Leading the way
in medical discoveries

Illinois provides an ideal location for life sciences companies due to the state’s thriving ecosystem, talent, connectivity, affordability and infrastructure.

Life Sciences images

Life Sciences

Ecosystem

The state’s thriving life sciences industry includes more than 14,000 companies from startups to Fortune 500s (employing more than 579K Illinois residents), with an ecosystem that includes like-minded companies, venture capital, R&D, incubators & accelerators and supportive government programs.

Talent

Illinois’ world-class universities put the state among the top 5 in the nation for life sciences graduates, churning out innovative products and people. An Illinois location allows companies to attract and retain the best life sciences talent.

Infrastructure

Illinois also provides quality lab space, at a fraction of the cost of locations on the coasts. And, the state’s unmatched connectivity allows for people and products to reach the entire U.S. market and beyond efficiently via air, port, rail or road; the state is within a four-hour flight to every major North American market.

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Notable Illinois Businesses

Notable Illinois Businesses

Among the many life sciences heavyweights in Illinois are Fresenius Kabi, GE Healthcare, Astellas, Abbvie, and Abbott Laboratories.

Key Data

  • 579,018 life sciences jobs
  • 2nd largest life sciences employment in the Midwest and 7th largest in the nation
  • 14,000+ life sciences companies, 2nd highest number among Midwest states and 8th in nation
  • $73.1B life sciences GRP, higher than any other Midwestern state
  • Chicago region ranked among top U.S. metros for life sciences jobs and life sciences companies – 3rd and 5th in the nation, respectively
  • Top 5 in nation for producing life sciences talent
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