Bio-Community: BioAustin Council

History:

In February 2007, the Austin Chamber of Commerce formed the BioAustin Council. Bruce Leander, a leader in bio (formerly with Ambion/Applied Biosystems), was selected as the first Chairman for the Council. The Council immediately set about the task of forming Committees and developing a program of work. The Council is comprised of executive level personnel from life science companies throughout the 5-county Austin region.

Bio Austin Council’s Mission

Establish biotechnology as an important and growing industry for Greater Austin by fostering an environment that attracts and supports bio-related companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

Council Objectives

• Promote the biotechnology industry and expertise within the Greater Austin region.
• Encourage biotechnology career development, scientific research and the relocation of company operations.
• Serve as a resource for information and/or assistance to new and existing biotechnology companies.
• Provide biotechnology-related input and influence to local and state officials and to academic institution leadership.
• Facilitate networking and collaboration to add value to Austin area biotech companies.

Proposed Council Activities:

• Networking and consortia building within local bio through information dissemination and coordinating or supporting roundtables, meetings, workshops and seminars.
• Information repository for:

o Bio companies in the Austin area (maintain a current and complete directory)
o Service companies with specific life science expertise (maintain a listing)
o Biotech workforce issues for both companies and prospective employees
o Academic institutions, funding sources, tech transfer and other information.

• Working with academic institutions to best prepare graduates for careers in life sciences.
• Facilitating workforce training initiatives.
• Biotechnology sector advocacy including the creation of bioparks and incubators.
• Network with bio-related service companies.

The Council has 5 Committees

1. Funding & Commercialization – includes angel, VC, debt, grants and tech transfer.
2. Talent/Education Development – university curricula, company training, student preparation for careers.
3. Collaboration & Outreach – community networking, inter-company communication & cooperation.
4. BioPark & Biotech Incubator – facilitate the creation of bioparks and/or bio incubators.
5. Information Dissemination – website for bio information, jobs, economic development.

The Austin Bio Industry list includes companies working in the following biotech and life science areas:

1) Research/Tools	a) products including reagents, consumables and instruments b) services
2) Diagnostic:	a) products including assays and tests b) laboratory services (e.g. reference lab)
3) Pharma:	a) products including drugs, therapies and vaccines b) CROs – Contract Research Organizations for clinical trial management
4) Medical Device:	a) devices used as implants, drug delivery and other biotech applications b) instruments, tools, supplies used in healthcare applications
5) Other:	Agbio, Food, Bioveterinary, Environment, Safety and Human Identification (forensics, paternity)

For more information on the life science industry cluster in the Austin region, please contact:

Charisse Bodisch, CEcD
Vice President, Economic Development
Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5608 direct
cbodisch@austinchamber.com