Area Development
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology started a significant expansion project at its biotech campus in Huntsville, Alabama.

The expansion will consist of two facilities: a global headquarters for Discovery Life Sciences, and new state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse space for HudsonAlpha’s Center for Plant Science and Sustainable Agriculture.

Discovery Life Sciences new global headquarters will consist of 90,000 square feet and house DLS’s research and development, laboratory and business operations. With this expansion, the HudsonAlpha Center for Plant Science and Sustainable Agriculture will add 13,000 square feet of lab and greenhouse space and will be able to propagate and grow research plants to improve existing crops and develop new uses for plants.

“Alabama has a new accolade: global headquarters to a renowned and respected biosciences company,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “This will undoubtedly strengthen Alabama’s biosciences recruitment efforts and increase the economic impact to the city, state and region.”

In November 2020, Governor Ivey announced that HudsonAlpha had been awarded $15 million through the Public School and College Authority for the expansion project. In addition HudsonAlpha’s partnerships with Auburn University and Alabama A&M University will be strengthened while productivity will be enhanced.

“This is a significant milestone not only for HudsonAlpha, but the entire state as well,” said Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha. “Through this expansion, HudsonAlpha further solidifies its leadership position and expertise in plant genomics.

The biotech campus is home to more than 1,000 employees, including those from HudsonAlpha’s research labs and the more than 45 life science associate companies that call the Institute home.