Santa Clara University and Biocom California partner to train biomanufacturing workforce
Santa Clara University (SCU) and Biocom California Institute (BCI) have teamed up to expand workforce training in biomanufacturing, focusing on data programming and analytics.
The BioCAD Data Programming for Biomanufacturing Scale-up project has received $500,000 in funding from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). The program is designed to train community college students and instructors to meet the increasing demand for data-driven roles in biomanufacturing.
Developing a skilled workforce in biomanufacturing
The program has been designed to prepare students for biopharmaceutical development roles and broaden the number of professionals who can apply advanced data analytics to biomanufacturing processes. Participants will learn how to identify and resolve manufacturing issues, improve efficiency, and ensure quality standards.
A key component of the initiative is the development of instructional materials for community college educators, allowing them to integrate Python programming and data analytics into existing courses. The program builds on an existing biomanufacturing analytics curriculum used in four-year colleges and industry settings.
The training is structured to serve two groups:
Life sciences and bioprocessing students, who will learn how to use data to support the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.
Software engineering and data science students, who will gain insight into biopharma applications, an area not typically covered in traditional programming courses.
Industry collaboration and curriculum implementation
Genentech and Merck will provide input on critical data analysis challenges in biomanufacturing, helping shape curriculum content. The companies will also contribute to curriculum testing and design, ensuring alignment with industry needs.
Parallel efforts will involve community college instructors across California, who will incorporate the training materials into their courses. This will expose students at different educational levels to emerging biomanufacturing careers and the technical skills required in the field.
Prashanth Asuri, Chair and Professor of Bioengineering at SCU, noted the significance of community college partnerships:
"The BioCAD curriculum is designed to prepare students for a career in the biomanufacturing industry. By collaborating with community colleges, we aim to ensure access to this curriculum in a way that is sustainable and provides long-term benefits to students."
Training educators and expanding industry reach
As part of the initiative, community college instructors will participate in a training session at Santa Clara University in mid-2025 with a focus on teaching Python programming as it applies to biomanufacturing analytics. Instructor feedback will guide the final development of course modules before broader implementation.
The program is expected to train over 500 students and 100 industry professionals annually, equipping them for roles in process development, manufacturing, and scientific analysis.
The program supports California’s broader workforce development strategy, particularly as demand increases for data-literate professionals in life sciences. BCI’s role in the initiative reflects its focus on closing workforce gaps through academic and industry collaboration.
Tim Scott, CEO of Biocom California, described the initiative as part of BCI’s larger mission:
"Biocom California Institute is dedicated to workforce and talent development for the life sciences. BCI’s work on programs like BioCAD and others bridge the gap between the need for qualified professionals and the abundance of aspiring employees who require specific training or knowledge."
Vicki Brannock, Senior Director of Workforce Strategy and Innovation at BCI, highlighted the importance of making training accessible:
“To sustain the growth and innovation of the life science industry in California and nationwide, we need to cultivate a talented workforce. By partnering with the community colleges, we’re exponentially expanding the reach of a course currently exclusive to SCU, enabling it to benefit a much broader audience.
“This unique approach ensures that essential training is accessible to individuals from all educational backgrounds, amplifying its impact. This enhances employment opportunities and drives widespread innovation across the industry.”
Building on previous workforce training efforts
This initiative follows previous collaborations between NIIMBL, Biocom California Institute, and Santa Clara University. Earlier this year, the NIIMBL eXperience program introduced students to biomanufacturing careers through industry site visits, panels, and networking opportunities.
The BioCAD program is supported by NIIMBL and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, aiming to create a stronger talent pipeline for biomanufacturing.
