Rosalind Franklin University Doubles Helix 51 Incubator

Fueling the next wave of bioinnovation: Helix 51 scales up as regional launchpad

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:45pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science has announced the expansion of its Helix 51 biomedical incubator, doubling its available space in response to growing demand from early-stage biotechnology companies seeking laboratory and commercialization support. The expansion is expected to create space for up to 10 additional companies advancing research, development, and product commercialization efforts that could ultimately yield new therapeutic and diagnostic options for patients.

Why it matters

The expansion of Helix 51 reinforces Lake County's position as one of the Midwest's leading life sciences hubs, giving emerging biotech companies access to industry leaders, talent, and cutting-edge innovation. This will translate groundbreaking research into real-world therapies while creating new jobs and opportunities for innovators, students, and residents across the community.

The details

Located within the university's Innovation and Research Park (IRP), Helix 51 is the only biomedical incubator of its kind in Lake County, Illinois, with a regional reach extending from Milwaukee to northern Cook County. Since its launch eight years ago with approximately 6,700 square feet of wet and dry laboratory and office space, Helix 51 has grown to house 12 biotechnology startups. To accommodate continued demand, the university expanded the incubator into the adjacent IRP space, adding roughly 6,000 square feet of additional lab and office capacity and bringing the total footprint to just under 13,000 square feet.

  • Helix 51 launched eight years ago with approximately 6,700 square feet of space.
  • The expansion added roughly 6,000 square feet of additional lab and office capacity in 2026.

The players

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

A university committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness.

Helix 51

The only biomedical incubator of its kind in Lake County, Illinois, with a regional reach extending from Milwaukee to northern Cook County.

Michael Rosen

The Managing Director of the Innovation and Research Park and Helix 51 Incubator.

Kevin Considine

The president and CEO of Lake County Partners.

Janice Urban

The Interim Executive Vice President for Research at Rosalind Franklin University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Momentum across our campus has accelerated significantly since late 2025. We are seeing a steady pipeline of promising companies choosing RFU as the place to launch and scale.”

— Michael Rosen, Managing Director of the IRP and Helix 51 Incubator

“The expansion of Helix 51 reinforces Lake County's position as one of the Midwest's leading life sciences hubs. This location gives emerging biotech companies access to industry leaders, talent and cutting-edge innovation — resources that ultimately translate groundbreaking research into real-world therapies while creating new jobs and opportunities for innovators, students, and residents across our community.”

— Kevin Considine, President and CEO of Lake County Partners

“Our researchers and students are energized by the surge of life science activity taking place within Helix 51 and the Innovation and Research Park. These companies are creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, experiential learning, and career pathways while aligning closely with RFU's disease-focused research strengths.”

— Janice Urban, Interim Executive Vice President for Research

What’s next

The university expects to onboard several additional companies in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The expansion of Helix 51 solidifies Rosalind Franklin University's position as a hub for biomedical innovation, providing early-stage companies with the resources and support they need to translate groundbreaking research into real-world therapies and create new opportunities for the local community.