The BioHub
Services
Scale your process · Engineer your strain · Train your team
The BioHub closes three gaps that have held back bioindustrial manufacturing in Central Massachusetts: shared pilot-scale capacity, data-driven process optimization, and workforce training designed for non-therapeutic biomanufacturing. Some capabilities are available today through WPI CERES; the full portfolio comes online as pilot infrastructure is built out over the next three years.
Scale your process
Pilot-scale fermentation from 1L to 150L with integrated downstream operations and AI-driven process control.
Engineer your strain
Automated design-build-test-learn workflows in the BioFoundry — high-throughput strain construction, screening, and AI-driven optimization.
Train your team
Hands-on, competency-based curricula with AR/VR-enabled instruction, in development with regional educators.
Scale your process
The BioHub Pilot Facility is being designed to support both aerobic and anaerobic fermentation with integrated downstream operations — closing the gap between bench-scale results and a manufacturable process. AI-integrated sensors and automated sampling enable real-time process modeling and reproducible scale-up data.
The MBI Builder’s Lab complements the Pilot Facility with shared prototyping space for process-technology startups designing new bioreactor and unit-operation hardware — co-located with potential users for fast feedback cycles.
Planned equipment & specs — Pilot Facility
A 10,000 sq ft pilot facility supporting both aerobic and anaerobic fermentation. Construction planned to begin Q2 2026; first scale-up projects targeted Q3 2026.
- Bioreactors from 1L through 150L (planned)
- Downstream operations: harvest, centrifugation, membrane filtration, evaporation, spray drying (planned)
- Automated sampling, real-time sensor networks, and AI-driven process control (planned)
- Anaerobic-rated workstations and bioreactors for emerging microbiome applications
Planned equipment & specs — Builder's Lab
A 4,500 sq ft prototyping space operated with MBI where process-technology startups can design, build, and test new bioprocessing equipment alongside potential end users. Target build-out Q3 2026.
- Shared rapid-prototyping equipment (planned)
- Co-location with MBI to connect equipment developers with the regional bioindustrial network
Engineer your strain
The WPI BioFoundry is an expansion of WPI’s CERES facility for high-throughput strain engineering. Automated DBTL (design-build-test-learn) cycles generate the data needed to train AI models for strain and process optimization — letting teams iterate faster on host selection, pathway design, and production conditions.
Available today
The BioFoundry builds on WPI CERES (Cell Engineering Research Equipment Suite), an established research facility at Gateway Park serving WPI faculty and partner companies. Early-stage process work — including bioprocess development, strain engineering, and laboratory-scale fermentation — is available through CERES today.
Current CERES equipment & capabilities
- Beckman Coulter BioLector microbioreactor (commissioning underway)
- Multi-user automated liquid handling for parallel DBTL workflows
- WPI faculty expertise in bioprocess development, strain engineering, and fermentation science
- Laboratory-scale fermentation and analytical equipment
Planned equipment & specs — BioFoundry expansion
- Two Sartorius Ambr250 systems (planned, target Q2 2026)
- Expanded liquid-handling automation for parallel DBTL cycles (planned)
- Microbioreactor scale-down studies linked to pilot-scale data for de-risked scale-up
Train your team
Bioindustrial manufacturing requires skills that aren’t well covered by existing biopharmaceutical training programs. The BioHub is developing three competency-based tracks to fill that gap — in partnership with regional educators including Worcester-area community colleges and universities — and will scale instruction through digital-twin and AR/VR-enabled curriculum.
Bioreactor Operation
Hands-on training across all scales, from microbioreactors to pilot-scale fermenters.
Remote Monitoring
Digital-twin and AR/VR-enabled instruction in remote process operation and monitoring.
Downstream Processing
Practical skills in harvesting, separation, and purification of fermentation products.
These tracks support job seekers, mid-career retraining candidates, and incumbent workers shifting from related industries. A Bioindustrial Process Operation Certificate is planned for launch in Year 3 of the initiative.
If you’re an educator, employer, or trainee interested in our programs, get in touch.