Peoria NEXT Innovation Center Brings Exciting Businesses to the Area

Since its inception in 2007, the 48,000-square-foot Peoria NEXT Innovation Center has been home to more than 45 startup businesses and organizations, created over 775 jobs, and cultivated countless innovative, collaborative and entrepreneurial capabilities for the Peoria area. Peoria NEXT is a strong asset to our community and an incredible resource when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs and budding new companies in the technology field. We are so very excited about what the future holds for Peoria NEXT and looking forward to sharing some great news about its tenants.

On Nov. 17, Peoria NEXT celebrated its newest tenant as well as the expansion of an existing tenant.

• Veloxity Labs Is Moving In — This new startup is a bioanalytical contract research organization that has chosen to call Peoria home. The company will use state-of-the-art bioanalytical technology to accelerate the drug development continuum. This 100% employee-owned startup will occupy two Peoria NEXT wet labs beginning this January.
• Midwest Bioprocessing Center Is Expanding — Formed in 2019 at Peoria NEXT, Midwest Bioprocessing Center brings important new bioprocess technologies to market for human health and nutrition. It's building a name for itself by offering rare sugars, biochemicals, natural cosmetic ingredients and custom bioprocess solutions. Through a $1.85 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, it has now expanded from one wet lab to three at Peoria NEXT.

Bradley manages and operates Peoria NEXT and supports its tenants through services offered by Bradley's Illinois Small Business Development Center. Peoria NEXT's relationship with Bradley has also facilitated collaboration with tenants, including faculty research initiatives and student internship opportunities. It is located near campus at 801 W. Main Street.