Biotech Incubator@Downstate
Founded in 1992, the Downstate Technology Incubator (DTCI) supports early-stage life sciences companies in a collaborative environment. It is home to numerous biotechnology start-ups that have developed impactful technologies, contributing to the growth and innovation of the biotechnology sector in Brooklyn.
Blake Adair was recently appointed as its Executive Director. Hear from him about being at the DTCI, his vision for its growth and future.
Describe your early career interests and education. How did your experiences shape your approach to taking on the role of Executive Director at the Downstate Technology Incubator (DTCI)?
I grew up in a family that mostly worked in healthcare in some capacity, and while I didn’t have the same desire to practice medicine, I always loved the hospital environment and the kinds of people you’d find working there. Since I wasn’t exactly sure what my career entry point would be, I got my under grad in communications, and my graduate degree in public administration (in a healthcare management track) thinking that at some point I would work in hospital administration. As with most things in life, my path to working in the life sciences wasn’t a straight line, and I spent a number of years working in luxury goods before eventually working at Mount Sinai, which then set my career on its present path. The experience of working in the sale of high-end goods has been something I have brought with me through every subsequent work experience over the past 20+ years I’ve been working . The realization that every position, no matter the industry or level, is a sales position, is something that has served me well. You might not be working behind a cash register, but everyone has a customer, and how you serve and provide value to your customers is something everyone should consider.
How did you first hear of Downstate, the Biotech Incubator and why was it appealing for you?
Close to ten years ago, I started working for a biotechnology startup that got its start at the DTCI, and it was through this company that I was first exposed to Downstate and the DTCI. After joining the DTCI it was very clear to me how critical it is to have spaces for biotech companies to grow and be nurtured in order to foster a healthy ecosystem.
Executive Director
Downstate Biotechnology Incubator
Blake A. Adair
Since starting at Downstate, what have been some memorable or key experiences for you in this role?
What has stood out most to me since joining in April 2024 is simply the deep commitment and desire everyone has to see the incubator succeed. Specifically, Drs. Riley and Christini have been exceedingly generous with their support, in addition to extending me a broad mandate to chart a new direction for the DTCI as an organization.
Has the founder Dr. Eva Cramer’s original vision for the incubator influenced you and what aspects of her leadership style have you adopted as your own?
Most certainly! There was no one more tenacious, resilient, and determined than Dr. Cramer; all things that would naturally inspire anyone. I’ve certainly internalized her ethos of nurturing and fighting for a life science ecosystem that genuinely serves the needs of start-up companies. When she saw this need in the ecosystem, she built the incubator from scratch, at a time when such a thing didn’t even register on anyone’s radar.
What are some challenges you’ve noticed in your position and/or to the companies at the incubator?
It’s been no secret that there have been significant headwinds in terms of investment for our industry; a challenge that’s persisted for a number of years now, and one that will likely continue into the foreseeable future. I plan to ensure that we remain a competitive safe haven for startups that delivers not only value, but also transparency and community.
What is your vision for the future of the Downstate incubator both short-term and long-term?
The short-term vision for the DTCI is upgrade and overhaul all of the systems, processes, and structural procedures involved in the organization’s daily operations. As of this year, the DTCI has been in operations for 20 years, and I want to ensure that it endures for another 20! In the longer-term, I intend to shift and expand the focus of the incubator to better serve the companies that join us, as well as increase the presence and role we play in the overall environment. Even though these are lofty goals that will require much time and effort, we will ultimately elevate our stature to increase our impact
Is there any advice you would give to other young professionals interested in bolstering start-ups in the biotech/life science space?
My general advice would be to find an entry point, and not be so concerned with a job title and description in the early stages of their career. All you need is an opportunity to demonstrate your value, and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box around how you can tailor to job to highlight your strengths.