How North Carolina and South Carolina are becoming leading life science hubs

North Carolina and South Carolina have long been known for their vibrancy, historical significance, and fantastic culture. However, what you may not know is that, in recent years, they have also come to be well known for being home to another rapidly growing high-tech sector, the life science industry.

The life science industry has played a crucial role in global health for a number of decades now, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic shone a light on its value and importance. Life sciences in the US has also grown in recent years, and North Carolina and South Carolina are both on their way to becoming established life science hubs and we discuss how these states are improving their foothold in the industry.

North Carolina Life Sciences

North Carolina’s perfect combination of location, talented workforce, economic strength, and business-friendly environment make it an appealing destination for life science firms. The state is home to a strong life science ecosystem and its modest cost of living, educated workforce, and a plethora of research & development facilities further contribute to its sought-after business environment. North Carolina has the resources to support a range of companies, from life sciences giants to smaller start-up companies, making it an ideal destination for all. 

NCBiotech

NCBiotech was created in 1984 and has had a significant impact on North Carolina’s life science sector ever since. North Carolina’s life sciences landscape has grown consistently and significantly, and NC Biotech has supported growth in a variety of ways including providing grants for university research, supporting start-ups with loans, and substantial investments in economic development.

This investment in talent not only help to fuel one of the world’s most extensive biomanufacturing education and training facilities but also contributed to developing the latest research and therapies to market and enhancing the economic power of North Carolina

Innovative Research Triangle Park

The Research Triangle Park is the largest and most comprehensive, continuously operating research park in North America. The facility now includes over 170 life science companies, 39,000 full-time employees, and 10,000 contract workers. Anchored by the vibrant cities of Raleigh and Durham, the Research Triangle is also home to a range of influential universities are joined that play a major role in the Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise (BRITE) Center for Excellence.

The research facility has had a significant impact on the progression of North Carolina as a life sciences hub and the state ranks among the top three in the USA for bioscience employment and has become a world leader in vaccine research and manufacturing. 

South Carolina Life Sciences

The future of the Life Sciences industry in South Carolina is bright and recent investments and expansions by leading biotech and pharma firms have shone a light on the state as a top destination for the life sciences industry. With a talented and innovative workforce, incredible research institutions and world-class hospital systems, the Palmetto State boasts an enviable biotech infrastructure. 

Strong talent pool 

An additional catalyst for the growth of the life sciences industry in South Carolina is the support from the state’s three major research universities: University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University. These establishments are home to state-of-the-art research and development centres and have been crucial to the manufacturing of biotech and pharmaceutical products. As a result, students in the area have access to some of the best courses and facilities in the country, generating a talented pool of future professionals. 

Increased involvement of the SCBIO

The South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization (SCBIO) has been at the forefront of a range of initiatives to promote the growth of the Life Sciences industry in South Carolina. These efforts include spearheading state-wide economic development initiatives to attract life sciences companies to South Carolina. The firm also promotes the strengthening of the existing life science ecosystem which allows established organisations to work together, grow and excel.

In addition to its economic development initiatives, SCBIO has advanced its efforts to transform and positively impact healthcare. The firm has forged an alliance with the South Carolina Hospital Association and several large health systems to ultimately improve the overall health outlook of the state.

Take the next step in your life sciences career with Quanta

Quanta is an experienced and expert life sciences recruitment agency that is committed to making a positive impact on the life sciences industry by providing the best talent. We’re always on the lookout for passionate, professional candidates to connect to our available job positions so that we can provide our clients with the very best employees for their companies.

No matter how many years of experience you have in life sciences, or if you’re still busy completing your qualification, our team at Quanta can help. Contact us today and we’ll gladly be of assistance – or browse our life sciences jobs to see if anything appeals to you.