Frequently Asked Questions

I. General Biotechnology Center Questions

II. Company Directory

III. Business

IV. Education

V. Strategic Plan

VI. Strengthening Biotechnology Statewide

VII. Media/Biotechnology Center News

1.1 What is the North Carolina Biotechnology Center?
A private, non-profit corporation created by the State in 1984 and supported by the General Assembly. The Biotechnology Center's mission is to provide long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina by supporting biotechnology research, business and education statewide. The Biotechnology Center has three core programs: Science and Technology Development, Business and Technology Development and Education and Training.
1.2 Is the Biotechnology Center a state agency?
Initially a part of state government, the Biotechnology Center was reconstituted in 1984 as a private, non-profit corporation, giving it greater flexibility.
1.3 Does the Biotechnology Center perform research?
No. Instead of conducting laboratory research, the Biotechnology Center helps universities and companies carry out research with grants, loans and other assistance.
1.4 Does the Biotechnology Center offer memberships or a member list?
The Biotechnology Center is not a membership organization, but does offer services common to membership organizations. You can check the job posting page for possible employment opportunities or be listed in our company database. Networking events are also available on our online calendar. To stay abreast of news, subscribe to our weekly electronic newsletter BT Catalyst.
1.5 What types of business incubators exist at the Biotechnology Center? Does the Biotechnology Center help startup companies find incubator space?
The Biotechnology Center does not provide incubator space for companies, but it does provide referrals to incubators.

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2.1 Why does the Biotechnology Center maintain a company directory?
The staff aims to provide an accurate record of the biotechnology industry to encourage commerce.
2.2 How do I list my company?
Read this page and then send an e-mail.
2.3 How are companies categorized?
  • Bioscience: Companies conducting research, development, production, testing, marketing or distribution of bioscience products. These are more categories classified by activities, end markets or applications and core capabilities.
  • Service Providers: Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide bioscience companies with goods and services.
2.4 How much does a directory listing cost?
Listings in BioSciNC are free, but the organization must have at least one location within North Carolina. Any North Carolina company that provides services to support the bioscience industry is also listed free.
2.5 How do I access all of the information about a company in the directory?
All of the information that is publicly available is searchable online. From the search results, follow the link to General Information. A username and password are no longer required.
2.6 Can you send me my username and password?
A username and password are no longer required to access organization information in BioSciNC. If you are trying to edit your organization's information, they can be e-mailed to you. If you still need assistance, please e-mail library@ncbiotech.org for any BioSciNC related questions or for jobs or registration assistance. Also, please add webservices@ncbiotech.org to your approved senders list.^ back to top
3.1  What business loans are available from the Biotechnology Center?
The Biotechnology Center offers small loans designed to leverage additional investments and to bridge funding gaps in a small company's development. A list of these awards is available online. The Biotechnology Center also invests small amounts of money in venture capital funds devoted to bioscience investment.
3.2  How much financial assistance has the Biotechnology Center provided?
The Biotechnology Center has awarded about $16 million to about 90 companies, helping those companies raise more than $1 billion in follow-on funding from other sources.
3.3  Does the Biotechnology Center offer internships or give referrals to companies or institutions that do?
Only a few. The Biotechnology Center works with a few MBA interns each year and some companies listed in our database do offer internships. Contact them directly if you are interested.
3.4  Can my company post job openings on the Biotechnology Center's site?

Yes. This requires a brief sign-up and approval process in which you enter information about your company and the open position. The Biotechnology Center will assign a user name and password so you can manage the listings. This is a free service for North Carolina jobs only. Learn more on our jobs help page.

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4.1 What education and research grants are available?
A complete list along with the applications can be found on the grant application pages.
4.2 I'm high-school science teacher. What online resources are available?
The Biotechnology Center staff has compiled an updated list of educational sites on the World Wide Web for a variety of grades.
4.3 Can I bring a school group to the Biotechnology Center? Can a staff member give a talk at my school's career fair?
Unfortunately, the Biotechnology Center does not have sufficient staff resources to either participate in school career fairs or give student tours.

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5.1 What is North Carolina's strategic plan for biotechnology?
Gov. Mike Easley asked the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in June 2003 to lead the development of a strategic business plan for growing the biotech industry in North Carolina.
5.2 Who are some of the key players involved with the plan?
Business, university and community leaders--including two former governors--guided the process. See the full list.
5.3 What topics does the plan focus on?
The plan includes a variety of topics that range from education and training to business incentives.
5.4 When will it be available?
You can read the plan now.

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6.1 What is the “Project to Strengthen Biotechnology Across North Carolina?”
The project calls for the establishment of two-person regional offices, administration of advisory committees and the implementation of the Regional Development Grant Program. Developing biotechnology statewide is a priority of the strategic plan.
6.2 What areas will get a regional office?
The Biotechnology Center has opened offices in these regions:

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7.1 Who do I contact with media inquiries?
Jim Shamp, news and publications editor, at 919-541-9366.
7.2 Besides the news items on your home page, how can I follow biotechnology news?
The Biotechnology Center publishes the electronic newsletter BT Catalyst weekly to people either interested or involved in the commercialization of biotechnology in North Carolina. You can also register to receive a Web feed of our news headlines
7.3  How do I include my event in your e-mail newsletter?
Send an e-mail to Ann Burns, who will add your item to the online calendar. Your event should be included in BT Catalyst at least two weeks before the event start date.

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