Pioneering Biotech Networking Event Marks a Milestone for Oklahoma's Life Sciences Sector
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oklahoma City, OK - Life Science Oklahoma (LSO), in collaboration with the Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID) and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, proudly hosted its first networking event on July 11, 2024.
Held at Our Blood Institute (OBI) in Oklahoma City, this milestone event brought together key stakeholders and members of the burgeoning Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster for an evening of insightful discussion, networking and a tour of the Convergence Campus.
Opening in early 2025, the Convergence Campus is located within the Innovation District and includes OKCID’s Innovation Hall. Innovation Hall will be a hub created to foster collaboration and innovation throughout Oklahoma City. It will serve as a meeting place, neutral and accommodating to a diverse range of users, including educational institutions, research entities, corporate players, workforce organizations, and community members.
Koey Keylon, Executive Director of BioTC leading a tour of the new lab space in Innovation Hall
Located within Innovation Hall, BioTC will be Oklahoma’s first Biomanufacturing Training Center. Aimed at combating workforce migration, the center will offer short-term training, lasting only about 2-3 weeks, focusing on hands-on experience and online resources. This short, affordable training is perfect for Oklahomans without a degree, or those who already have a science background and are looking to level-up their career.
Mark Beffort of Robinson Park proudly showcasing the The Tower
The Tower at Convergence will house Tinker Air Force, Boeing, CrossFirst Bank, Wheeler Bio and OU’s Vice President for Research and Partnerships. These are key initiatives in the MAPS 4 projects, with Newmark Robinson Park and Gardner Tanenbaum as key private investors driving these initiatives forward.
The event featured prominent speakers including Jeffery Seymour, Executive Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater OKC Chamber; Mark Beffort, Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Robinson Park; and Koey Keylon, Executive Director of BioTC. Their presentations highlighted the critical roles their organizations play in the development and support of Oklahoma's life sciences and biotech sectors.
Seymour, Beffort, and Keylon discussed strategic economic initiatives designed to foster growth in the biotech industry, the importance of infrastructure and real estate development in creating a thriving ecosystem and the importance of workforce development in the biotech sector, respectively. Highlighting BioTC's role in providing specialized training and development opportunities that prepare individuals for immediate employment in the biomanufacturing industry, Keylon fielded many questions from excited participants on the tour of BioTC.
Attendees included researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, all contributing to the vibrant dialogue aimed at advancing Oklahoma's biotech industry. The event provided an invaluable platform for these individuals to connect, share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration; the stage has been set for future gatherings and initiatives that will continue to strengthen Oklahoma City's position as a leader in life sciences and biotech. Life Science Oklahoma, OKCID and the Greater OKC Chamber remain dedicated to supporting the growth and development of this vital industry through ongoing collaboration and engagement.
About Life Science Oklahoma
Life Science Oklahoma is committed to advancing the life sciences sector in Oklahoma through advocacy, collaboration and community engagement. Our mission is to support and promote the growth of Oklahoma’s life sciences industry, ensuring it remains a dynamic and innovative sector.
About Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID)
The Oklahoma City Innovation District is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth. By bringing together a diverse mix of industries and organizations, OKCID aims to create a thriving ecosystem that drives scientific discovery, technological advancement and entrepreneurial success.
About BioTC
BioTC Oklahoma, the state's pioneering biomanufacturing workforce training center, is an initiative spearheaded by the Oklahoma City Innovation District. This endeavor marks a step forward in Oklahoma's bioindustry landscape, aiming to bridge the gap between skilled talent and the growing demands of the biotechnology sector. Through state-of-the-art training programs and industry partnerships, BioTC Oklahoma is poised to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, driving innovation and economic growth in the region.
About Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is dedicated to driving economic growth and development in the Oklahoma City region. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, the Chamber works to create a vibrant business environment that fosters innovation, investment and job creation.
About Robinson Park
Based in Oklahoma City, Robinson Park is a leading commercial real estate firm, delivering innovative solutions to clients nationwide. With over 120 years of experience, Robinson Park has grown into a full-service enterprise encompassing investments within the office, industrial, hospitality and multi-housing commercial real estate sectors. Spanning over 11 markets and $2 billion of assets under management, Robinson Park offers specialized services in investment and development opportunities, property management, brokerage, construction management, architecture and design, and strategic research and analysis. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.robinson-park.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contact:
Emma Anderson
Marketing Manager
Oklahoma City Innovation District