Supporting the City of Tacoma’s efforts to grow the biotech field in Tacoma, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the planned Wedge Biotech Accelerator, which is projected to open at 2304 Jefferson Ave. in the Brewery District near University of Washington Tacoma by early winter of this year, will receive $50,000 in funding.

University of Washington Tacoma is the City’s premiere partner in this endeavor, and this funding will help support the consolidation of research assets in the local area into a shared lab space. It is also projected that the planned Wedge Biotech Accelerator will serve as a space where high school and college students can work to develop lab skills.

“This investment in Tacoma by the SBA will enhance our approach to biotech research and ultimately move ideas to market,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “Partners such as Joint-Base Lewis McChord and MultiCare will help us leverage patient data to accelerate our work in areas including water quality, health care and clinical trials and more.”

— City of Tacoma