ALBANY, N.Y. -- As it continues to lead the way in cutting edge medical science, the University of Albany announced a new institute that will offer resources for small, medium and large biomedical businesses to spur the development of startup companies.

It's called the RNA Institute and will offer researchers tools and strategies to assess the marketplace and help develop and commercialize ideas in the Capital Region.

"We're going to teach our students to be able to look to the future and be innovative in creating diagnostics and medicines for some of the most difficult disease today," said Founding Director of RNA Institute at UAlbany Paul Agris.

The Institute will be under the supervision of the University's College of Arts and Sciences and will be located in the Life Sciences Research Building.