Exploring Burlington’s MassBio Platinum BioReady Rating

December 16, 2021

The Greater Boston area has become a dedicated hub for the life science industry and national community. 

With so many talented, forward-thinking scientific minds and organizations coming together in the fields of biology, anatomy, virology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and many more, Burlington is proud to rank itself as one of the foremost life science communities.

Here, life science facilities and laboratories are encouraged to perform their daily operations, conduct their studies, and develop world-changing solutions in an environment supportive of their endeavors via dedicated zoning initiatives, expedited permitting opportunities, and infrastructure capabilities.

For this reason, Burlington is proud to have been given a Platinum BioReady rating, the highest possible rating awarded by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.

life scientist at work

What is MassBio?

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, or MassBio, is a “not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 that represents and provides services and support for the #1 life sciences cluster in the world.”

The non-profit organization is dedicated to furthering Massachusetts as a leader in the life science community. In this effort, MassBio can further support the continued advancement and evolution of the healthcare system in our already world-famous region and the global healthcare community nationally and internationally.

As stated by MassBio themselves, “we represent the premier global life sciences and healthcare hub, with 1,400+ members dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing diseases through transformative science and technology that brings value and hope to patients.”

What Does A Platinum BioReady Rating Mean?

In its efforts to support the Massachusetts scientific community and the economic growth of local towns and cities in the state, MassBio has developed a comprehensive rating system for state municipalities. 

Municipal bodies that submit to MassBio are rated based on local policies and infrastructure conducive for life science laboratories and biotechnology facilities to potentially receive a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum rating (the highest).

“Our focus with these ratings is to help biotechnology companies find the most favorable destinations in the state and to enable the state and its cities and towns to effectively tell their stories to the biotechnology industry,” explains MassBio.

millipore signma in burlington ma

Exploring Burlington’s Platinum Rating

So, what does receiving a platinum rating from MassBio mean for Burlington, MA, its scientific community, and life science organizations seeking to relocate their team and facilities?

In short, Burlington’s Platinum BioReady rating means that our town’s zoning initiatives, permitting process, infrastructure, and supportive planning board significantly ease the pathway for current, start-up, or relocating life science organizations to develop or renovate state-of-the-art facilities.

Below, you’ll find a short list of specific local elements that factor in MassBio’s ratings:

  • Zoning that allows for biotech laboratory and manufacturing uses by special permit.
  • Identified point of contact in town/city hall to assist biotech projects.
  • Municipality allows biotech laboratory and manufacturing uses by right.
  • Has identified buildings and/or land sites for biotechnology uses in municipal plans.
  • Municipality’s Board of Health has adopted the National Institutes of Health guidelines on rDNA activity as part of its regulations.

This allows these incredible organizations to conduct their daily operations in an environment conducive and aligned with their goals and growth aspirations. Please read our full breakdown of Burlington’s expediting permitting policies, bio readiness, and zoning laws for more information.