Cleveland Clinic has opened the first phase of its 341,000-square-foot innovation district.
The Cleveland Innovation District, a public-private initiative with the state of Ohio and JobsOhio, greatly expands the health system's research capabilities.
"Our focus on innovation not only helps to develop new treatments to improve patient care but also contributes to the growth of our region’s economy and efforts to train the workforce of tomorrow," said Tom Mihaljevic, MD, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic, in a Sept. 28 news release.
Dr. Mihaljevic noted that this represents the "largest research investment in our history." Philanthropic donations have already contributed more than $47 million to the effort. It also included $265 million in state funds and a $1.3 billion commitment from Cleveland Clinic.
The first phase includes 45,000 square feet of remodeled laboratory space that will house research into such areas as computational life sciences, precision oncology and vaccine development. The center includes floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing for a view of the scientists at work.
Next year, Cleveland Clinic plans to start building two new research buildings totaling 296,000 square feet. They will feature more research laboratories, classroom space, offices and a cafe. They will house the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, the largest research initiative in Cleveland Clinic's 100-year-plus history. That work is expected to be completed in 2025.
Cleveland Clinic also recently launched a high-performance computing project with IBM as part of the innovation district.