Franklin Pierce University has been awarded $3.2 million in federal funding as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Tech Hubs Program Award.

According to a university release announcing the award, the funds are part of approximately $44 million awarded to the ReGen Valley Tech Hub, a consortium led by the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) in New Hampshire, to implement five projects that will bolster the Manchester/Nashua region’s ability to scale up the production and delivery of technologies that will advance biotechnology in drugs and medical devices.

“Franklin Pierce University is honored to be part of this important, greatly needed project,” stated university President Peter A. Eden. “As a leader in STEM and health professions education programs, FPU is committed to developing and delivering clinically relevant training curricula through credentialing programs in the areas of biomanufacturing and regenerative medicine, establishing clinical rotation opportunities, offering continuing medical education (CME) programs for early-career clinical providers and generating patient education materials. While I am joining FPU as president just this month, my background in the biomedical sciences attracted me to the university, as we are truly focused on training the next generation of health care leaders – particularly those who will provide compassionate and effective care to our rural and underserved communities.”

Franklin Pierce University will be responsible for training to ensure clinical readiness in regenerative medicine. The federal funds will help offset the costs of hiring faculty and staff to support this work. FPU offers graduate-level allied health programs in physical therapy, physician assistant studies and nursing with in-person and hybrid options across four academic centers in three states.

“Through this partnership, Franklin Pierce University will ensure that health care professionals are prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge and provided state-of-the-art training opportunities to achieve clinical readiness in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine,” stated Catherine M. Paden, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The university will be working with the Foundation for Healthy Communities to assist providers and patients in New Hampshire in capitalizing on the potential of these new technologies as they come to market.

“The Foundation for Healthy Communities is thrilled to partner with Franklin Pierce University,” stated Executive Director Peter Ames. “This is a unique opportunity to improve quality of life for residents living with chronic disease, and working together, we have the chance to empower our medical professionals as these products become available for their patients. This collaboration between higher education and health care quality improvement reflects the dynamic teamwork of ReGen Valley and our collective efforts to improve health in New Hampshire.”

In October 2023, the ReGen Valley Tech Hub was selected as one of 31 designated tech hubs across the country as part of the first phase of the new Tech Hubs Program, an initiative aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in technologies and industries. The ReGen Valley Tech Hub aims to make New Hampshire a global leader in biofabrication, producing cost-effective regenerative therapies that address chronic disease and organ failure.