Pasadena Celebrates Milestone for Biotech Incubator

City marks 22 years and 100th company at Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator during Connect Week

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the growth and momentum of Pasadena's life sciences sector.Pasadena's thriving life sciences hub celebrates two decades of supporting early-stage innovation and welcomes its 100th company.Pasadena Today

The City of Pasadena is celebrating a major milestone for the Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator (PBC), which is marking 22 years of operation and welcoming its 100th company. The incubator has played a vital role in Pasadena's life sciences and innovation economy by providing lab space, training, and support for emerging biotech and environmental tech startups.

Why it matters

Pasadena's life sciences sector is a cornerstone of the city's innovation economy, and the PBC incubator has been critical in supporting early-stage companies and advancing breakthrough technologies. Celebrating this milestone highlights the strength of Pasadena's innovation community and the partnerships that help it grow.

The details

Over the past 22 years, the PBC incubator has helped cultivate local talent, attract high-impact startups, and contribute to Pasadena's innovation pipeline. The incubator's 100th company, VelvEtch, is advancing new bio-compatible polymers for applications like drug delivery and neural interface technologies. This milestone will be recognized during Innovate Pasadena's Connect Week on April 15, in partnership with the City of Pasadena's Economic Development Division.

  • The PBC incubator was founded 22 years ago.
  • VelvEtch became the 100th company to join the incubator.
  • The milestone will be celebrated during Connect Week on April 15, 2026.

The players

Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator

A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage life science companies by providing affordable lab space, shared resources, interns, and training opportunities.

VelvEtch

The 100th company to join the PBC incubator, advancing new bio-compatible polymers for applications ranging from drug delivery to implantable sensors.

David Klug

Economic Development Director for the City of Pasadena.

Eric Duyshart

President of the Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Pasadena's life sciences sector continues to be a cornerstone of the city's innovation economy. The Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator plays a critical role in supporting early-stage companies and advancing breakthrough technologies. Celebrating this milestone during Connect Week highlights the strength of Pasadena's innovation community and the partnerships that help it grow.”

— David Klug, Economic Development Director, City of Pasadena

“This is an exciting moment not only for our incubator, but for the broader scientific community we serve. We are grateful for companies and institutional partners that have been a part of our journey of supporting entrepreneurs and training individuals pursuing careers in a laboratory.”

— Eric Duyshart, President, Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator

What’s next

The milestone will be recognized during Innovate Pasadena's Connect Week on April 15, 2026, in partnership with the City of Pasadena's Economic Development Division.

The takeaway

Pasadena's thriving life sciences sector and the success of the Pasadena BioCollaborative Incubator demonstrate the city's commitment to supporting cutting-edge research, fostering entrepreneurial growth, and strengthening its position as a hub for scientific advancement.