Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster is Finalist for EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge

The University of Oklahoma is partnering with state industry, academic and government leaders to develop an Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster competing for funding by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster was chosen as one of 60 finalists from 529 applicants nationally for the EDA’s $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

Dennis Alvord, the deputy assistant secretary for economic development and chief operating officer with the U.S. EDA, met with members of the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster in Oklahoma City on May 2, 2022. Read more about his visit via the Journal Record.

Left to right: Zahed Siddique, associate dean for research and the Dick and Shirley O’Shields Professor in the Gallogly College of Engineering at OU; Ben Ikard, director of operations at the Stephenson Cancer Center; Joyce Burch, the director of corporate partnerships and regional economic development at OU; John Hanak, chief innovation and corporate officer and executive director of the OU Office of Innovation and Corporate Partnerships; Tom Wavering, the executive director of the Tom Love Innovation Hub; and Andy Weyrich, president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

John Hanak, chief innovation and corporate officer and executive director of the Office of Innovation and Corporate Partnerships at OU, describes the unique partnerships involved in the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster to attendees, including Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.