Washington Research Foundation awards $10M to Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology to advance cell and genome technologies
Summary
Building on core technologies developed at BBI, Seattle Hub opened in January 2024 to generate foundational datasets, models and molecular infrastructure to re-engineer cells to record their own histories and reprogram disease states into healthy functions. The purpose of the SeaBridge grant is to train a new generation of scientists, leverage the regions expertise in cell therapy, and launch startups to drive clinical applications that will improve health through advanced treatment options for diseases that include cancers, as well as neurological and immune disorders. The SeaBridge program will recruit and train 40 postdoctoral fellows to further advance Seattle Hubs technologies, which include the DNA Typewriter and ENGRAM created in Shendures UW Medicine lab. WRF made the $10M award through its new BioInnovation Grant program, President and CEO Dr. Tom Daniel said, which the foundation launched in response to a key goal of its 2023 strategic plan: increasing support for big, emergent opportunities to advance Washington states life sciences ecosystem and improve lives. Since it was established in 2017 with philanthropic support from Jeff and Susan Brotman and Dan and Pam Baty, BBI has been recognized for its work at the intersection of technology and health in the Puget Sound region and beyond.