Barbados is set to significantly enhance its economic landscape with the establishment of a new $200 million life sciences hub, known as EarlyHealth City Barbados. This ambitious project aims to create a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and life sciences cluster, attracting international partners and expanding research capabilities not only in Barbados but throughout the Caribbean.
Export Barbados (BIDC) and the Dubai-headquartered EarlyHealth Group (EHG) have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on this transformative initiative. Scheduled to occupy 45 acres, EarlyHealth City will feature facilities built to rigorous international standards, facilitating sustainable contract manufacturing and advanced laboratory research.
World-Class Manufacturing Facilities
EarlyHealth City will consist of three domes, providing more than 250,000 square feet of contract manufacturing space. These facilities will specialize in the production of oral solids, semi-solids, liquids, and advanced biologics, ensuring adherence to both United States and European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
EHG has already established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with several major clients, including Acarpia Farmaceutici Srl, Bioeq AG, Formycon AG, and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI). These partnerships underline the hub’s potential to become a pivotal player in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has hailed the project as a “transformative initiative” for Barbados, emphasizing its potential to generate significant job opportunities and develop local scientific and technical talent. Mottley described EarlyHealth City as a “cornerstone of Barbados’ economic future,” indicating its long-term impact on the region.
Integrating Innovation and Wellness
EarlyHealth City goes beyond traditional manufacturing by incorporating innovative technologies and wellness amenities. A fourth dome will house a Security Operations Centre (SOC), designed by Cyb3r Limited. This facility will feature AI-driven cybersecurity and data analytics infrastructure aimed at protecting digital assets and managing regulatory data.
In addition to its focus on security, the hub will also include a 30,000 square foot high-performance cricket training facility, operated by global sports company DriveFITT. This venue will utilize biomechanics and recovery technology to enhance athletic performance, particularly for aspiring West Indies fast bowlers.
Dr. Dan A. Renout, CEO of EarlyHealth Group, emphasized that the hub represents “more than a manufacturing site. It is a platform for transformation.” He noted that the city aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, generate skilled employment, and connect the Caribbean to the global pharmaceutical industry.
Once operational, EarlyHealth City Barbados is projected to accommodate over 1,000 professionals and include wellness amenities, restaurants, and collaborative workspaces. This development is poised to position Barbados as the premier life sciences hub in the Caribbean, fostering economic growth and innovation in the region.
The initiative signifies a major step forward for Barbados, highlighting the island’s commitment to diversifying its economy while enhancing its role in the global life sciences sector.
