Abstract
OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The goal of the Hatchery is a new approach to de-risk innovative life science ideas within an entrepreneurial setting. The Hatchery creates value by vetting the initial potential through experimental testing. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In this study we took a functioning wet laboratory space that was vacant due to principle investigator movement, and created a pipeline for its use in life science startup formation. A functioning laboratory can remain unoccupied for a notable period with transitions of research leadership. At the same time, a life science startup company who is testing core principles of their technology need wet lab space at an affordable cost. Our solution called the Hatchery provides startup companies a state-of-the-art wet laboratory space, next to a research hospital, for a very short duration of time and minimal fee. This novel approach allows preliminary validation of a technology for initial NIH SBIRs and STTRs funding pathways. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Initial findings demonstrated the effectiveness of the Hatchery method. Our pilot study included five different life science startups company tenants. Each company was enabled to de-risk technologies and secure a phase 1 SBIR/ STTR funding or resulted in an exit via acquisition. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Entrepreneurship is a growing approach for testing and expanding new research areas. The Hatchery model makes use of existing space and infrastructure, can scale with an entrepreneurial community, and can serve as critical pilot data for a more permanent space commitment.