Test Bed In Winston-Salem Boosts Emerging Field Of Regenerative Medicine

By Kyle Marshall, NCBiotech

Stepping into the 2,500-square-foot laboratory nestled in downtown Winston-Salem, visitors are greeted by a scene that feels familiar to anyone acquainted with scientific research. The space is filled with advanced instruments, fume hoods, and high-powered microscopes, all quietly humming in the background as researchers and technicians focus intently on their experiments. It’s a calm, methodical environment—precisely what one might expect from a professional lab.

Yet, beneath this seemingly ordinary exterior lies a hub of innovation with profound implications for the Piedmont Triad’s life sciences sector. This lab, located within the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), plays a pivotal role in nurturing the region’s biotech ecosystem. It functions as a test bed for emerging startups, offering them a unique opportunity to build and refine prototypes in a state-of-the-art facility—completely free of charge. This support not only accelerates product development but also lowers barriers for entrepreneurs striving to bring groundbreaking ideas to life.

As the life sciences industry continues to expand in North Carolina, facilities like this are essential to fostering collaboration, innovation, and economic growth.