In December 2008, the Ann Arbor SPARK Foundation received a grant of $750,000 for support to launch a life sciences incubator in western Wayne County. This grant resulted in what is now known as the Michigan Life Science Research and Innovation Center.

Founded in 2005, Ann Arbor SPARK is the leading economic development organization in Washtenaw County. The organization was founded with support from the University of Michigan, and continues to have strong ties to the university. Ann Arbor SPARK’s mission is to be the “driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a desired place for business expansion and location.”

Ann Arbor SPARK has played an important leadership role in retaining hundreds of research scientists who were laid off when Pfizer closed its Global Research and Development headquarters in 2007. The Michigan Life Science Research and Innovation Center is one component of SPARK’s strategy to retain Pfizer’s talented work force in the region.

SPARK expects the project to be self-supporting after five years, due in part to the outright purchase of the building. The New Economy Initiative assisted with startup costs for the effort. If successful, SPARK expects the proposed project to provide physical space and support services for more than 20 life sciences startup companies.

NEI was interested in this project as the pharmaceutical and related bioscience business sector is one significant area of economic comparative advantage for southeast Michigan. Michigan’s growing bioscience sector includes 540 bioscience companies (concentrated geographically in southeast Michigan), employing 33,832 employees in drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and related research, testing and medical labs — placing Michigan No. 13 nationally in employment in bioscience-related occupations (fiscal year 2006).

The availability of top talent and entrepreneurs from the Pzifer departure, and Ann Arbor’s leading health/medical research community, provide an opportunity to keep and leverage these economic engines for the future.

Key Metrics and Indicators

• A minimum of 20 life science startups launched by 2011
• An incubator/accelerator that is fully self-sustaining by 2013
• Increased life science entrepreneurs and startup management employees

For more information about Ann Arbor SPARK Foundation, please visit www.annarborusa.org.