High-throughput DNA Assembly and Cloning
High-throughput DNA Assembly and Cloning
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The DAMP Residency Program 2026/27
Accelerate your biotechnology at the intersection of automation and biology. The DAMP (Design, Automation, Manufacturing, and Processes) Lab Residency Program is a premier, year-long program providing Boston’s most innovative biotech startups with access to a world-class "Cloud Lab" environment. Located within Boston University’s Rajen Kilachand Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, our residents bridge the gap between bench science and high-throughput discovery.
Physical Infrastructure & Access
Residents are embedded in a state-of-the-art facility on the BU Charles River Campus, designed to minimize the friction of traditional lab management.
● Advanced Laboratory Space: Direct access to the DAMP Lab’s suite of 8+ OpenTrons and Hamilton automated liquid handlers, Illumina MiSeq sequencing, and Abbott analytical instruments.
● Dedicated Workstations: Each residency includes one dedicated office desk within the Kilachand Center.
● BU Institutional Affiliation: Your lead scientist receives official BU Affiliate status, providing:
■ Building and secure lab access.
■ High-speed institutional Wi-Fi and IT support.
■ Comprehensive Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) training and oversight.
■ Access to BU Library/Academic Journals.
■ Access to other BU Core Facilities (e.g., Sequencing, Imaging).
Automation & Expertise
Unlike traditional incubators, the DAMP Residency provides a "Managed Lab" experience where technology is the multiplier.
● Automation Concierge: Access to DAMP Lab staff for consultation on protocol optimization, automation scripting, and workflow design.
●Managed Operations: The DAMP Lab team handles all equipment maintenance, calibration, and waste management, allowing you to focus entirely on your science.
● Centralized Procurement: Benefit from administrative support for reagent ordering and logistics, leveraging BU’s established supply chains.
The Cohort Experience
Join a curated community of 4-6 biotechnology companies.
● Vibrant Research Environment: Be at the heart of one of the nation's premier synthetic biology hubs, surrounded by leading academic researchers and engineers.
● Events: Regular member networking events/Industry Demo Days.
● Intellectual Property: Residents retain 100% ownership of their IP. Publication options are available to the extent that residents want to participate.
Tentative Program Timeline (2026/27 Cohort)
● Mid March, 2026: Application Review & On-site Interviews.
● Early April, 2026: Final Cohort Notification.
● Mid April, 2026: Administrative Onboarding & Logistics Planning.
● Early May, 2026: Residency Commencement.
● End of April, 2027: Residency Conclusion.
Participation & Costs
Our model is designed to be transparent and founder-friendly, requiring no equity exchange.
● Annual Membership Fee: $25,000 per year. Standard “Partner” engagement
● Annual Membership+ Fee: $TBD depending on specific engagement
● Direct Costs: Consumables, reagents, and specialized materials are billed quarterly at market cost with no markup.
● Selection Criteria: Open to Boston-area biotechnology startups. Applicants are evaluated based on technical fit for automation and potential for impact.