Shriners Children’s has announced a significant new venture in pediatric research, with plans to construct a $153 million medical research facility at Georgia Tech’s Science Square development in Atlanta.
The Shriners Children’s Research Institute will focus on advanced biomedical fields such as cell and gene therapies, robotics, artificial intelligence, and medical device innovation.
With this development, officials anticipate the creation of 470 new jobs in the area, further solidifying Atlanta’s status as a leader in pediatric research and biotechnology.
Situated within a mixed-use biomedical research campus developed by Georgia Tech and Trammell Crow Co. in Midtown Atlanta, the institute will be the largest tenant at Science Square.
Construction is already underway on the laboratories at the location, with the facility expected to become operational within the next 12 to 18 months.
Shriners Children’s operates 17 hospitals across the United States, along with additional locations in Mexico and Canada, focusing on treating children with orthopedic conditions, burns, urological disorders, and craniofacial anomalies.
The nonprofit organization emphasizes its mission to provide care, confirming that it accepts insurance while also treating patients irrespective of their ability to pay.
Mel Bower, a spokesperson for Shriners Children’s, stated, “This is a decision of the health care system to expand the role we play in pediatric research,” highlighting the organization’s commitment to advancing healthcare initiatives.
The institute will be fully financed through the organization’s own resources, with no external funding mentioned.
In an unprecedented collaborative effort, the facility will receive research support from both Georgia Tech and Emory University.
Leanne West, Georgia Tech’s chief engineer of pediatric technology, noted the importance of embedding researchers from these two institutions.
She said, “The goal is to really help embed some of their researchers here with Georgia Tech, to walk across campus, to work in the same labs, to have that physical presence together,” indicating the redesigned collaborative framework.
The new facility builds on a history of cooperation, with Georgia Tech and Shriners Children’s having collaborated on 25 research projects previously.
This permanent presence in Science Square aims to establish a solid foundation for ongoing research and collaboration.
State and local leaders now aim to replicate the success of Georgia Tech’s partnerships with other technology firms, transitioning this model into biomedical research.
Jessica Atwell from the Georgia Department of Economic Development confirmed that financial incentives are being offered to support the project by both state and local governments, though specific details are still forthcoming.
Nonprofits in Georgia typically enjoy exemptions from various taxes, including property and income taxes, but there is potential for sales tax waivers for lab equipment purchases as part of the incentives being devised.
As of now, there is a lack of clarity regarding the specific financial incentives that Shriners Children’s will receive, with documentation expected once finalized.
Due to its nonprofit status, Shriners Children’s is not subject to many business taxes common in other sectors, as reported by the Associated Press.
It is also not yet established how Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the Shriners Children’s Research Institute will structure their collaborative research efforts or joint staffing arrangements.
However, leaders from all involved parties have stressed the value of being physically close to one another and sharing lab space, seeing it as crucial for innovative breakthroughs.
Commenting on this significant development, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated, “Shriners Children’s is an incredible addition to Georgia’s growing nonprofit, R&D, and life sciences communities.”
He further added, “Our commitment to being the Top State for Talent attracts outstanding organizations and partners like this that further life-changing research at our top-ranked research universities across the state. I’m grateful for Shriners Children’s decision to bet on Georgia and our talent to improve lives for generations to come.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens remarked that the new healthcare research facility is not merely a strategic investment but also a “powerful commitment to healthier futures for children.”
He stated, “This investment will not only create high-quality jobs and drive innovation but also furthers Atlanta’s reputation as a global hub for improving public health through scientific advancement.”
Chairman Robb Pitts of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners emphasized that the decision to establish the Research Institute in Fulton County reflects the area’s talent pipeline and growing reputation in life sciences.
He noted that projects such as this are instrumental in providing high-quality jobs for residents while reinforcing the county’s role as a center for innovation and economic growth.
Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, concluded by stating, “Backed by metro Atlanta’s world-class universities and a robust talent pipeline, Shriners Children’s new Research Institute exemplifies the region’s momentum in cutting-edge research and global innovation.”
With Atlanta’s emergence as a national hub for technology, this new venture into biomedical innovation could shape both economic and health outcomes well into the future.
The institute’s establishment is expected to bring hundreds of high-skill jobs, deepen research partnerships, and expand global pediatric care knowledge.
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