BioBus

BioBus

Mobile science labs for underserved students

Overview

BioBus provides hands-on science education to K-12 and college students in New York City, with a focus on students who are often excluded from scientific communities due to race, gender, economic status, or access. The organization operates mobile science labs on buses that visit schools, offering introductory labs and programs after school, on weekends, and in the summer, plus year-long internships. Students interact with scientists from diverse backgrounds, learn lab techniques, conduct research, and practice science communication, all to become the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers. Since 2008, BioBus has reached about 300,000 students across more than 800 schools, primarily in NYC, with programs extending to Boston, California, and international locations such as Egypt and Jordan. Their goal is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full scientific potential and to make the world better through accessible science education.

About BioBus

Simplify's Rating
Why BioBus is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Social Impact

Education

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

2008

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • NYCEDC pledged an additional $400,000 over two years after investing $700,000.
  • National Grid and LICM launched an all-electric Long Island BioBus with a three-year grant.
  • BioBus told City Council in 2025 it targets 51,000 students next year.

What critics are saying

  • BioBus depends on NYCEDC, City Council, and corporate grants for bus expansion.
  • BioBus serves concentrated Bronx, Harlem, and Lower East Side schools, exposing it to local budget cuts.
  • One funding lapse could stall fleet maintenance, eliminating access for thousands of students.

What makes BioBus unique

  • BioBus runs ADA-accessible, all-electric mobile labs with microscopes directly inside schools.
  • BioBus has reached 443,000 students across 1,000 schools since 2008.
  • BioBus combines classroom labs, paid internships, and scientist-led mentoring into one pipeline.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Company News

BXTimes
Apr 2nd, 2026
BioBus unveils new fully electric mobile science lab for NYC students.

BioBus unveils new fully electric mobile science lab for NYC students. BioBus launched a new fully electric mobile science lab, expanding hands-on STEM opportunities for students across New York City. The new bus is the third in BioBus' fleet, increasing its capacity to reach more schools and communities. It is equipped with high-powered microscopes, screens that display what students are viewing and is ADA-accessible for wheelchair users. The launch, held at Wiz Kids Books Before Basketball in Baychester, was attended by founders Latasha Wright, Ph.D., and Ben Dubin-Thaler, Ph.D.; State Senators Landon Dais and Nathalia Fernandez; and representatives from the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the offices of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto, George Alvarez and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Founded in 2008, BioBus brings lab-based science education directly to K-12 students, with equipment like lab-grade microscopes and sessions led by working scientists. The organization also offers paid internships, supports student research projects and mentors younger students. "Our vision for BioBus is to make sure that science, that everyone knows that science is for everybody, and that it makes science accessible," Wright said. "We want to be able to show science that it's about curiosity, asking questions, and thinking about things that you don't know, and finding the joy in finding out stuff. And bringing this to communities that might not have access to this otherwise," Wright added. Get the full story. News, events, culture and more - delivered to you. Since its founding, BioBus has reached more than 443,000 students at over 1,000 schools and community organizations. Its programs primarily serve public and charter schools in the Bronx, Harlem and the Lower East Side, as well as schools in Boston. About two-thirds of the schools served are in low-income communities. "Our goal is to build New York City as a destination of choice for science and innovation globally. But with that, we're also keenly focused on making sure that that access to innovation includes everyone," said Viq Pervaaz, senior vice president of innovation at the New York City Economic Development Corporation. "It also includes communities that have historically been not included in science, technology, engineering and math. We're also very keenly focused on making sure that you have visibility and accessibility to stay." Pervaaz said NYCEDC has invested more than $700,000 in BioBus and plans to invest an additional $400,000 over the next two years. Beyond in-school labs, BioBus offers after-school, weekend and summer programs, along with year-long internships. Students work with scientists from diverse backgrounds, build research and communication skills and gain exposure to STEM career pathways. Marina Samuel is a Bronx native and reporter at the Bronx Times. A 2025 graduate of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, she blends data and storytelling to dig into the policies and issues shaping her borough. Her work has also appeared in THE CITY, City Limits, and the Mott Haven Herald.

Bronx Times
Sep 12th, 2023
Lewis Latimer's 175th Birthday Celebration

Experience the Mobile Lewis Latimer Lab, in partnership with Biobus, where kids can create their own paper circuits.

Temboo
Mar 23rd, 2022
BioBus Inc. partners with Temboo, Inc

BioBus has partnered with Temboo to deploy sensors aboard the Baylander which monitor DO in the water (important for fish) and particulate matter in the air (important for humans).

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