Shriners Children’s to open $153M medical research facility in Atlanta is big news for pediatric healthcare and biotechnology in the Southeast. The nonprofit behind Shriners Children’s hospitals confirmed that Atlanta will host this new high-tech research institute, which will expand their role in advanced pediatric research and treatments.
A Major Step for Pediatric Innovation
Shriners Children’s Research Institute will focus on some of the most promising fields in medicine today. The facility plans to push research into cell and gene therapies, cutting-edge biotechnology treatments, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced medical devices. Data science will also play a huge role in how the institute improves care for children with orthopedic problems, burns, craniofacial conditions, cleft palates, and urology disorders.
One unique aspect of Shriners Children’s mission is that they treat young patients regardless of their family’s ability to pay. While they accept insurance, no child is ever turned away because of cost. This new $153 million facility shows their commitment to going beyond treatment by driving research that could change children’s lives globally.
Strong Partnerships with Georgia Tech and Emory
Georgia Tech will be a major partner for this research hub. The facility will be the largest tenant at Science Square, a mixed-use development that Georgia Tech and Trammell Crow Co. are building near downtown Atlanta. This location will help Shriners Children’s embed its scientists and engineers alongside Georgia Tech’s researchers.
Georgia Tech’s Leanne West said the two have already collaborated on 25 projects and hopes this physical closeness will allow for deeper research partnerships. Emory University will also bring its medical research expertise to the table, creating a powerful trio that blends clinical care, engineering, and biotech development.
How the Community Benefits
The new Shriners Children’s Research Institute will create an estimated 470 jobs. Many of these roles will be new hires, which means fresh opportunities for Atlanta’s workforce in medical science, technology, and support fields.
The state and local governments are supporting the project with incentives, although the full details are not public yet. Nonprofits like Shriners typically don’t pay property or income taxes, but Georgia might offer breaks on sales taxes for high-cost equipment, helping the institute stretch its funding further.
Key Points at a Glance
• Focus on cell and gene therapy, robotics, AI, and biotech
• Largest tenant at Georgia Tech’s Science Square
• 470 jobs expected, many new hires
• Collaboration with Georgia Tech and Emory University
• State and local incentives to support growth
Shriners Children’s to open $153M medical research facility in Atlanta marks a big win for kids’ healthcare, the local biotech economy, and medical research overall. Once open within the next 18 months, this institute will help push the boundaries of what’s possible for children in need, staying true to the Shriners mission of care without limits.
