WHAT THE HECK IS BIOTECH?®
What the Heck is Biotech?® (WTHIB) is LabCentral's dynamic community engagement workshop series that makes biotechnology accessible and exciting for all audiences. We offer three flexible delivery options: in-person at our flagship site (LabCentral, 700 Main Street), at your location, or virtually. Our tiered curriculum serves diverse audiences from elementary school to executive leadership.
Who It's For
- STEM education programs seeking biotech curriculum
- Community organizations expanding access to underserved populations
- Schools and universities outside biotech hubs
- Workforce development agencies building career pathways
- Corporate partners investing in talent pipeline development
What We Offer
Curriculum by Age Group:
- Elementary School: Spark curiosity through age-appropriate experiments
- Middle School: Connect science to real-world problem-solving
- High School: Explore career pathways and industry processes
- Post-Secondary: Industry-specific knowledge and specializations
- Graduate Students: Research-to-industry translation
- Adult Learners: Career transition and skill application
- Executive Leadership: Coming Soon
Service Models:
Tier 1 - Standalone Workshops (1-2 hours)
- Fixed pricing for single sessions
- Virtual or in-person delivery
Tier 2 - Strategic Partnerships
- Customized recurring programs
- Tailored to organizational goals
*Signature Experience: Drug Development Simulation (1.5-2 hours)*
Whether in-person or virtual, participants step into real biotech roles, form startup companies, and navigate the journey from drug discovery to market together. This interactive simulation works equally well at our flagship site, at your location, or online. Participants:
- Build and pitch drug development proposals
- Navigate business challenges and strategic decisions
- Connect the dots between scientists, investors, regulators, and patients
- Develop presentation and communication skills
Additional Opportunities: Connect with LabCentral sponsor companies for specialized workshops. Bundle with our Biotech Ready micro-credentialing program for comprehensive pathways.
Program Location Options:
- At LabCentral: 700 Main Street, Cambridge, MA
- At Your Location: Schools, community centers, corporate sites
- Virtual: Accessible from anywhere
Program Timing:
- Preferred: Weekday business hours
- Flexible scheduling based on availability
- One-time workshops or quarterly programs
Why Partner With LabCentral
- We make biotech approachable, not intimidating
- We connect participants to real career opportunities
- We help participants build confidence through hands-on experiences
- Leverage LabCentral's 70+ startup network
Start Your Partnership Journey!
Have Ready:
- Organization name and target audience
- Group size and preferred dates
- Delivery method preference
- Program goals
Investment:
Flexible pricing with sliding scale options for qualifying community organizations.