I.D.E.A. Tempe campus to attract technology companies

In an effort to continue Tempe’s technology growth and innovation, Governor Doug Ducey, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell and project officials recently broke ground on the I.D.E.A. Tempe campus.

The I.D.E.A- an acronym for innovation, discovery, education and arts- Tempe campus is designed to attract biotechnology and technology companies to Tempe.

The City of Tempe website explains, “The 18-acre, 1 million sq. ft project includes five commercial buildings with restaurant and retail space, two parking structures, as well as  40,000 sq. ft of arts rehearsal and classroom space.”      

The biotechnology and the technology industries are growing, and the I.D.E.A. Tempe campus will accelerate that growth in Tempe.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs.”

In regard to biotechnology, “The global biotechnology market is expected to reach USD 727.1 billion by 2025,” according to Grand View Research, Inc.

With help from the city, The Boyer Company, L.C. is handling the development of the I.D.E.A. Tempe campus.

The Boyer Company is a full-service real estate development firm that has “developed over 35 million square feet of commercial space since 1972 with over $500 million of additional development in progress,” according to the firm’s website. “The Boyer Company has developed commercial projects across the country including office buildings, shopping centers, medical facilities, residential developments, hotels, apartments, schools, and special use buildings.”

The I.D.E.A. Tempe campus’ first tenant is Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), a global medical technology company that focuses on medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care.

The peripheral interventions unit of BD develops and manufactures devices that “help improve blood circulation for patients with peripheral artery disease, end-stage kidney disease and cancer,” according to a press release.

“BD is a prime example of the type of company that thrives in Arizona’s business climate,” Gov. Ducey said in a press release. “High-tech companies, including medical technology companies like BD, will form the foundation of Arizona’s 21st century economy that will continue to create highly rewarding careers for Arizonans, advance the way we do business and improve the way we live. The I.D.E.A. campus is perfectly aligned with these objectives.”

Steve Williamson, president of BD Peripheral Intervention said in a press release, “Our move to I.D.E.A. Tempe is symbolic for the future of BD Peripheral Intervention, because we are passionate about taking ideas and making them a reality to improve people’s lives. The momentum being driven by Mayor Mitchell in Tempe and Gov. Ducey in Arizona will help move companies like BD forward, help grow the technology economy and help create new jobs in Tempe and across Arizona.”