Aggie Square is a first-of-its-kind $1 billion innovation district anchored by UC Davis and developed by Wexford Science + Technology of Baltimore, Maryland. The new 1.1 million-square-foot mixed-use facility encompasses commercial labs, classrooms, a residential tower and ground floor public space.
Fast-growing Sacramento becomes medical research hot spot
The sustainably designed “campus within a campus” is located near UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center on the vast UC Davis Health complex in Sacramento.
Think of Aggie Square as a living laboratory linking academic research with private industry and communities to help solve society’s most pressing challenges.
A diverse lineup of researchers, technologies and programs moved into Aggie Square this summer, each bringing a unique focus and a shared belief in innovation with purpose.
As Sacramento's first “knowledge community,” Aggie Square is where talent, industry and top-tier institutions connect, amplify and accelerate new discoveries.
Common ground leading to big ideas
Inside its state-of-the-art facilities, scientists share labs, open office spaces, communal kitchens and Wexford Science + Technology’s Connect Labs — flexible, turnkey facilities for early-stage and growth companies. The 50,000-square-foot space offers access to wet labs, dry labs, offices and a comprehensive set of shared technical equipment. Classrooms, event space and publicly accessible meeting areas are also part of the mix.
The goal of Aggie Square is to encourage what the district’s developer calls “intentional collisions.” These are spontaneous encounters that spark new ideas and unexpected collaborations.
“Aggie Square is where the university transforms innovation into impact,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “It represents our university’s research, teaching and public service mission by bringing together the brightest minds in research with entrepreneurs, industry partners and neighbors, all in one place.”
Aggie Square is expected to generate about $500 million in regional economic output and support 3,200 jobs annually when all phases are fully built.
Cancer research hub to advance discoveries at Aggie Square
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s new “cancer research hub” is where cancer care will be transformed through leading-edge, paradigm-shifting research.
Cancer center researchers already have a successful track record of bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical trials. The hub will accelerate progress through collaboration and teamwork. An interdisciplinary group of cancer center members will support the work at Aggie Square. This will include early-career, mid-career and senior-level faculty and research staff from across UC Davis.
“We are pushing the boundaries of innovation with Aggie Square,” said UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Director Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr. “The cancer center is proud to bring world-class researchers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs together to advance lifesaving science to the bedside, and we’re excited about the potential for major medical breakthroughs.”
The hub will house many of the cancer center’s highly innovative shared resources, including facilities for flow cytometry, a technique that uses laser technology to measure and sort cells. This enables researchers to identify cancer-related markers and monitor treatment responses.
“Being in close proximity to the shared resources at Aggie Square will make our work easier,” said prostate cancer researcher Alan Lombard. “Additionally, the intellectual expertise that will be present will foster opportunities for new and exciting collaborations.”
The cancer research team also routinely works with industry partners on early-phase clinical trials. Aggie Square will increase access to strategic partners within industry, academia and government, all working together on cancer drug and biomarker development.
Located at Aggie Square along with the core facilities are six laboratory teams and four cancer center offices:
- Office of Education, Training and Workforce Development
- Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center
- Office of Population Health
- Office of Community Outreach and Engagement
