ChiTownBio
| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Chicago, IL |
| Website | https://chitownbio.org/ |
ChiTownBio is a biomakerspace in Chicago, Illinois. Opened in 2017, it provides laboratory space for independent research as well as workshops and courses for the local community to learn more about biology.
Facilities
[edit]ChiTownBio, a 501(c)(3) organization,[1], operates as a BSL-1 community biotechnology laboratory in a storefront facility on the north side of Chicago. The laboratory contains wet lab equipment and research infrastructure, including bioreactors, incubators, autoclaves, laminar flow cabinets, PCR machines, thermal cyclers, centrifuges, microscopes, electrophoresis equipment, refrigerated storage, and a -80°C freezer for handling biological samples.[2]
Education
[edit]ChiTownBio offers multiple workshops, including a microbial painting workshop,[3] and also host virtual seminars, outdoor nature talks, and virtual book clubs.[4] The makerspace provides community members with access to laboratory equipment and reagents at reduced cost to support participation in the scientific community.[4]
History
[edit]In 2011, Andrew Scarpelli attended SB5.0, a conference hosted by the Biobricks foundation where he was inspired by Dr. Ellen Jorgenson, the founder of GenSpace, to create a biomakerspace of his own.[5] In 2014, Scarpelli entered the concept as "Public DIY biology hackspace" into RedEye Chicago's Big Idea Contest, where it became a finalist in the Technology category.[6][7] Later, in 2017, ChiTownBio was founded by Andy Scarpelli, Khalid Alam, Jordan Harrison, and Isaac Larkin.[5][8]
In 2017, ChiTownBio held a drink-and-draw event.[9][importance?]
In 2022, ChiTownBio won the Non-Student Winner title at the Biodesign Sprint, sponsored by Mars Wrigley, in the Biodesign Challenge.[10] Their entry was a snack bar called Sprouted that incorporated fruits, nuts, and berries indigenous to Chicago, specifically intended to promote urban gardening.[11][12][13]
They also had a booth in 2025 Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest.[14][importance?]
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Suozzo, Andrea; Glassford, Alec; Ngu, Ash; Roberts, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Chitownbio - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ ChiTownBio (2025-08-12). We Built a Biotech Lab in a Chicago Storefront (Growing Safe Plants + Microorganisms!). Retrieved 2026-05-22 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "Around Town checks out ChiTownBio". WGN-TV. Archived from the original on 2026-02-20. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- 1 2 Hinman, Albert W.; Friedman, Douglas C. (2022). Actions to Enable an Equitable and Innovative U.S. Bioeconomy (Report). Engineering Biology Research Consortium. doi:10.25498/E4X59D.
- 1 2 Paul Feldmann (2025-08-29). Why Community Science Could Change Everything? @primalbiology. Retrieved 2026-05-22 – via YouTube.
- ↑ redeyechicago (2014-11-12). The Big Idea Awards: Technology Finalists (Winners announced at Nov. 14 Event). Retrieved 2026-05-22 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "Big Idea Awards Finale". Chicago Tribune. 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ You, Weimu; Valkjärvi, Mira; Ofosu, George (13 June 2021). "What it takes to make it: profile and characteristics of DIY bio laboratory founders". www.utupub.fi. doi:10.1080/09537325.2021.1937978. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "#860: A Virus with My Initials". 1,001 Chicago Afternoons. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ "Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint, Nov. 3-4". Biodesign Challenge. 2022-11-08. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ "Winning is the Beginning: ChiTownBio's Sprouted – ChiTownBio". 2022-11-10. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ Biodesign Challenge (2022-11-04). Biodesign Challenge x Mars Wrigley Sprint 2022 - Finals. Retrieved 2026-05-21 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Journal, Asia Food (2022-11-09). "Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint". Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ ArtCall.org. "ChiTownBio by Andrew Scarpelli | 2025 Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest". gaaf2025.artcall.org. Retrieved 2026-05-21.