About

Building With Biology

We're planning a community biotechnology lab in Utah for people to tinker and create with biology. Whether it's creating glow in the dark plants, microbes for bio-cement, or art using biotech, we want to provide a place for people to learn about biotechnology, work on their projects, and meet others with similar interests.

What is a community biotechnology lab? It's like a makerspace or community garden but for biotechnology projects. Think lab space for rent, classes, and events. A place to grow your crazy biotech ideas (within reason). Reach out if you're interested in helping out with nonprofit formation, fundraising, lab setup, and more!

A community biotechnology lab is a lab space for people to:

• Tinker and experiment with biology
• Rent lab space instead of building their own
• Do citizen science
• Explore hypotheses and product ideas
• Learn through classes
• Attend events
• Do fun science projects

Similar to makerspaces that have woodworking machines, a community lab has science equipment for people to use.

There are community biotechnology labs around the world in places like Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Tokyo. We’re hoping to start one in Utah!

What We're Looking For

• Space to rent; ideally biosafety level 1 (BSL1) with space to set up a biosafety level 2 room.
• New & used lab equipment and consumables
• Help with lab planning, setup, & operating
• People to teach classes
• Community members interested in biology!

if you’re also interested in presenting at one of our events feel free to contact us.

Future Direction

We’re hoping to set up the lab, host more events, and do community projects. The goal with the lab is to set up a BSL1 lab, then add a BSL2 space for more project options. With a BSL1 lab, we can host short & long-term classes like MIT’s How to Grow Almost Anything synthetic biology course.