The Bio-Link consortium of centers was established in 1998 with funds provided by the National Science Foundation. The motivating factor behind creating this consortium was "to improve and expand educational programs that prepare skilled technicians to work in the high-tech fields that drive the U.S. economy." Along with creating a series of bricks-and-mortar regional centers, they have also worked to develop this online clearinghouse of instructional materials related to biotechnology technician education.