Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University are taking medical and biomedical research to the next level by moving seven cutting-edge labs into Science Square, the Southeast's premier life sciences district. This expansion is more than just growth in square footage; it marks a major push to establish Atlanta as a Top 5 technology hub in the U.S.
"Science Square Labs marks a pivotal step forward for Georgia Tech and for Atlanta's growing life sciences ecosystem. We're not only accelerating our research and innovation - we're building powerful momentum across the region," said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. "Our labs moving to this space will attract top talent and drive medical innovation. The move sets the stage for transformative discoveries, and we hope others will join us to continue Atlanta's evolution into a global hub for medical breakthroughs."
This move comes as Georgia Tech saw a 46% increase in research awards from 2018 to 2024, evidence of the Institute's fast-growing impact. By adding these labs, Atlanta strengthens its position on the national stage for advanced tech and life sciences innovation.
"Every new lab, every partnership, brings Atlanta one step closer to being one of the nation's top tech hubs," said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "This investment signals to the world that Georgia is serious about innovation. Strong research attracts talent and companies - and delivers breakthroughs that improve lives right here in our backyard."
Why It Matters
- Saving lives: From early cancer detection and more innovative immune therapies to healing damaged tissues and managing chronic diseases, the research that will be conducted at Science Square tackles health issues millions face.
- Fueling a tech hub: By combining research powerhouses like Georgia Tech and Emory with next-gen laboratory facilities, Atlanta is building the brainpower and resources to compete with national tech centers.
- Economic growth: Science Square is helping attract top researchers, startups, and funding - bringing jobs, investment, and opportunities to Georgia. Most recently, Duracell announced they are moving their research and development headquarters to Science Square.
Research for Real Life
The new labs at Science Square will support teams tackling life-changing challenges:
- Gabe Kwong, Robert A. Milton Chair, College of Engineering, is developing a two-step cancer defense: tagging tumor cells with a synthetic "flag," then supercharging T cells (the body's infection-fighting white blood cells) to track down and destroy them. Early lab tests show the technique works against breast, brain, and colon cancers - and prevents regrowth.
- Tara Deans and her team are teaching cells new jobs - when to grow, which type of cell to become, or how to release medicine. Their goal is to design smart cells that can sense what's happening in the body and act as "living therapies," delivering treatment exactly where, when, and at the level needed.
- Alex Vlahos is developing ways to reprogram cells to understand and treat diseases. His team makes new protein tools that help cells sense their environment, communicate with each other, and respond to problems - repairing tissues, fighting cancer, or calming an overactive immune system.
- Ed Botchwey co-directs the Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center, a collaboration between Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the University of Georgia. His team develops advanced biomaterials that work with the body's immune system, combined with specialized methods, to produce therapeutic cells and their beneficial byproducts. They focus on innovative regenerative treatments for conditions like sickle-cell disease complications, severe muscle injuries, and injuries affecting the mouth, face, and skull.
- John Blazeck designs new ways to help the immune system fight disease. His team engineers cells and proteins to better target cancer, improve immune therapies, and develop next-generation treatments.
- Corey Wilson, Love Family Professorship, College of Engineering, is building custom-made biological systems from scratch. By mixing protein engineering with genetic tinkering, his team is creating powerful new tools for science and medicine that help us understand how proteins and genes work.
- Alyssa Panitch, Wallace H. Coulter Department Chair, College of Engineering, designs innovative materials that help tissues heal better and scar less - whether skin, blood vessels, or even joints. Her team's biomaterials promote healing on both the inside and outside of cells, guiding the body's natural repair process.
More About Science Square Labs
Science Square Labs, which opened in 2024, offers more than 368,000 square feet of premium lab and innovation space across 13 floors. Strategically located across from Georgia Tech's North Avenue Research Area, the building is designed to bring together academic institutions, startups, and industry leaders.
As part of the continued expansion, Georgia Tech announces a major new lease at Science Square. Jon Mayeske of Cushman and Wakefield represented Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, an affiliate organization of Georgia Tech, which signed a 10-year lease beginning February 15, 2026, for a 36,364 square-foot space on the sixth floor of Science Square Labs. This cutting-edge life sciences facility includes modern lab spaces, offices, and amenity areas designed to foster collaboration among researchers.
Trammell Crow is the master developer of the Science Square District, programmed for over 2.1 million square feet of labs, offices, and residential and retail spaces in multiple phases.
