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Medical Innovation
ROCHESTER, Minn. — BioLabs Rochester, MN is building momentum toward its September opening, with leadership in place and recruitment underway for early-stage biotechnology and health technology companies seeking to grow alongside Mayo Clinic and Minnesota’s expanding life science ecosystem.
Announced in 2025 and developed through a collaboration among stakeholders Mayo Clinic, BioLabs, Destination Medical Center (DMC) and Mortenson Properties, BioLabs Rochester, MN reflects a shared vision to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and support the growth of life science companies in Minnesota. With construction nearing completion and leadership in place, recruitment is now underway for the incubator’s inaugural resident companies.
Located in Two Discovery Square at Discovery Square Innovation District, the newly constructed 17,000-square-foot shared laboratory and office facility will support emerging biotechnology and health technology companies developing new diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices and digital health technologies while advancing the partners’ shared vision to grow Rochester as a destination for life science innovation.
As BioLabs Rochester, MN prepares to welcome its first resident companies, BioLabs announces that Carmen Schicklberger, Ph.D., M.B.A., will serve as BioLabs site director, leading facility operations, startup scaling support and innovation network development. Schicklberger joins BioLabs Rochester, MN from the University of Minnesota, where she served as chief operations officer and founder of the Minnesota Bioinnovation Accelerator. She previously held business development and operations roles at startups in biotech, automation and SaaS/diagnostics.
Geof Hannigan, Ph.D., will serve as Mayo Clinic’s director of startup engagement, helping connect BioLabs Rochester, MN resident companies with Mayo Clinic physicians, scientists and business development teams to explore research, clinical and commercialization opportunities. Hannigan brings experience in pharmaceutical research and startup acceleration, including leading the Merck Digital Sciences Studio in Boston before joining Mayo Clinic.
“Rochester offers a unique combination of world-class clinical expertise, a growing innovation ecosystem and a strong commitment to advancing healthcare,” says Johannes Fruehauf, CEO of BioLabs. “As we prepare to open our doors, we’re excited to establish BioLabs’ first Midwest location in a community where entrepreneurs can work alongside leading researchers, clinicians and industry partners. We invite innovative biotech and health tech startups to apply and become part of our inaugural cohort, helping shape a new hub for healthcare innovation in Minnesota.”
Application process open
Applications are now being accepted for early-stage biotechnology and health technology companies interested in joining the inaugural BioLabs Rochester, MN community. Companies selected for the incubator will have access to flexible, turnkey laboratory and office space, entrepreneurial programming, and opportunities to collaborate with Mayo Clinic while becoming part of the growing community of innovators and companies at Discovery Square Innovation District.
“BioLabs Rochester represents a significant investment in the people and companies that will shape the future of health,” says Patrick Seeb, DMC executive director. “We are grateful to BioLabs, Mayo Clinic and Mortenson for the partnership and confidence required to bring the first BioLabs location in the Midwest to Discovery Square Innovation District. To entrepreneurs developing the next breakthrough in health, our message is simple: This place was built for you. We invite you to apply, join the inaugural BioLabs Rochester community and build your company alongside one of the world’s leading medical institutions.”
Resident companies will also have access to BioLabs’ national network of investors, industry partners and entrepreneurial resources, along with pathways to engage Mayo Clinic expertise through scientific, clinical and commercial collaborations and ecosystem support through Destination Medical Center.
“Innovation happens when great ideas have the opportunity to be tested, refined and translated into solutions that improve patient care,” says Andrew Danielsen, chief business development officer, Mayo Clinic. “BioLabs Rochester creates a new opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage with Mayo Clinic’s clinical, research and business development expertise, helping accelerate promising technologies from concept toward impact.”
Learn more about BioLabs Rochester, MN and the application process here.
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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.
About BioLabs
BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators from early-stage founders to established R&D teams to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability.
About Destination Medical Center
Destination Medical Center (DMC) is the largest public-private economic initiative in Minnesota’s history. The 20-year plan to transform Rochester into a global destination for health and wellness will attract developers, investors, startups and entrepreneurs to live, work and play in America’s City for Health. For more information, visit dmc.mn.
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