U of M Part of Public-Private Partnership to Bolster Regenerative Medicine

University of Minnesota is joining the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a consortium of nearly 100 organizations spanning industry, government, academia and the non-profit sector. The Institute is set to receive nearly $300 million in public-private investment to develop scalable manufacturing processes for engineered tissues and organs.

ARMI is the 12th Institute within the Manufacturing USA Program, which establishes regional specialized networks to help secure the future of manufacturing in the U.S. through innovation, collaboration and education. 

The University is expected to develop training curricula for 2- and 4-year colleges that will educate students about Tissue and Organ Biofabrication, 3D Bioprinting and Regenerative Medicine.

“This project is a great way to build our bioprinting and education expertise in a collaborative way with other leading organizations,” said Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, PhD, a professor within the University of Minnesota Medical School who led the ARMI submission process for the Midwest region. “Regenerative medicine and biofabrication is an opportunity area for our healthcare and manufacturing industries, and we’re excited to be part of an effort that could benefit patients and our economy.”

Approximately $80 million from the federal government will be combined with more than $200 million in cost share to support the development of tissue and organ manufacturing capabilities. As part of continuing efforts to help revitalize American manufacturing and incentivize companies to invest in new technology development in the United States, ARMI, based in New Hampshire, will lead the Advanced Tissue Biofabrication (ATB) Manufacturing USA Institute on behalf of the Department of Defense. 

The University’s budget for its work with education and training initiatives is $3.5 million, and Panoskaltsis-Mortari expects allocation and scope of work to be finalized by summer 2017.Â