CELLS and FITCI Partner to Launch a Community Biotechnology Lab

The First BioMakerSpace in Frederick County, Md.

FREDERICK, Md., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Community Enrichment Laboratory for Learning Sciences (CELLS), in a strategic partnership with the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), today announced the establishment of the CELLS BioMakerSpace at FITCI. This new community biotechnology lab is designed to foster "bioliteracy" and provide a safe, accessible space for the public to learn about and explore biotechnology.

The BioMakerSpace will serve as a hub for both community education and scientific collaboration. It will offer a space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can engage in hands-on science projects, and where professional and amateur scientists, and students can pursue independent research or collaborative "community science" projects. The BioMakerSpace aims to provide an environment for people to share their passion for science with peers and the next generation of innovators.

The BioMakerSpace is already active, offering hands-on experiences through classes, workshops, and open lab hours (https://www.cells4all.org/calendar). These sessions provide an immediate opportunity for the community to engage with biotechnology. To support more frequent use and ongoing projects, CELLS plans to introduce a membership option soon, allowing citizen scientists and innovators to access the community lab space on a regular basis. This will further enable the community to explore, experiment, and collaborate on independent and community science projects.

This collaboration addresses the growing need for public understanding of life sciences by providing direct access to the tools and knowledge of modern biology. As the new BioMakerSpace grows, it will aim to offer a wide range of opportunities, including:

• Educational Workshops: Hands-on classes for students and curious adults to explore topics like DNA extraction, microbiology, and genetic engineering.
• Open Lab Access: A collaborative environment where citizen scientists and professionals can access professional-grade equipment for their own projects, fostering a culture of peer-to-peer learning and mentorship.
• Community Science Initiatives: Opportunities for scientists and community members to work on collaborative projects that address community needs.

"Biotechnology products are already all around us, from medicine and food to self-healing cement in construction," said Dr. Vanya Paralanov, founder and executive director of CELLS. "Because of this, bioliteracy is becoming as important and necessary as computer literacy is today. Our goal isn't to turn everyone who comes to the BioMakerSpace into a professional scientist, but to help them become an informed citizen who confidently makes decisions about the use of biotechnology products and advocates for their ethical development and use. This partnership with FITCI allows us to create a vital resource to empower our community and to inspire the next generation of scientists right here in Frederick."

"FITCI's mission is to fuel innovation, and this partnership with CELLS is a natural extension of that commitment," said Kathie Callahan Brady, President and CEO of FITCI. "We are excited to support this initiative that not only nurtures biotech startups but also builds a more scientifically literate community, which is crucial for future economic growth and future job creation in Frederick."

About Community Enrichment Laboratory for Learning Sciences (CELLS)The Community Enrichment Laboratory for Learning Sciences (CELLS) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary STEAM learning. CELLS provides a community lab with scientific equipment, allowing people to explore scientific concepts and emerging technologies outside of traditional academic or commercial settings. This removes a key barrier by making science more accessible and empowers individuals to learn and make informed decisions about science and technology.

About Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI)

Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) is a non-profit business incubator and accelerator dedicated to facilitating the growth of emerging businesses. FITCI provides flexible office, lab, coworking spaces, mentorship, and a wide array of support services and programming to help startups and small businesses grow from concept to profitability, strengthening the economic vitality of Frederick County.

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SOURCE Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.