The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, a renowned biomedical research institution, officially broke ground on a landmark project that will establish a new life sciences campus and the NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center in Camden.
Joined by Gov. Phil Murphy, state, county, and local officials, Coriell leaders hailed the project as a major scientific and economic boost for the city and the South Jersey region. The new facility will also house the NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center, which has been designated as a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
“We view this project as Coriell 2.0, continuing and expanding on our founder, Dr. Lewis Coriell’s commitment to the City of Camden and vision for life sciences research,” Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa, president and CEO of the Coriell Institute said. “We expect this project to be the catalyst to building a life sciences ecosystem in the region and making Camden a life sciences research destination.”
Catalyst for innovation and economic growth
The first building of the new campus will serve as Coriell Institute’s new headquarters, research center, and a major biorepository, including facilities for six National Institutes of Health (NIH) biobanks.
The top two floors will house the 45,000-square-foot NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center. This joint project between Coriell and the NJEDA will offer premium incubator space for emerging biotechnology companies. These companies will gain access to:
- Core facilities and a vivarium.
- Coriell’s renowned biobanking and laboratory services, making it a “one-stop shop” for infrastructure needs.
- Collaboration opportunities with Coriell scientists, the Camden Cancer Research Center, and other leading institutions.
Murphy highlighted the project’s significance to the state’s economy, stating, “With the addition of the NJ Coriell Labs Innovation Center, we are not only expanding New Jersey’s innovation economy—we are setting a new standard. This center will advance the frontiers of biomedical research and development.”
The facility is expected to open in early 2028 and is projected to generate 100 permanent jobs, in addition to construction jobs.
Local leaders underscored the importance of the long-term investment. Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen noted that the project “will create permanent jobs and construction jobs, moreover, it will attract world-class scientists and biopharmaceutical companies. This will be a tremendous economic boost to our city, South Jersey, and the region.”
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan added that the SIC designation will solidify Camden as a “central hub for advanced biomedical research, driving forward lifesaving advancements in cancer treatment, stem cell technology, epigenetics, and drug discovery.”
