City of Lowell: Open for BioTech Business

I’m very pleased to report that Lowell has now joined forty-four Massachusetts communities who are BioReady according to a rating system developed by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC) and the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MAED). This new system ranks biotech communities under certain criteria and assigns them as bronze, silver, gold or platinum. Ultimately the new ranking system demonstrates site readiness by communities to support biotechnology companies. This week the city of Lowell was recognized with highest honors as Platinum ranking under the system.

 MBC Massachusetts BioReady Community Ratings takes into account municipalities’ zoning practices and infrastructure capacities. The ratings are there to help biotechnology companies find locations that best fit their criteria and showcases communities’ readiness to accept biotechnology industries. Lowell acquired Platinum rating by meeting all of the standards of Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and having buildings and shovel-ready pre-permitted land sites that are already permitted for biotech uses. 

The Platinum designation speaks well of Lowell’s ability to adapt and work with the changing needs of businesses. We embrace the growth of the biotech sector and are working diligently to foster a playing field that will allow businesses to expeditiously meet all regulatory requirements and begin their operation.  There has been a tremendous amount of collaboration over the last few years in creating the best possible atmosphere for the biotechnology industry, and this rating fully illustrates the unique opportunities available in Lowell.

Lowell also boasts an educated workforce with UMass Lowell and Middlesex Community College located within the city.  The city is also easily accessible from major highways and  transit lines.

Alongside a team of regional economic development organizations from Massachusetts and MAED the MBC put together the BioReady Communities Campaign in 2008. The campaign developed standards to guide communities in their growth of biotech facilities and also rate them for BioReadiness so they may use that as a tool to attract biotech companies.