Akron Biotechnology Joins NIIMBL Workforce Development Grant Led by the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station

Akron Biotechnology has partnered with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) to pursue an exciting workforce development initiative.

TEES leads the grant, which combines online and in-person modules to train technicians on processes required in biotherapeutics manufacturing. Developed and delivered by TEES’ National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM), the curriculum includes upstream bioreactor operation, downstream processing, and analytical testing. As part of its commitment to professional development, Akron has enrolled two manufacturing team members in the training.

NCTM’s Director Dr. Zivko Nikolov shared, “We are honored by NIIMBL’s sponsorship and proud to collaborate with Akron through this rigorous educational program that will immerse participants in more than 100 hours of cGMP bioprocess training. Upon completion of the program, more than forty technically skilled graduates will be ready for immediate employment with NIIMBL partner companies.”

“Akron Biotechnology is dedicated to continuing education and workforce development,” said Claudia Zylberberg, CEO of Akron Biotechnology. “The biopharmaceutical industry is rapidly evolving, and it is critical that training be aligned with industry needs. We are excited to partner with NIIMBL as well as the academic and industry team members on these initiatives.”

“NIIMBL invests in projects that will strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers for the biopharmaceutical industry. This project promises a robust curriculum that will serve industrial needs,” said John Balchunas, NIIMBL Workforce Director.

About Akron Biotechnology

Akron Biotech is a leading supplier to the regenerative medicine industry. We develop and manufacture cGMP-compliant ancillary materials and provide specialized services in order to accelerate the clinical development and commercialization of advanced therapies. For more information, please visit us at akronbiotech.dreamhosters.com.

About NIIMBL

NIIMBL is a public-private partnership with the goal of advancing innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIIMBL is part of Manufacturing USA®, a network of 14 manufacturing institutes across the country that brings together industry, academia, and the public sector to propel promising research developments, accelerate new products to market, and train tomorrow’s workforce in order to secure America’s future. NIIMBL is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce and leverages additional support from industry, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and the states of Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The NIIMBL mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.

About the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station

As an engineering research agency of Texas, TEES performs quality research driven by world problems; strengthens and expands the state’s workforce through educational partnerships and training; and develops and transfers technology to industry. TEES partners with academic institutions, governmental agencies, industries and communities to solve problems to help improve the quality of life, promote economic development and enhance educational systems.