The agreement brings Dow AgroSciences as one of the largest tenants at the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, occupying 15,000 square feet of research and office space and as the exclusive tenant of a 6,000-square-foot greenhouse complex.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. & INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Officials of Dow AgroSciences, Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University and the state of Indiana announced today a new collaborative partnership in the life sciences arena.
The agreement brings Dow AgroSciences as one of the largest tenants at the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, occupying 15,000 square feet of research and office space and as the exclusive tenant of a 6,000-square-foot greenhouse complex.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will support the Purdue Research Foundation in the construction of the greenhouse research center with a $2.2 million grant to assist in development costs.
Up to 30 new scientists will be working in the Purdue Research Park as part of this collaboration, with up to an additional 18 contract research workers. Researchers from Dow AgroSciences will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty in the Purdue colleges of Agriculture and Science and have access to some campus research facilities.
"The power of collaboration with Purdue is immense, and the many elements of this project will bring great advancement to our biotechnology efforts. We are very grateful to the IEDC for being a foundational player in what is a wise investment for the state of Indiana as it focuses on advancing life sciences," said Antonio Galindez, president and CEO of Dow AgroSciences. "Purdue Research Park is the perfect setting to unleash the creativity of our scientists and advance science and technology."
The project is an important step in Dow AgroSciences' global technology development plans, and activity at Purdue Research Park will focus on biotechnology innovation and discovery, Galindez said.
"As a land-grant university, Purdue has a long, rich history in agricultural and life sciences research with innovative faculty and strong outreach programs through our Extension offices and other projects," said Purdue President France A. Córdova. "The Dow AgroSciences project is a perfect example of how our collaborations with industry and the state can generate new research that will ensure Indiana maintains its leadership in agricultural sciences."
Purdue officials worked closely with state leaders to keep the project in Indiana.
"A primary strategy of the state's economic development effort is to promote the growth and commercialization of key research developments within our state, and this exciting partnership clearly meets that objective," said Mitch Roob, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the IEDC.
Dow AgroSciences will join the more than 160 companies already in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette.
"With its strong credentials and international reputation in the agrosciences area, Dow AgroSciences will add much to the Purdue Research Park network," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, which manages the Purdue Research Park.
