Draper to establish bioMEMS development centre
Draper, which was spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will use laboratory space at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa to develop, manufacture and assess bioMEMS-based biomedical machines in a variety of clinical settings.
The firm will also establish a manufacturing unit in the nearby city of St Petersburg at which it will make the multi-chip modules (MCM) that are required by the bioMEMS platform. The two new facilities will create around 165 R&D jobs for PhD and MSc qualified staff.
Draper explained that while its bioMEMS technology platform has a broad range of potential applications in industries ranging from electronics to energy, the new unit will initially focus on the development of nano-scale implantable devices for drug delivery and in-vivo diagnostics.
The work is being funded by $15m from USF and an economic incentives package worth around $30m from local government authorities.
Speaking at the project’s launch, company CEO Jim Shields said that: “this partnership provides an excellent opportunity for Draper Laboratory to further its work in developing technology solutions for some of the most critical problems in health, care security and energy.”
Echoing these thoughts, Florida governor Charlie Crist said that Draper’s decision is a further example of the region’s ability to attract premier R&D organisations.
Gov Crist added that the project is an "outstanding collaboration of our academic, economic development and state-wide leaders to successfully bring this visionary project from idea to reality."
Metabolite monitoring and drug delivery
Draper’s bioMEMS machines are micro-electromechanical systems that can detect small fluctuations in the body’s chemistry. Potential projects include the creation of roving systems that monitor metabolites like sugar and potassium, as well as the development of an ocular implant capable of delivering medications for degenerative eye diseases.
Draper will also work with USF researchers on examining the application of its technology to medical and biological areas, including the development of improved tissue repair medications and artificial organs. The firm has also agreed to sponsor two graduate students to work on the project.
In contrast, Draper’s MCM pilot plant will be a purely commercial operation, producing custom chips for industrial clients in the healthcare, electronics and energy sectors.
