Huntsville, Ala. — A new collaboration between the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and The University of Alabama in Huntsville aims to strengthen the business skills of life science sector startups at HudsonAlpha and enhance the educational experience for UAH business students.
Rick Myers, Ph.D., President and Director of HudsonAlpha, and UAH President Robert Altenkirch, Ph.D., announced today the establishment of the HudsonAlpha-University of Alabama in Huntsville Entrepreneurship Collaboration.
“HudsonAlpha is proud to partner with UAH to grow biotech companies here in Huntsville as these companies are critical to the success of moving research into the marketplace where they can have greater impact,” Myers said. “UAH has a fine program in its College of Business Administration, and we’ve already seen success from many of the students who have come out of the program and are working with us and the associate companies. This collaboration will be a benefit to both institutions as we strengthen businesses and build the life science workforce in Huntsville and throughout the state.”
HudsonAlpha, a nonprofit research institute, has the unique threefold mission of genomic research, educational outreach and economic development. Within the economic development mission area are recruitment, business expansion and entrepreneurship. HudsonAlpha is home to more than two dozen life science companies in various business stages. These HudsonAlpha associate companies are involved in diverse areas including diagnostics, drug development and health services.
“Partnering with HudsonAlpha provides our College of Business Administration more involvement in the growing life sciences sector. UAH has tremendous talent with faculty and students, and this collaboration will add value to HudsonAlpha’s associate companies of all sizes and stages,” said Altenkirch.
The UAH College of Business Administration provides quality education in a variety of areas and facilitates interaction with existing businesses to offer students a balance of theory and application. The college emphasizes practical application of theory and skills in scientific, technological and traditional business environments.
The Entrepreneurship Collaboration will be led jointly by HudsonAlpha Vice President for Economic Development Carter Wells and UAH Dean of the College of Business Administration Caron St. John.
The collaboration will include speaker exchanges from HudsonAlpha, the associate companies and UAH; internships and assistantships for HudsonAlpha and the associate companies; and workforce development initiatives and specific programs for UAH business school students and the associate companies.
Today’s announcement is made in conjunction with the City of Huntsville’s Life Sciences Week.
