.
• Biotech Companies: Numerous established and growing biotech companies are located in Winston-Salem. They work on diverse applications such as biofuels, medical devices, and drug development. 
• Innovation Hubs: Facilities such as Wake Forest Biotech Place and Innovation Quarter provide infrastructure and support for life science startups and companies. They offer lab space, networking opportunities, and access to resources. 

Education and Workforce: Winston-Salem State University and Forsyth Technical Community College offer programs that contribute to a skilled workforce for the biotech industry. Wake Forest University’s strong research focus further strengthens the ecosystem.

Winston-Salem has experienced a significant boost in the biotech and life science industry in recent years, reflected in the increase in lab spaces and scientific breakthroughs.

For example, the Innovation Quarter, a hub for biotech and related industries, has experienced continuous expansion, resulting in more dedicated lab spaces and incubator and accelerator programs that help new companies scale. In addition, WIFRM was recently awarded a 160M NFS (National Science Foundation Engines Program) grant to stimulate economic growth by developing technologies that benefit the emerging industry.

Regarding regenerative medicine research, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine has achieved a significant breakthrough that enables the creation of fully functional bioprinted skin tissue. This development established Winston-Salem as one of the leading biotech hubs.

Contributes to employment in biotech and healthcare in multiple ways, the most significant being through academic and research institutions, company presence, and collaboration.

Winston-Salem houses numerous established and growing biotech companies across diverse applications such as medical devices, drug development, printed implants, etc. Innovation Quarter, for example, is the home of Brinter, ProKidney, Javara, and numerous other innovative biotech and life science companies.

Winston-Salem is also the home of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, a major medical center that offers numerous healthcare jobs, employing doctors, nurses, and technicians. Its research efforts create opportunities for scientists and researchers focused on cancer treatment and regenerative medicine.

As a home to various biotech companies and healthcare institutions, the city is a hub for innovations that attract startups, established companies, and investors, resulting in a collaborative environment. Winston-Salem is a place of knowledge sharing and joint research projects that constantly create new career opportunities.

Contact Isaac Perry at ilperry@wakehealth.edu or call 336.830.9146 for more information about leasing and community benefits.