Toshiba signs on at Johns Hopkins innovation hub

Toshiba will be among the tenants at the most recent building to open in the Science + Technology Park near Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore.
The Japanese giant’s medical research division is set to open a new center at 1812 Ashland Ave. The announcement, made by Eager Park developer Forest City-New East Baltimore Partnership, follows the official opening of the building in November.
The 4,000 square foot center, which is slated to open in April, will focus on advanced medical imaging technology and big data analysis. It’s the latest physical manifestation of a collaborative research agreement signed between JHU and Toshiba Medical in 2015. Collaboration between the two big medical names dates back to at least 2006, when Toshiba announced plans to install an advanced CT scanner at the JHU School of Medicine.
Toshiba has an existing center focusing on big data at the nearby Rangos Building. It’s not yet clear whether Toshiba will consolidate the two centers or if they will remain separate, said Scott Levitan, vice president and development director of Forest City – New East Baltimore Partnership.
With the new center at 1812 Ashland Avenue, the aim is to give researchers at Hopkins close access to advanced medical imaging to incorporate into their research. Joao Lima, director of Cardiovascular Imaging at Johns Hopkins Hospital, is set to lead the collaboration.
“Establishing industry relationships that expand research opportunities for faculty is a top priority at Johns Hopkins,” said Helen Montag, senior director for business development and corporate partnerships at Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures.
At the ribbon cutting last month, officials said they are seeking to make 1812 Ashland Ave. a hub of innovation. The Toshiba center appears to further that goal. The building is also housing a new location of the university’s FastForward accelerator, offices for Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures and the university’s genomics lab.