#United States #North Chicago #Helix 51 #Rosalind Franklin #Biotech Expansion

Rosalind Franklin University Expands Helix 51 Incubator

In a significant step for biotechnology innovation, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science has announced a major expansion of its Helix 51 biomedical incubator. This expansion, which doubles the incubator's available space, comes in response to an increasing demand from burgeoning biotech firms seeking vital laboratory and commercialization resources.

Situated within the university's Innovation and Research Park (IRP) in North Chicago, Helix 51 holds a unique position as the sole biomedical incubator in Lake County, Illinois. Its influence stretches from Milwaukee to northern Cook County, catering to early-stage biotech companies focusing on research, development, and the commercialization of new therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.

Michael Rosen, Managing Director of the IRP and Helix 51, expressed enthusiasm about the surge in interest and activity on campus. He noted, "Momentum across our campus has accelerated significantly since late 2025. We are witnessing a steady influx of promising companies selecting RFU as their launch and scaling destination."

Since opening its doors eight years ago with 6,700 square feet of space, Helix 51 has grown to accommodate 12 startups and is now set to welcome up to 10 more companies following the recent expansion. The addition of approximately 6,000 square feet brings the total space to nearly 13,000 square feet, reflecting Lake County's growing prominence as a central hub for bioscience in the Midwest. Over 122 bioscience companies in the area support around 33,000 jobs in the sector.

The companies joining Helix 51 benefit from a wealth of technologies licensed from esteemed academic institutions, including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and more. This close proximity to a rich bioscience talent pool and RFU's diverse research strengths in areas like cancer, diabetes, and neuroscience make it an attractive location for biotech firms.

Lake County Partners’ president and CEO, Kevin Considine, reinforced the importance of this expansion by stating, "This location offers emerging biotech companies access to industry leaders, talent, and innovative resources, facilitating the translation of groundbreaking research into therapies while creating job opportunities for the local community."

Recent additions to Helix 51's roster of tenants include notable startups such as Saros Therapeutics and DeepBrain, showcasing the incubator's growing appeal. The marketplace is thriving and anticipates onboarding additional companies shortly, as current tenants achieve significant milestones within the incubator model.

Among these milestones, UP Oncolytics, a spinout from Advocate Health, has earned recognition under the Illinois Angel Investment Tax Credit Program, showcasing the potential success that can emerge from these collaborative environments. Other companies within the incubator are also making strides in therapeutic development, with specialties ranging from immunotherapies to drug-device combination products.

Dr. Janice Urban, RFU's Interim Executive Vice President for Research, emphasized the academic and workforce development implications of this expansion. She remarked, "The surge of life science activity in Helix 51 and the IRP invigorates our researchers and students, paving the way for collaboration, experiential learning, and career pathways aligned with RFU's expertise in disease-focused research."

Rosalind Franklin University remains committed to its mission of interprofessional education and advancing knowledge to enhance wellness, continuing to build upon the legacy of Dr. Rosalind Franklin, who played a pivotal role in the discovery of DNA's structure. The Helix 51 incubator stands at the forefront of this endeavor, facilitating innovative breakthroughs and supporting dynamic growth in the biotech sector.

For more information about Rosalind Franklin University and the Helix 51 incubator, visit rosalindfranklin.edu.