French firm establishes laboratory in Richmond

HalioDx, a French biotechnology company, has established a laboratory in Richmond’s VA Bio+Tech Park.

Virginia competed with North Carolina for the $1 million project, which is expected to create more than 20 jobs.

“We are thrilled to welcome HalioDx to the VA Bio+Tech Park community,”  Carrie Roth, the president and CEO of the biotech park, said in a statement. “The talent and knowledge HalioDx adds to our vibrant innovation ecosystem is impressive, and we’re excited to support the company as it grows its presence in the U.S.”

HalioDx, whose headquarters is in Marseille, is described as a pioneer firm in the immunological diagnosis of cancers.

The company develops and delivers in-vitro diagnostic products and services. It uses diagnostic applications that enable better management of localized colon cancer.

HalioDx joins the nearly 70 companies, laboratories and research institutes in the Richmond biotech park.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Richmond, the Greater Richmond Partnership and the VA Bio+Tech Park to secure the project.

VEDP will support HalioDx’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change.

As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.