WORCESTER, Mass. - Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center celebrated the grand opening of their new facility in Worcester Wednesday morning.

The new Briden Street location will feature 10 pilot biomanufacturing labs. The facility will support early-stage clinical companies in process development and early-stage manufacturing.

The goal is to find spaces for these newer companies and help them get on their feet. MBI says in a way, they'll help companies from "concept to clinical trials."

"Today, we're thrilled to announce the opening of the facility, but also that we're starting today with two new companies already entering the facility, representing about 30% of our total occupancy with many more to come,” said MBI president and CEO Jon Weaver. “The demand for biotech space and startup culture in Worcester is real."

"The fact that our state has number one in biotech in the world, and number 15 is amazing,” said Mass. Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “So nothing represents what we're trying to do in our economic development plan more than this building. How we're lengthening our lead in life sciences, working together and creating jobs not just for our research folks, but also manufacturing jobs here with all of our labs."

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center donated $3.5 million to help fund the expansion.

MBI says since 200, they've assisted more than 175 companies.