Nebraska Innovation Campus wins $750,000 grant to help provide lab space for startups

By Martha Stoddard / World-Herald Bureau

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Innovation Campus has won a competitive federal grant to help nurture biotechnology startup companies by providing laboratory space.

Officials announced the $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration on Wednesday.

It will be matched with an equal amount of University of Nebraska-Lincoln funds to build and equip wet laboratories for lease by fledgling companies.

Wet labs are equipped for tests and analyses requiring water, direct ventilation and specialized piped utilities. They do not work with hazardous materials.

Matt Erskine, deputy assistant secretary of commerce, said the planned Biotech Connector will be a hub for business innovation leading to the creation of new jobs.

“Smart collaboration and smart investment drive the world,” he said. Read the full story.