FUJIFILM Biotechnologies Funds State-of-the-Art Bioreactor Controller to NC State to Train Next-Gen Biopharma Manufacturing Workforce

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – September 22, 2025 – FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organization for biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, it will fund a state-of-the-art bioreactor controller via a $100,000 in-kind donation to NC State University’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC). The donation will enhance practical learning experiences for students and industry professionals in the biopharma manufacturing industry.

The cutting-edge, new bioreactor controller automatically monitors and adjusts critical conditions, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, stirring speed, and nutrient feeds, which are essential for maintaining the health and growth of live cells during the manufacturing process for life-changing therapies. The bioreactor controller can be run in batch, fed-batch, or perfusion mode

Approximately 100 students and industry professionals annually will benefit from hands-on training at BTEC with the new bioreactor controller and other equipment required for the complex process of biopharma manufacturing. This unique learning experience is part of cell culture courses offered in BTEC’s academic and professional education programs, which provide students with direct access and training on pilot-scale cell culture manufacturing concepts across multiple cell lines and product modalities.

“As a major employer in the Triangle, we recognize the importance of investing in our community’s future, ensuring that we have a well-trained and readily available workforce capable of supporting us in making complex, powerful, and life-changing medicines,” said Laurie Braxton, senior vice president, head of North Carolina operations, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies. “Our collaboration with BTEC helps ensure that students and trainees are learning on the latest, high-tech equipment available. These important programs fuel our talent pipeline and training programs to help North Carolina continue as a leader in biopharma manufacturing.”

“We are grateful for FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ generous donation in support of BTEC’s mission,” said Gary Gilleskie, executive director of BTEC. “This investment further strengthens our ability to deliver hands-on training and prepare the next generation of biopharmaceutical professionals.”

This donation will support the training needs of the second-phase expansion of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ commercial-scale manufacturing site in Holly Springs. The site, which is scheduled for its phase 1 opening this fall, will employ 1,400 people by 2031.

This announcement builds on FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ and NC State’s existing partnership, which focuses on innovations focused on sustainable facility design, bioprocessing advancements, and talent pipeline development.