Survey: Interest High for Lab Space in Poland

KRAKOW, POLAND-A new survey has found significant interest in using specialized laboratory space in Poland. Locally based Jagiellonian University commissioned the survey in support of its Jagiellonian Innovation Center, a planned industrial park and incubator aimed at helping the creation and development of hi-tech firms and projects in the biotechnology and biomedical science sectors.

The Jagiellonian Innovation Centre will be the first venture of its type in Central Europe. Its purpose is helping the creation and development of hi-tech firms and projects in the biotechnology and biomedical science sectors, as well as facilitating the commercial introduction of bio-products in association with industry.

The aim of the research, conducted by Colliers International Poland, was to assess the level of demand for the leasing of laboratory space in technology parks. Some 271 companies participated in the survey–28 from Europe, 48 from the US and 195 from Poland. The research found that 30% of the survey respondents are interested in using specialized laboratory space in Poland.

For the companies with headquarters in Poland and Western Europe the most important reasons for wanting to do so are the availability of qualified research personnel; lower laboratory lease costs, and; the quality of local transportation and logistics. For the US headquartered companies the most important reasons are proximity to academic research centers and institutions; good access to qualified personnel, and; proximity to hospitals and clinics to permit trials of new products.

The estimated $12.44-million (Euro 10 million) industrial park and incubator will cover 53,819 sf (5,000 sqm) of floor space. Completion is planned for 2008. The build out will include 23,680 sf of modern A/B class laboratories (dry and wet). Project financing will be provided by the Jagiellonian University, European Union and commercial banks.

Jagiellonian Innovation Centre Ltd was founded by the Jagiellonian University in Krakow on June 24, 2004, in order to finance, organize and manage a technology park and company incubator. The firm’s headquarters are located in Kraków in the Collegium Novum building.