The Dartmouth Regional Technology Center is a hive of energy, enthusiasm and innovation. With 95 percent occupancy, it’s home to the next generation of New Hampshire companies that will be making an impact on the 21st century.
Look no further than biotech company Avitide, which announced last month it will expand its discovery and manufacturing operations at the DTRC. Other companies there to watch include Celdara Medical, Fresh Air and PreventAGE Health Care.
Life sciences are a key industry in the New Hampshire economy. There are nearly 7,000 jobs at 272 companies connected to it across the state and between now and 2020, it is expected to grow by 8 percent (compared to 6 percent nationally).
Last year, the Grafton Regional Development Corp. received a modest grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission; $45,000 to construct a second story pedestrian bridge to link the two separate incubator buildings with the North Country Council, in partnership with the Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer at Dartmouth College.
In the absence of this connector, engineers and scientists, to access equipment in the other building, had to go outside and walk around the structure. Often they would be carrying delicate tools and glass, which is no fun in the snow.
The construction now complete, there was a Bridge Party yesterday at the DTRC. Workers took time out to join dignitaries and partners in celebrating what seems to be a little investment.
But in bridging this gap, it’s made a big difference to the growing companies within, which in turn contributes to the health of our economy and this growing key industry.
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development recently ventured north of the border to Drummondville, Quebec to hold a private dinner for 53 Canadian companies interested in learning more about doing business in New Hampshire.
“We were overwhelmed by the great response we received from the Canadian companies in attendance,” Bergeron said. “They were thrilled that we conducted the business portion of the dinner in their native language and that we had so much to offer in terms of valuable information. I’m very hopeful that we were able to plant the seed that will result in a few companies taking a much closer look at Coos County as they plan a business expansion or relocation.”