The facility will provide laboratory, research and collaboration space for the Innovative Genomics Institute and Bakar Labs, supporting genome engineering research and companies moving from incubation into larger-scale operations. | Photo Credit: Weiss/Manfredi Architects, DGA
- UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs and Turner Construction marked the groundbreaking of the IGI-Bakar Labs building on July 1.
- The project will add laboratory, research and collaboration space for genomics researchers and emerging biotechnology companies.
- The building is planned as a cornerstone of Berkeley’s Innovation Zone and will support CRISPR-based research and life science startups.
- The July 1 announcement identifies Weiss/Manfredi as lead design architect and DGA as executive architect.
BERKELEY, Calif. — The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has broken ground on the Innovative Genomics Institute-Bakar Labs building, advancing a major life sciences project intended to connect academic research, entrepreneurship and biotechnology growth.
The facility, designed by lead architect Weiss/Manfredi and executive architect DGA will provide laboratory, research and collaboration space for the Innovative Genomics Institute and Bakar Labs, supporting genome engineering research and companies moving from incubation into larger-scale operations.
The groundbreaking brought together builder Turner Construction as well as representatives from UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs, project partners, researchers and community leader to celebrate the significant milestone for one of the Bay Area’s major life sciences developments.
“This groundbreaking is a celebration of partnership,” said Manu Garg, Project Executive for Turner, according to an article from Turner Construction Company. “Projects of this significance are only possible when owners, designers, builders, researchers, and community stakeholders come together around a common vision. We are honored to work alongside UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs, and the entire project team to help create a facility that will empower the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.”
The building is expected to become part of Berkeley’s Innovation Zone and further strengthen the city’s role in biotechnology and climate-focused research. Turner said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration among UC Berkeley, IGI, Bakar Labs, philanthropic supporters, architects Weiss/Manfredi and DGA, engineers, consultants and construction partners.
When complete, the new building will support IGI’s genomics research and Bakar Labs’ network of emerging biotechnology companies. Turner said the facility will expand capacity for CRISPR-based research while creating infrastructure for life science startups moving from early-stage incubation to growth.
“This is a pivotal moment for genome engineering around the world, and the IGI and UC Berkeley are at the leading edge,” said Jennifer Doudna, founder of IGI and Nobel laureate, according to an article from Turner Construction Company. “This new building is an exciting opportunity to grow the longtime partnership between the IGI and Bakar Labs, and to show the power of combining impact-driven research and entrepreneurship in one space.”
For Berkeley, Turner said the project represents an investment in innovation, economic development and opportunity by creating space where researchers, entrepreneurs and emerging biotech companies can collaborate in close proximity.
Turner said the facility is intended to help discoveries made in Berkeley continue to grow and scale within the city. The groundbreaking marks the start of construction on a project positioned to support scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators working on research and technologies with broad potential impact.