"The Challenge of Incubator Graduates"*

Michigan is a state rich in research talent, with no less than seven wet lab incubators helping those scientists flourish as entrepreneurs.  Upon graduating, however, many of these young companies must consider leaving Michigan for other regions of the country with more established Life Science industries.  Michigan simply does not have the “2nd stage” laboratory space appropriate to their research.  Common office buildings and warehouses require significant and costly upgrades, and these costs can make or break the relocation decision for a young company.

In addition, many developers, architects, and contractors do not have the experience necessary to address the requirements of scientific and advanced technology buildings.  The demands for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system integration, from interstitial space to counter top, have never been more critical, requiring flexibility and adaptability – at a time when the environmental impact, and operating cost of these systems, have never been more closely scrutinized.  Add to this user demands for ergonomics, lean process, and a creative and stimulating environment, and you have a project that would intimidate even the most experienced business owner.

To complicate the matter, in a tough economic climate, many firms find it difficult to turn down work they are simply not qualified for, jeopardizing the success of the very entrepreneurs they seek to help.

Enter Architecture Construction Technology Group (ACTG).  Born out of the need to help Life Science graduates establish their own facilities, ACTG is a consortium of design and construction industry professionals specializing in scientific and advanced technology facilities.  Utilizing a Platform Team Approach, ACTG delivers best-in-class products and services addressing the life cycle of facility requirements – from choosing a site, to designing and constructing a building, to relocating, acquiring, and commissioning furniture and equipment.

The first graduates of Michigan’s research and technology incubators are beginning to emerge.  While everyone is preoccupied with trying to decide “if Michigan is going to succeed,” those entrepreneurs have already rolled up their sleeves and are making it happen.  By its charter, ACTG is committed to ensuring their facilities become valuable members of their team.

* adapted from an article published in the MichBio newsletter