Mansfield, MA (March 31, 2025) — One of the critical missions of startup incubators is to help train the future workforce by providing various experiential learning opportunities. Over the past year Mansfield Bio-Incubator (BIOINC) engaged in two separate partnerships to achieve this goal. First, Northeastern University and the Mansfield BioIncubator (BioInc) partnered to offer the first student co-op at the leading venue for biotechnology and life sciences innovation in southeastern Massachusetts. In addition, two pioneering startups housed at BioInc, Stapgen and UpLevel Foods, are harnessing a strategic partnership with Catawba College's Entrepreneurship Practicum to propel advancements in life sciences and functional foods. These workforce development collaborations equip both startups and higher education institutions with opportunities to enhance their trajectories and to foster innovation in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Northeastern University and BioInc
Northeastern University has been running a signature "co-op" program for 115 years. The program offers students full-time, months-long professional work experience and is a key part of the university's experiential learning approach. For the Fall 2024 Semester, Mansfield Bio-Incubator hosted Ms. Linh Dinh, a student working on MS in Project Management at Northeastern University. ”My experience at Mansfield Bio-Incubator greatly expanded my knowledge of the startup world and especially gave me the appreciation of high risks and potentially high rewards associated with the Life Science industry. I am grateful for this opportunity”, said Ms Linh Dinh.
Revolutionizing Diabetes Detection and Nutritional Health
Stapgen, focused on preempting Type 2 Diabetes, has leveraged the collaborative efforts with Catawba College to refine its innovative STAP Test. This diagnostic tool is designed to predict diabetes risk years before clinical symptoms manifest. Dr. Biplab K. Malo, founder of Stapgen, stated, “Working with the bright minds at Catawba College has allowed us to sharpen our go-to-market approach and enhance our diagnostic accuracy.”
UpLevel Foods, creators of nutrient-dense condiments, has similarly benefited from the partnership, gaining deeper insights into consumer behavior and nutritional preferences. “The research conducted by Catawba students has been instrumental in shaping our product development and marketing strategies,” noted Soumya Roy, co-founder of UpLevel Foods. Their products aim to improve consumer health through everyday dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of nutrient enhancement.
Driving Impact Through Academic-Industry Synergy
The collaboration between the Mansfield Bioincubator and Catawba College's Entrepreneurship Practicum involves students working closely with startups to conduct market research, analyze industry trends, and develop actionable strategies. Under the guidance of seasoned entrepreneur and Mansfield Bioincubator Advisory Board Member Pabel Delgado, students gain hands-on experience while providing valuable insights to the startups.
“These collaborations provide both immediate and long-term benefits, creating a dynamic ecosystem where academic rigor meets entrepreneurial spirit,” commented Dr. Rustam (Russ) Yukhananov, President of the Mansfield Bio-incubator. “By combining the energy and creativity of students with the expertise of our startups, we accelerate the pace of life sciences innovation.”
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Talent
Delgado, an Advisory Board Member at the Mansfield Bioincubator and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Catawba College, has been instrumental in shaping this partnership. Drawing from his extensive experience in integrating entrepreneurial learning into academic curricula, including his tenure as Professor of Practice at Wheaton College Massachusetts from 2022 to 2024, Delgado has led several initiatives that connected students with biotech startups, providing hands-on courses and year-long co-operative opportunities in areas such as cell culture and chemical analytics. Through these experiences, he has developed a robust framework for academic-industry collaboration.
“This collaboration isn't just about today's achievements; it's about building a sustainable pipeline of innovation for tomorrow's challenges in life sciences,” said Delgado. “By integrating real-world entrepreneurial challenges into the academic curriculum, we're creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the rigors of the industry while providing startups with fresh perspectives and market insights.”
Future Directions and Continued Collaboration
The success of this partnership highlights the effectiveness of integrating academic resources with industry needs to drive life sciences innovation. Building on this proven model, the Mansfield Bioincubator is poised to launch a comprehensive Biotech Immersion Program in 2025. This intensive, multi-phase initiative will provide students with in-depth exposure to the biotech industry, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on projects at startups like Stapgen and UpLevel Foods. The program aims to further bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering a new generation of life sciences leaders.
As Stapgen and UpLevel Foods continue to grow and innovate, the support and resources provided by the Mansfield Bioincubator and its academic partnerships will remain essential to their success. “The Mansfield Bioincubator and Catawba College have crafted a model for collaboration that has the potential to transform the way we nurture life sciences entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Alexander Margulis, Chief Operating Officer of the Mansfield Bioincubator. “Together, we're breaking down barriers, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in the life sciences industry and beyond.”
About Northeastern University: Northeastern University is a private research university with its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, United States and 13 global satellite campuses. With more than 38,000 students, Northeastern is the largest university in Massachusetts by enrollment.
About Stapgen: Stapgen is a biotech and medtech company that aims to transform diabetes management with its STAP Test, capable of detecting Type 2 Diabetes risk years before its onset. Their innovative approach to early detection and management seeks to significantly alter the healthcare landscape.
About UpLevel Foods: UpLevel Foods innovates in the functional foods market by producing nutrient-enhanced condiments designed to boost health and vitality. With each product, UpLevel Foods strives to set a new standard in nutritional value, directly impacting consumer health outcomes.
About Catawba College: Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a nationally recognized private liberal arts college located in Salisbury, North Carolina. Committed to providing students with a transformative educational experience, Catawba blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare graduates to become leaders in their chosen fields.
About the Mansfield Bioincubator: The Mansfield Bioincubator is a catalyst for early-stage life sciences innovation in the greater Boston area. Through its comprehensive suite of lab space, mentorship, and support services, the bioincubator empowers startups to develop groundbreaking solutions that address critical health challenges and improve lives.
For further information or to engage with these initiatives, please contact:
Dr. Alexander Margulis
Chief Operating Officer, Mansfield Bioincubator
(888) 490-4443
alex.margulis@bioinc.org
