A Colorado redevelopment authority charged with developing a bioscience district near the University of Colorado campus in Aurora has appointed the head of Mayo Clinic Ventures as its new leader.
Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority announced that Steve VanNurden will become the group’s new president and CEO starting in late May. FRA was created in 1996 as a partnership between the University of Colorado and the city of Aurora. Now, FRA in partnership with the University, the city of Aurora and the Children’s hospital and other public entities have acquired land that is part of an ambitious effort to transform the area from an old army medical center into a thriving bioscience hub.
As CEO of FRA, VanNurden will work with universities, local economic development agencies, state and local governments, and the bioscience industry to promote the development of the 180-acre Colorado Science + Technology Park. The area is adjacent to the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Under VanNurden’s tenure, Mayo Clinic Ventures, formerly known as the Office of Intellectual Property, the commercialization arm of Mayo, has created more than 45 startups.
Mayo Clinic will conduct a national search to replace VanNurden.
“We thank Steve VanNurden for his two-plus decades of service to Mayo Clinic and wish him the very best as he takes on this new challenge,” read a statement from Mayo Clinic.
