Los Angeles – December 2, 2025 – BioTools Innovator (BTI) VANGUARD, in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), announced the launch of Level UP-XR: Training for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians. Level UP-XR is the latest collaboration, aiming to modernize the training of biopharmaceutical manufacturing technicians through extended reality (XR) platforms. This opportunity will evaluate commercial XR platforms for accelerating workforce development to ensure the U.S. maintains robust and future-ready biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
The initiative invites contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and XR companies to join together to implement these transformative training platforms to onboard new biopharmaceutical manufacturing technicians. CDMOs will gain the opportunity to reimagine new technician onboarding training programs, while XR companies will access critical real-world validation for their technologies. Data generated through the pilot studies will help shape future biopharmaceutical industry practices.
Selected CDMO and XR company awardee pairs have the opportunity to receive up to $300K in non-dilutive funding to evaluate the impact of XR-based training during the onboarding of entry-level GMP biopharmaceutical manufacturing technicians. Awardees will implement their XR training solution for up to a 12-month period.
For more on applicant criteria, for both CDMO and XR companies, and other application information, visit the link to Level UP-XR Webpage. Apply now and join this effort to redefine training paradigms for the biopharmaceutical workforce!
*This project has been supported in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under OT number 75A50124C00034.
About BioTools Innovator VANGUARD
BioTools Innovator VANGUARD is a joint initiative between BioTools Innovator and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. BioTools Innovator VANGUARD is one of five BARDA Accelerator Network hubs, the Enabling Technologies Hub, with a specific focus on supporting innovations in drug discovery and development, biomanufacturing capabilities, and improved clinical research and care coordination. Together, the BARDA hubs work to strengthen the United States’ readiness for public health emergencies.
For more information about BioTools Innovator VANGUARD, visit the website.