Innovation Quarter Partners with Winston Starts to Empower Biotech Startups 

The Innovation Quarter (iQ) has launched a strategic partnership with Winston Starts, a non-profit startup accelerator, to provide memberships for iQ entrepreneurs and startup companies in the biotechnology, life sciences, and regenerative medicine industries. Eligible companies must demonstrate scalability, commercial potential, and a commitment to Winston-Salem.

This initiative aims to foster innovation and economic growth within the iQ community.

“The business landscape for life sciences companies is extremely difficult and capital intensive, and at the iQ we want to reduce obstacles for tenants,” said Isaac Perry, head of biotech and life science ecosystem development for the Innovation Quarter and Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. “By curating a connected ecosystem, we hope to help companies maximize precious early runway capital, inspire more individuals to start or relocate businesses here, and demonstrate there is an entire community in Winston-Salem eager to support them wherever they are in their company’s life cycle.” 

Winston Starts offers entrepreneurs a development framework, customized expert mentorship, state-of-the-art office space, and a runway of up to 42 months to scale their businesses. To date, Winston Starts has supported 81 companies, including 33 companies currently in residence, with Winston Starts companies raising $134.7 million in total capital. 

“We are thrilled to be working closely with Innovation Quarter startups to ensure they have the support they need to be successful, from the lab to the marketplace,” said Stan Parker, president of Winston Starts. 

The addition of Winston Starts memberships enhances the suite of benefits available to life sciences companies with tenancy in iQ. Many of these companies are densely populated across Sparq Labs, which offers modern lab spaces tailored for the needs of small, early, and growth stage biotech ventures as well as the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine’s (PTRME) Innovation Accelerator, a shared lab environment populated by startup companies focused on commercialization of regenerative medicine technologies. 

Companies with deep, scientific expertise will benefit from working with Winston-Starts network of over 100 mentors to help provide strategic input as well as guide them through essential business issues. 

“Connecting with Winston Starts has been great for us,” said Joel Stitzel, Ph.D, co-founder and CEO of iQ tenant, Elemance, and chair of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of Biomedical Engineering. “We are partnered with mentors who support, advise and provide experience to our business. I also enjoyed their Investor Readiness and Raise program, which lends an inside perspective on raising money for a business.” 

This partnership reflects the Innovation Quarter’s commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem where startups can thrive. By connecting tenants with resources like Winston Starts, the iQ ensures that scientists and entrepreneurs have the tools and support necessary to transform innovative ideas into scalable, impactful businesses. 

“This partnership between Innovation Quarter and Winston Starts is a great example of how we can collaborate and work together to make Winston-Salem the best city in the southeast to start and grow a business,” said Don Flow, chairman and CEO of Flow Companies. 

To inquire about this partnership, or any additional biotech and life science company amenities in the Innovation Quarter, please contact Isaac Perry. For general inquiries about Winston Starts, please contact Stan Parker. For more information about the PTRME, please contact Stefanie Walling.