Community support yields new jobs, new programs, new cancer treatment
Construction is underway on the biomedical laboratories at Gannon University’s Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge (I-HACK) thanks to the project’s funding partners. This marks a major milestone in a collaborative project designed to expand cancer research, to create up to 100 jobs in the next five years, and to address a regional workforce shortage of lab technicians and lab managers.
Project leaders and community partners will provide a look at the progress and outline the next phase of work during an on-site event at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, on the fourth floor of the I-HACK, located at 131 W. Ninth St. Erie.
The project, which is expected to be completed this fall, brings together Gannon University, First Ascent Biomedical, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to establish two new labs and related medical facilities that support applied biomedical research, hands-on student training and advanced cancer care.
While the March 11 event is not a traditional groundbreaking, it marks the transition from planning and design into full construction. Work should be completed this fall.
“We have been working toward this moment for a long time and seeing the labs start to take shape brings a great deal of satisfaction,” said Dr. Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., president of Gannon University. “We are overwhelmed by the cross-community support for this project – several regional organizations and local, state and federal officials have contributed to making this moment happen. That’s not typical, and I think it is an acknowledgement of the importance of this project.
“We are deeply appreciative of this support from our partners. These funds will immediately support new jobs in Erie at First Ascent as well as aid the development of two academic programs designed to fill gaps in the region’s healthcare workforce for years to come,” Iwanenko said.
The project, originally announced in March 2025, represents an investment of $6.5 million.
In recent months it has received:
- $1 million through the Local Share Account from the Commonwealth;
- $500,000 from the Erie Community Foundation; and
- $500,000 from the federal government through the recent appropriations bill approved by Congress and advocated by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.
These contributions are in addition to previously announced support:
- $2 million from the Lutheran Foundation for Long-term Living;
- $1.7 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; and
- $500,000 from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority – the single largest grant in ECGRA’s history.
Together, these investments enabled the project to move decisively into construction.
“This project shows what’s possible when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision for Erie’s future,” said Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-49. “By supporting state investment in these new biomedical labs, we are helping create family-sustaining jobs, expanding access to cutting-edge cancer research and ensuring students can train for in-demand careers without leaving our region. This is a long-term investment in both lives and livelihoods, and I’m proud to have helped move it forward.”
State Representative Ryan Bizzarro, Pennsylvania’s 3rd legislative district, who has a personal connection to the mission of First Ascent Biomedical, highlights both the economic and personal significance of the initiative for Erie and its residents.
“Bringing new, good-paying jobs to Erie is a top priority when I’m fighting for us in Harrisburg,” said Representative Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie. “As a childhood cancer survivor, this project is personal. I know firsthand this project is about far more than paychecks. These facilities will help transform cancer treatment and ensure the next generation of health care professionals receive state-of-the-art training, right here in Erie.”
State Representative Pat Harkins, Pennsylvania’s 1st legislative district in which Gannon University resides, emphasizes the broader impact the project will have on the region’s future.
“I am extremely enthusiastic about this project. This is a historic point in Erie, we are approached by many people with all kinds of ideas but none that have such great potential for so many going forward,” said Representative Pat Harkins, D-Erie. “This investment in healthcare, innovation and education are cutting edge and I’m proud to lend my support to this project.”
State Rep. Bob Merski also expressed support for the project and its potential to strengthen Erie’s healthcare and innovation economy.
“Northwest Pennsylvania continues to demonstrate how collaboration can drive innovation,” said Rep. Bob Merski, who represents the 2nd Legislative District in Erie County. “With partners across education, healthcare and industry working together, this project will help position Erie as a growing hub for biomedical research, workforce training and advanced patient care.”
Community partners also played an essential role in advancing the project, including support from The Erie Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving the Erie community for 90 years.
“Gannon’s I-HACK Medical Lab will strengthen Erie’s healthcare workforce and create new job opportunities in downtown Erie,” said Karen Bilowith, president and CEO of The Erie Community Foundation. “The project is aligned with our charitable mission and purpose to bring partners together to invest in bold ideas that will create lasting impact, and we are proud to support an initiative that will benefit our community for generations.”
The new lab space will include a 3,000-square-foot CLIA-approved laboratory for First Ascent Biomedical, along with about 2,000 square feet of office space, allowing the company to process up to 20,000 patients annually through the Gannon-based facility. First Ascent’s expansion is expected to create 38 high-paying jobs immediately, with growth projected to exceed 100 jobs within five years.
First Ascent Biomedical’s A.I.-driven drug prediction platform integrates DNA and RNA sequencing, mutation analysis, and drug sensitivity testing to deliver personalized treatment recommendations to physicians in an average of 10 days. Early studies indicate the platform has significantly extended life for patients in clinical trials.
“This collaboration with Gannon University and our healthcare partners Allegheny Health Network St. Vincent reflects what can happen when a community invests in innovation that directly benefits patients,” said Jim Foote, CEO and co-founder of First Ascent Biomedical. “By expanding our laboratory capabilities here in Erie, we are helping physicians access the leading-edge biological data they need to make faster and more informed individualized cancer treatment decisions.”
AHN Saint Vincent Hospital plans to operate a second 3,000-square-foot laboratory within I-HACK to enhance its existing clinical laboratory operations and expand its medical laboratory science education programs, strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline.
“This innovative partnership is a significant step forward in training future generations of medical technologists within a state-of-the-art facility, directly addressing the need for a skilled healthcare workforce,” said Chris Clark, DO, MHA, president, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital. “We eagerly anticipate the continued progress of this project in the months ahead.”
In addition to advancing biomedical research and patient care, Gannon University plans to launch a new two-year medical technology degree program and expand enrollment in its four-year medical laboratory science program, addressing critical workforce shortages identified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a transformational moment – not just for this space, but for our community. We are grateful to all of our partners for making this possible,” Iwanenko said.
With construction progressing and partnerships continuing to grow, these labs represent a foundational investment in Erie’s emerging biomedical and life sciences ecosystem.
Related Audio
TalkErie’s Joel Natalie interviews Dr. Walter Iwanenko, President of Gannon University, Mar. 11, 2026
TalkErie’s Joel Natalie interviews Dr. Chris Clark, President AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, Mar. 11, 2026
TalkErie’s Joel Natalie interviews Jim Foote, CEO & co-founder of First Ascent Biomedical, Mar. 11, 2026
