Feb. 20, 2026
Teaming Up to Be a Biotech Hub
A partnership that will help cure patients and strengthen Pittsburgh’s life sciences leadership.
TOPICS: Centers and Institutes | Life Sciences
Designs on Aging-Ready
By Strategic Communications
ElevateBio, a Massachusetts-based contract development and manufacturing organization for advanced therapies, is the anchor tenant at the University of Pittsburgh’s BioForge, which aims to accelerate innovations and breakthroughs in the development and manufacturing of precision medicines. BioForge will play a key role in Pittsburgh’s emergence as a life sciences hub, strengthening America’s leadership in biotech innovation.
ElevateBio is building a biomanufacturing facility, referred to as BaseCamp Pittsburgh, which will occupy 70% of the BioForge complex opening next year on the site of a former steel mill in the Hazelwood Green section of Pittsburgh. ElevateBio partners with biopharmaceutical companies to help them design, develop, and manufacture advanced therapies – which includes living medicines like cell and gene therapies and new modalities like mRNA. These advanced therapies can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune and rare diseases. ElevateBio is working to industrialize this field of medicine, helping biopharmaceutical companies reach more patients, faster.
“We’re excited to bring the next generation of biomanufacturing to Pittsburgh and help expand U.S. biomanufacturing capacity, delivering value through advanced technologies and industry-leading expertise.”
Katie Shannon, Vice President, Site Head, BaseCamp Pittsburgh
ElevateBio is cultivating the next generation of highly skilled biomanufacturing professionals, transforming traditional manufacturing expertise into careers in the bioeconomy. The company plans to create 170 permanent, full-time positions, many of which do not require advanced degrees. Through partnerships with local academic institutions, ElevateBio is bridging talent gaps by supporting hands-on training programs that equip individuals – including those without prior science backgrounds – with practical skills in biomanufacturing and laboratory operations.
“We’re excited to bring the next generation of biomanufacturing to Pittsburgh and help expand U.S. biomanufacturing capacity, delivering value through advanced technologies and industry-leading expertise. By deploying automation, AI, and next-generation solutions across our facilities – including our new Pittsburgh site – we aim to accelerate timelines, lower costs, and expand the reach of life-saving therapies for patients,” said Katie Shannon, vice president, site head, BaseCamp Pittsburgh.
A tour of the ElevateBio facility, was a highlight of a visit of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) in February 2026, as part of its Biotech Across America Roadshow.
“Biomanufacturing is rebuilding America’s industrial base,” NSCEB Commissioner Dov Zakheim said in a press release about the tour. “We must ensure that we build upon the biomanufacturing foundation that has been laid so that we can remain the world’s leader in this field. Pittsburgh has all the right tools to leverage biotechnology to strengthen U.S. supply chains, create skilled manufacturing jobs, boost U.S. economic competitiveness, and help maintain our world leadership. This is economic resilience in action and is critical for our national security.”