Key Industries

Life Sciences


Life sciences companies need a robust scientific and technical community behind them. Here in Maryland, we call that community our innovation ecosystem, and it's unlike anything else you’ll find in the U.S. What makes our ecosystem so special? Maryland is home to two times more federal labs than any other state, renowned universities, a prepared scientific workforce, and initiatives designed to bolster innovation and success in life sciences.

#1

Federal obligations for R&D

#1

NIH R&D awards

#1

STEM concentration

#5

Highest concentration doctoral scientists and engineers.

By the numbers  

Facts & Figures

Stay informed on life sciences & general business news in Maryland.

Relocating to Maryland not only put us closer to our academic founders to help advance our research. It also gave us access to the area’s thriving life sciences ecosystem, which is bolstered by a state-led investor tax credit and many other investment and collaboration opportunities.

– Elaine Haynes, RPh, MBA, President & CEO, KaloCyte

Programs & Opportunities

4 Ways Maryland Supports Life Science Innovation

Being in Maryland makes a difference for up-and-coming life science companies.

Across the state, a growing network of incubators  and accelerators  offer facilities and programs to support entrepreneurs and early-stage startups.

With NIH and FDA located in Maryland and many more agencies here and in neighboring D.C., being in Maryland gives life science companies a leg up on federal contracting opportunities . Additionally, given our proximity to key federal agencies, Maryland is home to experts in navigating clinical research and regulatory requirements.

Maryland helps power local life sciences companies by offering programs like the Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit  and the Innovation Investment Tax Credit . These initiatives help spur investment within life sciences companies. See more funding opportunities here .

In addition to state-led funding opportunities, a variety of partners offer R&D funding directly and indirectly. The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund  and the Maryland Innovation Initiative  are just two programs helping bring innovations from lab to market.

Industry Innovators

Meet CEOs from our life science companies hear how they're innovating in Maryland.

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Who's Here  

YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY.

Maryland is home to some of the biggest names in life sciences, along with up-and-coming industry innovators and the sector's most influential federal institutions.

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The Global biopharmaceutical company invests in a $300 million new manufacturing facility in Montgomery County, Maryland, adding about 150 new jobs.

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We are at the epicenter of the gene and cell therapy technological explosion... It’s all about the resources. They are starting to hit a critical mass here.

-  Jeff Galvin, CEO, American Gene Technologies

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In 2021, BioNTech joined Montgomery County’s growing list of life science companies in Maryland.

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We look forward to building the foundation for Ellume’s long-term vision in the U.S. and recruiting the highly skilled talent in Maryland.

-  Jeff Boyle, PhD, Ellume U.S. president

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It’s an environment that’s rich with technology and talent. That was a real driver for selecting Maryland for our headquarters.

-  Dan Abdun-Nabi, Former President/CEO, Emergent BioSolutions

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Galen Robotics is making surgeons' lives easier through assistive technology in the operating room.

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NIH, the nation's medical research agency, is in the heart of a busting life sciences corridor in Montgomery County, Maryland.

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Novavax is proud to be part of Maryland's bioinnovation ecosystem.

-  Stanley C. Erck, president and chief executive officer of Novavax

Read Expansion Story

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For biotech, there's no better place to be than in Maryland.

-  Helen Sabzevari, PhD, CEO and President, Precigen

View Success Story

logo grid

The Global biopharmaceutical company invests in a $300 million new manufacturing facility in Montgomery County, Maryland, adding about 150 new jobs.

Read Expansion Story

logo grid

We are at the epicenter of the gene and cell therapy technological explosion... It’s all about the resources. They are starting to hit a critical mass here.

-  Jeff Galvin, CEO, American Gene Technologies

Read Success Story

logo grid

In 2021, BioNTech joined Montgomery County’s growing list of life science companies in Maryland.

Read Expansion Story

logo grid

We look forward to building the foundation for Ellume’s long-term vision in the U.S. and recruiting the highly skilled talent in Maryland.

-  Jeff Boyle, PhD, Ellume U.S. president

Read Expansion Story

logo grid

It’s an environment that’s rich with technology and talent. That was a real driver for selecting Maryland for our headquarters.

-  Dan Abdun-Nabi, Former President/CEO, Emergent BioSolutions

logo grid

Galen Robotics is making surgeons' lives easier through assistive technology in the operating room.

logo grid

NIH, the nation's medical research agency, is in the heart of a busting life sciences corridor in Montgomery County, Maryland.

logo grid

Novavax is proud to be part of Maryland's bioinnovation ecosystem.

-  Stanley C. Erck, president and chief executive officer of Novavax

Read Expansion Story

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For biotech, there's no better place to be than in Maryland.

-  Helen Sabzevari, PhD, CEO and President, Precigen

View Success Story

Maryland has a strong pipeline of talent, access to patients, and an opportunity to collaborate with leading companies, emerging startups and renowned institutions, such as the NIH.

– Helen Sabzevari, PhD, CEO and President, Precigen
Representative's photo

Contact Us 

Ulyana Desiderio, PhD

Senior Director, Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship, Maryland Department of Commerce

  443-835-9038   Ulyana.Desiderio@maryland.gov