Vol. 19, No. 36

July 20, 2000

Delaware Technology Park opens two new buildings

Delaware Technology Park marked a turning point in its role as the state's first public-private research complex with the unveiling of two new buildings on Wednesday, July 19. The open house and dedication ceremony included tours of two buildings built by a partnership between Delaware Technology Park Inc. (DTP) and the University City Science Center in Philadelphia. The day also focused on the continuing construction of the $14 million laboratory for the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. With the addition of these three buildings, the park — a unique three-way collaboration that includes the state, academia and private industry — is now approximately two-thirds complete. State dignitaries, University and park officials, scientists and the media attended the program that began at 2 p.m. on the park grounds at Marrows and Wyoming roads. In attendance were Delaware Gov. Thomas R. Carper, J. Michael Bowman, chairman and president of the Technology Park; Jill R. Felix, president of the University City Science Center; Melvyn D. Schiavelli, UD provost; and David S. Weir, director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. The event allowed guests to see firsthand the project that has the potential to contribute to the transformation of Delaware's economy in the 21st century. Guests also were given the opportunity to speak with the individuals who have been key to the success of a regional research hub similar in concept to research parks in Boston, the San Francisco Bay area and Austin, Texas. Owners and employees of park businesses — involved in such things as metallic materials development to pharmaceuticals to artificial intelligence software — were on hand to answer questions. Officials from the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and those involved in the biotechnology businesses located in the park were also present to provide information on their organizations. The goal of the park is to attract cutting-edge businesses in information technology, biotechnology and advanced materials. Part of that mission is to foster start-up businesses that have the potential to evolve into major employers offering well-paid, highly skilled jobs in the First State. "Delaware is nationally recognized for its ability to attract new businesses and to foster growth among current businesses," Carper said. "Although we still enjoy the cars, chemicals and chickens to help power our economy, the First State is steadily becoming a hub for technology. We welcome projects like the Delaware Technology Park to fuel this economic growth. Technological advancements and e-commerce are the engines that will drive economic development well into the 21st century." Besides offering below-market rental rates, the park also works with businesses to secure financing and develop business plans, among other mentoring services. "From the University's point of view, it's a chance to help the state's economy," Roselle said, "and it's also beneficial for our faculty and students because it allows them to be part of the business world." When its current site is completed, the park will have a total of six buildings and 350,000 square feet of office, laboratory and light manufacturing space. It is expected that approximately 750 people will be employed there. As the companies grow and graduate from the park, the number of jobs generated by the park should be substantial. Delaware Technology Park grew out of a High-Technology Task Force created by the administration of then-Gov. Michael N. Castle in 1986. Following the report by the task force, the University of Delaware set aside 40 acres on the eastern edge of its Newark campus for the creation of the park. In addition, the state contributed $6.5 million for the construction of the first building. Two other institutions of higher education — Delaware Technical and Community College and Delaware State University — are also involved in the development of the park. Private industry is also contributing to the success of the life sciences sector in the park. Last month, Hercules Inc. pledged $1 million over a five-year period to the University of Delaware. The gift is earmarked for the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. The DuPont Co.'s Advanced Materials business became the first major tenant in the 48,000-square-foot building that opened in 1993. Today, the park is home to roughly 30 businesses, including DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology, Quantum Leap Innovations Inc., Optigenix Inc. and the Delaware Small Business Development Center. "The beauty is, it isn't all one thing," said Bowman, who is president of the park and a former vice president of the DuPont Co. Approximately 300 people are currently employed at companies based there. A key partner in the development of the project has been University City Science Center in Philadelphia, a nonprofit corporation owned by 30 academic and scientific institutions from New York City to Washington, D.C. The Science Center and the Delaware Technology Park Inc. have joined together to build several buildings in the park, including two that were dedicated the day of the event. "The Science Center and DTP are committed to supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new technologies," said Felix. "Our partnership has allowed us to create a state-of-the-art environment that supports that goal." The largest building in the park will be the new center for the DBI. The institute is dedicated to creating high-quality jobs, leading-edge science and new educational programs. The institute is a partnership whose members include UD, the state and several major corporations. Its 72,000-square-foot building, scheduled for completion in the fall, will be an important anchor for the park. "Life sciences in the areas of agriculture, human health, advanced materials and marine studies clearly represents a major opportunity for Delaware," said Weir. Three powerful components are now at work to take advantage of this opportunity, Weir said. The first is the unique partnership among the state, academia and the private sector, both in the creation of the biotechnology institute and the park. The second component is an interdisciplinary approach to life sciences that allows for both research and education. Lastly, the mix of start-up companies, academia and established businesses is an excellent environment for the creation of jobs, Weir said. "We've now reached the point of critical mass at the park," Roselle said. "I think it's clear this has been a good investment — for the University, the state and industry." — Maureen Milford