Blue Sky Labs Launches Innovation District at MUSC, Charleston
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) announces the beginning of an innovation district with the launch of Blue Sky Labs. Blue Sky Labs now stands on a retooled campus building at Calhoun Street, offering lab space to innovators needing room for expansion and development. The location, previously a College of Pharmacy site, represents the start of what MUSC’s president, David Cole, calls a generational opportunity.
A Space for Innovation
Blue Sky Labs is dedicated to providing an area where scientists and experts can further refine their ideas, conduct concept testing, and share space and knowledge with other innovators. Part of MUSC’s long-term plan includes creating similar spaces for innovation in the future. By bringing universities, corporations, manufacturers, dreamers, and philanthropists together, the innovation district aims to realize a new level of potential. Jesse Goodwin, MUSC’s chief innovation officer, will be leading the effort from the pioneering Blue Sky building. Goodwin states that the creation of Blue Sky Labs is a physical representation of MUSC’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship while fostering a supportive environment among its faculty and staff.
Building Momentum
Several entrepreneurial services fall under MUSC’s umbrella providing support to potential disruptors. These include The Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, MUSC Health Solutions, and the Office of Innovation. The combined efforts of these entities intend to support new ideas generation through various programs, funding, and pilot projects. Other existing examples of entrepreneurial success include QuicksortRx, GlycoPath, Leukogene Therapeutics, and FibroTherapeutics, all companies started by current and former MUSC employees. These stories depict an existing supportive environment for entrepreneurs at MUSC.
Complementing Existing Spaces
Blue Sky Labs seeks to add value and not replace existing entrepreneurial spaces in Charleston. Unlike existing spaces that primarily serve as office environments, Blue Sky Labs provides lab facilities dedicated to biotech companies. Until now, the South Carolina Research Authority incubator was the only facility offering lab space, and it is almost always fully occupied. Goodwin expects that entrepreneurs could have an office in another entrepreneurial space and run their lab from Blue Sky Labs. This approach, according to Goodwin, reflects MUSC’s commitment to fostering innovation beyond simply educating students and healing patients.
Life-changing Ideas Made Real
Named after the idea of unhindered creativity, Blue Sky Labs aligns with MUSC’s focus on pursuing knowledge that has the potential to improve lives significantly. This novel process can drive transformations not just within the university but across the Charleston peninsula as well.
