Golden State Today

Connect Labs Sacramento has opened a new facility at Aggie Square in March, focusing on aiding early-stage startups in the digital, life science, and health sectors. The space, covering 50,000 square feet, is equipped with pre-built labs, offices, and an array of amenities and shared equipment aimed at emerging companies.

Monique Brown, Connect Labs' new Knowledge Community Director at Wexford Science and Technology, commented on the facility's potential: “It’s an awesome opportunity for life sciences and health companies building their products, especially those coming out of universities and looking for a place to land.” She added that such a setup alleviates the substantial capital expenses for smaller companies.

The facility not only provides lab space, but also includes conference rooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and collaborative work areas, fostering an innovative environment for entrepreneurs. Training and support are offered through a dedicated lab director to ensure users can fully utilize the equipment.

"Aggie Square Rising," a biweekly series, offers details about UC Davis' innovation district at the Sacramento campus before its grand opening in May. This series provides insights into the individuals and departments involved in making Aggie Square, along with its anticipated benefits.

According to Brown, Wexford Science and Technology is dedicated to creating an ecosystem that supports innovation at Aggie Square, enhancing collaboration between faculty, staff, and entrepreneurs. The goal is to stimulate groundbreaking ventures in life sciences and related fields through leveraging academic expertise and specialized programming.

Connect Labs is also set to be a center for industry connections, contemplating hosting networking events, investor information sessions, and talent development programs.

“The goal is to create partnerships between industry and innovators to help build health and life science companies, and to allow them to stay in the region as they grow,” Brown said. The intention is to ensure these companies can develop locally, with backing from the university and industry partners.

As part of the Aggie Square project, Connect Labs aims to significantly contribute to Sacramento's innovation economy by providing vital infrastructure and networking opportunities to early-stage businesses.

Brown looks to the future with optimism: “In a few years, we hope to have enough companies that have continued to grow within the building, so we can expand the project at Aggie Square.” There is potential for further expansion if successful startups emerge from Connect Labs.

For more information about Wexford Connect Labs at Aggie Square, further details are available.