World-Renowned J. Craig Venter Institute's New Home will be IQHQ's Research and Development District (RaDD)
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IQHQ, Inc., a premier owner and developer of world-class life science districts, announced today that the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), a leader in genomics research since 1992, will relocate its West Coast operations, currently located on the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) campus, to IQHQ's Research and Development District. JCVI will expand its footprint to approximately 50,000 square feet in RaDD's lab and office space on San Diego's waterfront as it continues advancing its mission of driving impactful scientific breakthroughs.
'We are proud to welcome JCVI and its team of dedicated scientists to RaDD as the project's cornerstone life science partner,' said Tracy Murphy, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of IQHQ. 'JCVI has been an undisputed leader in genomics, innovating advancements that have shaped both the San Diego and global biotech communities for over three decades. Its groundbreaking work in genomics, infectious diseases, bioinformatics, synthetic genomics and other key disciplines has generated monumental benefits and global financial impact. We look forward to partnering with JCVI on our aligned vision of creating San Diego's world-class hub for transformative scientific discovery.'
IQHQ's RaDD project will house JCVI's team of West Coast-based scientists and other employees who will enjoy over five acres of green space, best-in-class retail and dining, incredible public art, and premium event space – all just minutes from San Diego's airport and main public transit hub. JCVI is expected to take occupancy in RaDD's Core building in 2026, where it will occupy an entire floor plus additional space for a new advanced human genome sequencing facility.
'I have a long history and connection to San Diego, from serving here in the Navy as a corpsman, first in boot camp and then at Balboa Hospital, to beginning my academic career at UC San Diego,' said JCVI Founder J. Craig Venter, PhD. 'I'm thrilled that JCVI will be a part of IQHQ's RaDD district and excited about the transformation this dynamic campus will bring to the San Diego waterfront community.'
'We believe that our new downtown home will continue to inspire our scientists and will help us grow and recruit new talent as we build upon our 33 years of transformational genomic research,' Dr. Venter added.
The JCVI was founded in 1992 based on new methodologies, techniques and tools for genomic research. Dr. Venter and his teams published the first sequenced genome of a free-living organism in 1995, completed the first draft sequence of the human genome in 2000 and published the first diploid human reference genome in 2007. Sequencing the first genomes is widely considered one of the greatest contributions to modern science. In 2010, JCVI announced the first ever synthetic genome and cell. The sequencing of the first genomes resulted in an estimated global economic impact of over $1 trillion.
JCVI's legacy extends to countless breakthroughs and contributions to research and science, including the discovery of more than 60 million new genes, the publication of approximately 2,600 research articles in top-tier journals, the spin-off of six commercial entities, and numerous awards including the National Medal of Science, which was presented to Craig Venter in 2009.
"JCVI's arrival at IQHQ's downtown RaDD district is a major milestone in the effort to broaden San Diego's innovation landscape," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "Expanding the life sciences industry to our city center strengthens our economy, creates high-quality jobs, and promotes our waterfront as a new hub of scientific discovery and excellence."
As the first scientific institute to be located in downtown San Diego, JCVI provides RaDD with the momentum to grow a vibrant life sciences ecosystem. San Diego has long been home to one of the largest concentrations of life science companies in the world, and IQHQ's RaDD project is paving the way for a new era of discovery, research and economic activity on the city's scenic waterfront. In 2024, the life science sector generated nearly $57 billion in economic impact to the region, providing approximately 76,000 in direct jobs and supporting an additional 147,000 indirect jobs.
'IQHQ and JCVI's new partnership represents a significant advancement for California's life science ecosystem," said Tim Scott, president and CEO of Biocom California. "As one of the largest industries in California, it's important to continuously seek opportunities that expand access to high-quality jobs and drive critical breakthroughs that improve human well-being. We look forward to supporting the continued scientific and economic growth that RaDD will bring to our industry.'
About IQHQ
IQHQ is Giving Progress a Home™, empowering the life science community to thrive and succeed by creating and developing districts that inspire innovation and drive progress and growth. IQHQ's focus is to acquire, develop, and operate sustainable life science districts in the U.S. innovation hubs of San Francisco, San Diego, and Boston. To learn more, visit iqhqreit.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
About J. Craig Venter Institute
The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is a not-for-profit research institute in Rockville, Maryland and La Jolla, California dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the understanding of its implications for society; and communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Founded by J. Craig Venter, PhD., JCVI is home to approximately 140 scientists and staff with expertise in human and evolutionary biology, genetics, bioinformatics/informatics, synthetic genomics, high-throughput DNA sequencing, genomic and environmental policy research, and public education in science and science policy. JCVI is a 501(c)(3) organization. For additional information, please visit www.jcvi.org.
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