In the past year, BioGX developed technologies to accelerate accurate, large-scale testing to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Read about the company’s efforts.

BioGX’s growth is another example of the growth taking place in Alabama’s bioscience industry, which is home to an 780 companies and organizations, employing nearly 18,000 people. The industry has an annual economic impact calculated at $7.3 billion.

GROWTH STRATEGY

To make the expansion project possible, the company worked with BBA and the Pelham-based economic development agency 58 Inc., advancing Shelby County’s strategy of utilizing existing office space for biotech and laboratory practices to strengthen the industry, particularly along the U.S. 280 corridor.

“As a homegrown biotechnology business in the region, BioGX is on the cutting edge of technology, and its rapid growth is something the entire Birmingham region can be proud of,” said Paul Rogers, president of 58 Inc.

“The company’s decision to expand into Shelby County represents another milestone in our innovative economic development strategy. 58 Inc. has identified the biotech cluster as a target industry, and we look forward to working with our partners to market Shelby County as an attractive location for similar companies,” he added.

Mark Brown, vice president of business retention and expansion at the BBA, said BioGX’s progression from Innovation Depot marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth.

“BioGX has grown into a leading provider of molecular diagnostics, and its presence will continue to enhance our region’s growth in life science and medical diagnostics,” Brown said. “We look forward to working with the team at BioGX on future growth opportunities.”

Drew Honeycutt, CEO of Innovation Depot, one of the Southeast’s largest business incubators, said he welcomes future success stories emerging from the facility.

“We are absolutely thrilled for BioGX’s success, and we feel fortunate to have been able to offer them a place to grow over the years,” Honeycutt said. “That being said, we’re also excited about how this will free up wet lab space in our building, which will hopefully provide opportunities for more companies to follow in BioGX’s footsteps.”