BioWell Assumes Control of Texas BioTechnology’s Pilot Facility to Address Biomanufacturing Gaps

BioWell, a nonprofit accelerator in Houston, has taken over the Texas BioTechnology pilot facility in Richmond, Texas, making it the largest industrial biomanufacturing facility in the US. With 13,000 liters of fermentation capacity, the facility offers contract development services, advanced laboratory spaces, and bioprocessing equipment. This move is seen as crucial in addressing the lack of access to pilot-scale facilities in the US bioindustrial sector and helping to de-risk and scale up biotechnological processes.

The facility also aims to support workforce development by providing training for students and industry workers. This development is expected to have a significant economic impact on Houston's biomanufacturing sector, generating high-quality jobs and strengthening the city's position as a leader in the industry. The partnership between BioWell and First Bight Ventures will help scale production and attract investment for portfolio companies, further connecting biomanufacturing with the chemical industry prominent in Houston.