Accelerating life science innovation: Soft Landing program at Aggie Square launches to support regional growth

12/19/24

Partnership with UC Davis, Wexford Science & Technology, GSEC and the City of Sacramento drives regional economic growth

SACRAMENTO, CA  – The partnership of UC Davis, Wexford Science & Technology, LLC, the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC), and the City of Sacramento have launched the Soft Landing Program at Connect Labs by Wexford within Aggie Square, the region’s premier $1 billion innovation district. This year-long program is designed to support early-stage life science startups with access to critical resources, mentorship and a collaborative ecosystem, further establishing Greater Sacramento as a top hub for innovation.

Almost 40% of companies considering expansion in the Greater Sacramento market are international and the region is quickly becoming a prime destination for life science startups. This program reflects the region’s commitment to supporting these companies with a robust ecosystem of academic, governmental and business resources.

“Aggie Square is not just an innovation district; it’s a catalyst for regional growth and a gateway for global connections,” said Gary S. May, Chancellor of UC Davis. “With South Korea’s advancements in life science and technology, and the ongoing development at Aggie Square, we are creating an ecosystem where scientific discovery and economic opportunity thrive. This strengthens ties between UC Davis, Korean companies, and the Greater Sacramento region, fueling breakthroughs that benefit our communities and beyond.”

During the recent GSEC-led trade mission to Korea, the delegation met with accelerators, venture funds and startups, all highly interested in leveraging Aggie Square as a bridgehead for further investment into the United States. For international companies, access to local support and connectivity can be a key differentiator in entering a new market. By combining resources from academia, local government and economic development organizations, the Soft Landing Program will help maximize company success rates and drive new innovative partnerships for UC Davis and the region.

“This partnership will redefine the Greater Sacramento region as a global hub for life science innovation,” said Barry Broome, President & CEO of GSEC. “Aggie Square is transforming our regional identity by catalyzing world-class research and innovation. The Soft Landing Program elevates that transformation to the international stage, attracting the world’s top talent, groundbreaking startups and investment to our community.”

The Soft Landing Program will be located at Aggie Square, within Connect Labs by Wexford. Connect Labs offers pre-built and furnished lab, support and office spaces with a purposefully curated set of amenities, services and shared equipment that provides international companies an easy entry to the US market and the talent, customers and resources to grow their business and drive economic impact.

“The concentration of talent, resources, innovation spaces and programming found at Aggie Square makes it the perfect location for this Soft Landing Program, “said Travis Sheridan, Wexford’s Senior Vice President and Chief Community Officer. “In addition, the breadth of Wexford’s Knowledge Community platform provides national scale and significant relationships, further enhancing connections and opportunity for companies locating at Aggie Square.”

Aggie Square’s world-class facilities and focus on fostering innovation reinforce Greater Sacramento’s reputation as a leader in life sciences. By bringing together academia, industry and government, the partnership ensures startups have the tools to succeed, creating jobs and contributing to regional economic development.

As the program attracts top-tier talent and startups, it is poised to drive innovation, investment and industry growth in the Greater Sacramento region for years to come.

“The City of Sacramento is excited to be a partner in The Soft Landing Program as it exemplifies Sacramento’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting economic growth,” said Leslie Fritzsche, Economic Investment Manager, City of Sacramento. “By partnering with UC Davis, GSEC, and Wexford Science & Technology, we’re creating a thriving ecosystem where life science startups can grow, innovate and deliver solutions that enhance our community and economy.”

For more information about Aggie Square, please visit UC Davis Aggie Square.

About UC Davis Aggie Square

Aggie Square will bring together university research and teaching, industry and the community to create opportunities across the region. It will be home to research programs, private industry partners, classrooms, student housing and public-facing programs that engage local communities and entrepreneurs. It’s projected to inject $5 billion annually into the regional economy and support 25,000 jobs. The first buildings are expected to be completed in 2025.

About Wexford Science & Technology, LLC

Wexford Science & Technology, LLC, is a real estate company exclusively focused on partnering with universities, academic medical centers, and research institutions to develop vibrant, mixed-use, amenity-rich Knowledge Communities that are built on a foundation of research, discovery, innovation, entrepreneurial activity, corporate engagement, and community inclusion.  These Knowledge Communities create visible outcomes in the form of substantial economic growth, new and diverse jobs, and community transformation. Wexford targets strategic opportunities with top-tier research universities that are seeking to create knowledge-led economic development impact for their campuses, cities, and regions. Presently Wexford has developed or is developing seventeen Knowledge Communities across North America. For more information about Wexford, visit www.wexfordscitech.com.

About Connect Labs by Wexford

Connect Labs by Wexford is a flexible, scale-in-place lab and innovation infrastructure located within Wexford’s dynamic and amenity-rich Knowledge Communities. Specifically created for emerging and growth companies in the life sciences, computational, engineering, and energy industries, Connect Labs offers pre-built and furnished lab, support, and office space with a purposefully curated set of amenities, services, and shared equipment that provides companies the space to grow and attract talent; specialized equipment to leverage and conserve capital; intentional proximity to peers, experts and potential strategic partners; and opportunities to conduct research to improve the human condition and drive economic impact.

About the Greater Sacramento Economic Council 

The Greater Sacramento Economic Council is the catalyst for innovative growth strategies in the Capital Region of California. The organization spearheads community-led direction to retain, attract, grow and scale tradable sectors, develop advanced industries and create jobs and investment throughout a six-county region. Greater Sacramento represents a collaboration between local and state governments, market leaders, influencers and stakeholders, with the sole mission of driving inclusive economic growth. The Greater Sacramento region was founded on discovery, built on leadership and fueled by innovation. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Brianna Buda
Greater Sacramento Economic Council
(916) 287-9072  
bbuda@91ciba.com