Genomics and biorepository services company, AKESOgen, Inc., joined Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to announce its expansion and new location in Gwinnett County, metro Atlanta, Georgia. AKESOgen will more than triple its square footage with of its move to a 13,727-square-foot facility, located at 3155 Northwoods Place in the City of Peachtree Corners. The company expects to add up to an additional ten employees in 2014.
"Since our inception just over three years ago, we have been impressed with the resources, support, and growth opportunities available to biotech companies in Gwinnett County, metro Atlanta and Georgia," stated Dr. Mark Bouzyk, Chief Scientific Officer for AKESOgen, Inc. "This larger facility will both strengthen our ability to deliver genomics research and development, as well as complement our existing competence in the biotech field."
Earlier this year, AKESOgen joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Innovation Crescent, and six additional life science companies to promote Georgia as a life science hub at the 2013 BIO International Convention, held in Chicago.
"Innovative life science companies such as AKESOgen are what make our state the healthcare hub of the Southeast," said Carol Henderson, director of life sciences and technology at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "AKESOgen will lay the foundation for tomorrow's life science discovery, and we are confident that Georgia's pro-business climate can support the company in doing so."
Gwinnett County and AKESOgen are located in the heart of Georgia's Innovation Crescent, a geographical region and collaborative partnership of more than 15 counties and economic development entities all dedicated to supporting the state's life science and technology growth. Anchored by Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on one end and the University of Georgia in Athens-Clarke County on the other, the Innovation Crescent encompasses a wide range of companies and institutions committed to furthering life science research. AKESOgen represents one of these companies and will be surrounded by the resources of top research organizations in the Southeast.
"Our goal as a region is to broaden and enhance life science and technology in the region and an expansion such as this one demonstrates the success of those efforts," commented Nick Masino, Chair of Georgia's Innovation Crescent and Senior Vice President of Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. "As a member of the Innovation Crescent Regional Partnership, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development actively works to promote, support and encourage the growth of companies in these industries."
Gwinnett County Board of Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, stated, "This expansion supports Gwinnett's reputation as a hub for research, development and innovation in the Southeast. AKESOgen remains an important contributor to our life sciences community and we are grateful for its decision to remain and grow in Gwinnett."
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nearly 30 life science and biotechnology companies call Gwinnett home. AKESOgen represents the third Gwinnett company involved in one of these industries to expand in the past six months alone.
"We welcome AKESOgen, and view its investment in the City of Peachtree Corners and Gwinnett as a testament to our community's strength in this developing, vibrant and progressive industry," said City of Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason.
AKESOgen provides biomarker profiling and genomics services for the research and development market, including biobanking, DNA/RNA extraction, and genetic technologies. Founded in 2010, the company serves the clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic and government sectors.
To learn more about AKESOgen, please visit www.akesogen.com.
For more information, or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.
About AKESOgen, Inc.
AKESOgen is an integrated genomics and pharmacogenetics company providing biorepository services and high-throughput, biomarker profiling and genomics analysis utilizing different types of markers (e.g. DNA, mRNA, miRNA, methylation) for the R&D market in to CLIA standards. A private company based in Atlanta, GA, AKESOgen is a genomics contract research organization that services the academic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical testing and agricultural sectors. AKESOgen provides expertise in biobanking, assay development and all ancillary services in a purpose-built facility.
About Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development
Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development globally markets Gwinnett as the premier location in metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia for growing and conducting business. By encouraging investment and trade into the county through relocation and expansion assistance, the organization works with local and regional partners to bring technology, health sciences and services, advanced manufacturing, supply chain management, and corporate headquarters to the community. Home to FORTUNE 500 and 1000 companies, Gwinnett County hosts a wide range of businesses from industry giants, to international companies and homegrown start-ups. Success lives here- www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.