Illinois is a powerhouse in the life sciences industry. From biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to medical devices and genomics, Illinois is home to a diverse ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth. Discover how Illinois can provide your company with the competitive edge it needs to thrive.
A Thriving Ecosystem
Top-Tier Institutions
Illinois boasts a large network of universities, research institutions, and industry leaders that are at the forefront of life sciences innovation. Ranked second in the nation for educational institutions and fourth for life sciences education, the Chicago metropolitan area boasts 37 institutions offering industry-related programs or majors. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago are just a few examples of institutions driving research and development.
Notable Companies
The state is home to major life sciences companies like AbbVie, Baxter International, and Medline Industries, all of which play significant roles in healthcare advancements. The biopharmaceutical sector provides more than 260,000 jobs in Illinois.
Lake County, Illinois is an especially strong region for the industry, with the third largest concentration of life science companies nationwide, and the largest in the Midwest. Chicago’s northern suburbs are also home to major operations for industry leaders including Lundbeck, Astellas, Takeda, CSL Behring, and Fresenius Kabi.
Additionally, Illinois is a breeding ground for startups and small biotech firms, supported by accelerators and incubators such as MATTER, which provides resources and networking opportunities to emerging companies. The federal government also recently tapped MATTER as one of five national health care accelerator hubs focused on developing technologies to respond to health security threats, like pandemics, radiological attacks, or dangerous pathogens.
Economic Impact
The life sciences industry in Illinois is a substantial contributor to the state’s economy. Illinois’ life sciences sector generates billions in economic output annually. This impact is felt not just in metropolitan areas like Chicago, but also other cities throughout the state that are becoming hubs for innovation and investment.
Job Creation
As the industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals. Jobs in life sciences span various fields, including research and development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and sales. With a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Illinois, the pipeline of talent is poised to meet the needs of this expanding industry. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Raise the Bar: STEM Excellence for All Students initiative will help implement and scale equitable, high-quality STEM education for all students from PreK to higher education—regardless of background— to ensure their 21st century career readiness and global competitiveness.
Research and Innovation
When it comes to life sciences research, Illinois also leads, particularly in fields like genomics, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. Additionally, recent breakthroughs in the understanding of genetics, immunology, and cell biology have led to new and exciting opportunities for further R&D and innovation. Initiatives such as the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition are working to enhance collaboration between academia and industry, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish.
Just last year, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) announced it will invest $250 million in Chicago, recognizing it as one of the nation’s premier hubs for biotech development. Chicago was selected to house the second “biohub,” a cutting-edge research and development lab with a goal to cure, prevent or manage all diseases by the end of the century.
Growth and innovation in the life sciences sector are being driven by new technologies, as well as changing demands for healthcare and therapeutics. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting AI technology in developing new ways to treat patients and to develop new drugs.
The Future of Life Sciences in Illinois
Looking ahead, the future of the life sciences industry in Illinois is bright. The state is well-positioned to become a leader in areas such as personalized medicine, telehealth, and digital health technologies. With ongoing investment in research and development and a commitment to fostering a diverse workforce, Illinois is set to make significant contributions to global health and well-being.
Additionally, Governor Pritzker’s new five-year economic plan strengthens Illinois’ position as a long-standing leader in the Life Sciences industry.
The life sciences industry in Illinois is more than just a sector; it’s a vibrant community of innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to improving health outcomes and driving economic growth. As the landscape continues to evolve, Illinois stands ready to lead the charge in the next wave of scientific discovery.
What’s Next For You?
Are you ready to be part of Illinois’ commitment to innovation and growth in life sciences? Contact our team today to discover how we can help your business thrive in this vibrant community.
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