Life Sciences Brochure
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is committed to being a global life sciences leader.
North Carolina Ranked CNBC’s #1 State for Business
For the second year in a row, CNBC has named North Carolina America’s Top State for Business. A world-class workforce played a major role in securing the top spot as did a thriving economy and a low cost of living.
Learn MoreNorth Carolina's biotechnology industry runs deep and wide, with specialties ranging from pharmaceutical manufacturing and health informatics to crop genetic engineering.
75K+
Life Sciences workforce
Lower cost
of business than hubs in MA or CA
30%
industry growth since 2018
700
Masters and PhDs degrees conferred annually
Unparalleled Life Sciences Network
Our 830 life sciences companies drive transformative change, particularly in pharma/biopharma manufacturing, gene and cell therapy, contract research, and agricultural technology. A network of 2,500 suppliers and support companies certainly helps.
The Largest Research Park in North America
The Research Triangle Region hosts 600+ leading life sciences companies like Biogen, Merck, and Pfizer. It’s also home to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) and ranks #3 in funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Training Top Talent for a Healthier Tomorrow
Our 58 community colleges and 52 universities award over 2,500 life sciences related degrees annually. Additionally, 5 medical schools, 4 pharmacy schools, and 3 comprehensive cancer centers support research initiatives and scientific infrastructure.
Accelerating AgTech Innovation
North Carolina’s storied agriculture industry is evolving into a dynamic cluster of agtech startups. Leading research entities like NC State University’s Plant Science Initiative and Food Innovation Lab have helped 200+ companies thrive here.
Life Science Companies in North Carolina
Life Sciences by the Numbers
Home to North America’s largest research park, RTP, North Carolina is at the forefront of life science innovation and advancement.
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01
Life Sciences Specializations
North Carolina specializes in the fields of research and development contract services, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, and agtech.
Source: Lightcast 2024 -
02
Life Sciences Labor Availability
Our 75K life sciences professionals offer skills in clinical research, equipment operation, chemical and biotechnology, engineering, and more.
Source: Lightcast, 2024 -
03
Life Sciences Industry Growth
Adding 13K new workers since 2018, North Carolina boasts the nation’s 3rd-largest growth rate in the life sciences sector.
Source: Lightcast, 2024
North Carolina specializes in the fields of research and development contract services, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, and agtech.
Source: Lightcast 2024
Our 75K life sciences professionals offer skills in clinical research, equipment operation, chemical and biotechnology, engineering, and more.
Source: Lightcast, 2024
Adding 13K new workers since 2018, North Carolina boasts the nation’s 3rd-largest growth rate in the life sciences sector.
Source: Lightcast, 2024
Featured Resources
View All Resources
Publication
News
Cellular Therapeutics Company Announces New Biomanufacturing Facility with $458M Investment in Greensboro, North Carolina
ProKidney Corp., a late clinical-stage cellular therapeutics company focused on chronic kidney disease (CKD), has announced...
News
Audentes Therapeutics to Invest Over $100 Million in Sanford
Audentes Therapeutics, a genetic medicines company, will create 209 new jobs in Lee County, investing $109...
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