A New Chapter for Phoenix Healthcare
In a significant step toward expanding its research footprint, the University of Arizona recently celebrated the topping out of its Medical Innovations Building. Located at the heart of the Phoenix Bioscience Core, this seven-story, 200,000 square-foot facility is designed to bridge the gap between academic discovery and patient-centered healthcare.
The project, which broke ground in October 2024, is a collaboration between the university, the City of Phoenix, McCarthy Building Companies, and SmithGroup. Once fully operational in October 2027, the building will serve as an engine for medical breakthroughs, ranging from immunology and cancer research to regenerative medicine for conditions like Type 1 diabetes.
Powering Discovery Through Collaboration
The facility is more than just a research hub; it marks a new phase in the long-standing partnership between the University of Arizona and Banner Health. A major highlight of the project is the inclusion of a bio-incubator occupying the top two floors, managed by Banner Health. This space is specifically designed to accelerate the journey of scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside.
- A 200,000 square-foot facility dedicated to interdisciplinary research.
- Integration with the U of A Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies.
- A dedicated bio-incubator space provided by Banner Health.
- Increased lab capacity for the University of Arizona Cancer Center and the Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology.
The Medical Innovations Building is a home for research that shapes the future, where University of Arizona students and scientists will work side-by-side with Banner Health clinicians to improve patient outcomes and advance public health.
— Suresh Garimella, University of Arizona President
Impact on the Phoenix Bioscience Core
The addition of this building bolsters the Phoenix Bioscience Core’s (PBC) reputation as a premier destination for biotechnology and healthcare innovation. The 30-acre district already hosts a dense network of research institutions, including the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Eller College of Management. By concentrating these resources in downtown Phoenix, the project aims to foster an environment where educators, entrepreneurs, and clinicians can share insights and resources to solve complex health challenges.