More start-ups move into Ann Arbor SPARK's wet lab incubator

The Michigan Life Science Innovation Center has almost reached the tipping point in Plymouth.

The former Pfizer wet lab now houses 16 start-ups that range from one-or-two-person firms to name-brand anchor tenants, such as Esperion and Lycera. That's puts the 18-month-old facility managed by Ann Arbor SPARK at 75 percent occupancy, up from 50 percent a year ago. Half a dozen new life science firms have moved in during that time.

"Many of them have been pure start-ups," says Greg Fronizer, managing director of finance and administration for Ann Arbor SPARK who also managed the wet lab incubator. "These are companies that need half a bench or a full bench of lab space."

The Michigan Life Science Innovation Center features 57,000-square-feet of space geared toward companies based in life sciences. The amenities include state-of-the-art labs, office space, conference rooms and a loading dock. Ann Arbor SPARK purchased the lab 18 months ago with help from a number of major organizations, such as the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund, Wayne County and the New Economy Initiative.

"There are 16 different companies in there that wouldn't be if it weren't for the help of organizations like NEI," says Mike Finney, executive director of Ann Arbor SPARK.

Fronizer expects the wet lab to hit its optimal occupancy of 85-90 percent within the next year.

"We always want to leave a little bit of extra space for the existing firms to grow," Fronizer says.

Source: Greg Fronizer, managing director of finance and administration for Ann Arbor SPARK
Writer: Jon Zemke