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Last Modified: September 12, 2008Biotechnology

An increasing number of biotechnology companies are searching around the United States to find locations where operating expenses are comparatively reasonable and a pool of skilled workers is available. According to an independent cost analysis research report released by the Boyd Company from Princeton, New Jersey, costs for operating a typical 100-employee biotechnology research and development laboratory in Shreveport-Bossier City are significantly less than elsewhere. For instance, it costs approximately $12,106,100 per year to operate such a facility in San Jose, CA, which is the most famous biotechnology hub in America. But in Shreveport-Bossier City, the same facility can be operated for $8,202,453 per year. A $4,000,000 savings per year in operating expenses is good news for biotechnology companies whose goal is to relocate or open new facilities. Another very important factor for biotechnology companies is to be located in close proximity to high-level academic research institutions.  

Louisiana State University at Shreveport’s Health Sciences Center

Biotechnology companies are moving to Shreveport because institutions of higher learning such as Louisiana State University at Shreveport offer programs to train students in the field of biotechnology, and the large number of graduating students with technical degrees creates a pool of available skilled workers. LSU’s Health Science Center offers programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, protein biochemistry, membrane biochemistry, pharmacology, cancer biology, cellular immunology, neurobiology, physiology, virology and many other specialties related to biotechnology. LSU also provides state of the art research facilities including centrifuges, scintillation counters, transmission electron microscopy, autoradiography and fluorescence imaging. Biotechnology Magnet programs to train high school students in biotechnology are even being offered by Bossier High School and Shreveport's Southwood High School. These magnet programs are preparing young students for more advanced technical training in college.