Looking ahead to an even bigger 2026 with Ohio Life Sciences Association
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been for Ohio’s life sciences community. Together with our members, partners, and advocates, Ohio Life Sciences Association has continued to strengthen the ecosystem that’s fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping a stronger future for all Ohioans.
We can undertake these market-growing initiatives because of the support of our members. Your dues don’t just fund the organization, they fund programs that educate the next generation, connect talent with opportunity, foster collaboration, and amplify Ohio’s voice at the statehouse and on the national stage. Every workshop, partnership, and advocacy effort is powered by your commitment to Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem.
Here’s a look at what we accomplished together, and what’s next!
Growing the Future Workforce
Our BioPathways program had a record year!
BioPathways, Ohio Life Sciences Association’s signature workforce development initiative, connects students, educators, and employers to the incredible career opportunities in the life sciences. Through workshops, virtual experiences, and hands-on engagement, we’re helping more Ohioans envision a future in this growing industry. In 2025, BioPathways reached more people than ever before:
- Three in-person workshops brought together educators and industry professionals for hands-on learning and career exploration.
- A virtual field trip drew over 2,200 sign-ups, offering an inside look at life sciences companies, research facilities, and innovation happening right here in Ohio.
BioPathways continues to be one of the most powerful ways we’re helping people discover and prepare for the exciting, high-impact jobs driving Ohio’s life sciences economy.
Connecting People and Opportunity: The OLS Career Portal
We also made major strides in helping connect great talent with great companies through the Ohio Life Sciences Career Portal, a free, member-exclusive resource for job postings and career connections.
The portal gives OLS members free access to post their open positions and reach qualified candidates who are eager to build their careers in life sciences. For job seekers, the site includes a personal Career Navigator, offering guidance and support to help every individual find the best fit for their skills, experience, and career goals.
Whether you’re an employer looking to grow your team or an employee searching for your next opportunity, the OLS Career Portal is your go-to destination for connecting with Ohio’s life sciences workforce.
Expanding Our Reach and Partnerships
2025 was also a year of record attendance and engagement at BIO International in Boston. Our booth saw more traffic than ever, partnerships were formed, and the energy and momentum in the Ohio life sciences community were palpable. We’re already looking forward to BIO 2026 in San Diego, reserve your spot in the Ohio booth now! Or reserve a partnering table to set up camp for the week- 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities PDF.
In Columbus, our C-Suite Summit, InnoHealth, brought together some of Ohio’s biggest thought leaders for an amazing day of collaboration, cross-pollination, and discussion. From advocacy to emerging industry challenges, participants shared ideas, formed partnerships, and strengthened Ohio’s position as a national hub for life sciences innovation.
Taking Life Sciences on the Road
This year, we hosted five COSI Learning Lunchbox Industry Roundtables throughout Ohio, bringing together educators, employers, and innovators to talk about science, opportunity, and the future of work.
In 2026, this program officially launches statewide and is set to travel across all 88 counties in Ohio! It’s a big step forward in connecting more communities with hands-on STEM learning and life science exploration.
We really mean it when we say: we are your Ohio Life Sciences Association, and we’re bringing life sciences to every corner of our state.
Telling Ohio’s Story to the Nation
We continue to share the message of the Ohio Discovery Corridor, showcasing how our state’s research institutions, industry clusters, and workforce are positioning Ohio to compete nationally. By keeping talent here and creating new opportunities, we’re helping build a thriving, sustainable life sciences economy for the long term.
Making Your Voice Heard
At the Statehouse, Ohio Life Sciences Association continues to advocate for the policies and priorities that make Ohio a better place to do business, research, and grow.
This year, we hosted our largest-ever Advocacy Day, with record turnout from members across the state. Together, our members helped renew $2 million in state funding for life sciences initiatives and actively participated in efforts to inform key legislation affecting the industry.
We’re proud to also recognize Senator George Lang as our Legislator of the Year for his ongoing support of Ohio’s life sciences sector, championing policies that help companies thrive and talent stay in-state.
Whether it’s supporting emerging biotech startups or shaping legislation that attracts new investment, our members’ voices are making a difference in Ohio’s life sciences future.
Building the Biomanufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow
This year, we announced a partnership with JobsOhio to launch a biomanufacturing training center in Central Ohio, aimed at providing hands-on training for in-demand careers, bringing great jobs to Ohioans, and ensuring companies have a skilled workforce to grow and thrive.
We also launched a new cGMP Fundamentals Course at Butler Tech, which has been fully attended each session and continues to be one of our most sought-after training opportunities. The next session kicks off in January 2026, offering even more pathways to prepare the next generation of biomanufacturing professionals.
🔗 Learn more about the Butler Tech biomanufacturing program
In addition, OLS sponsored two Biotech Bootcamps at Columbus State Community College in 2025, intensive, hands-on programs introducing participants to core biotech concepts, laboratory techniques, and clean manufacturing standards. These bootcamps are growing Ohio’s cGMP-qualified workforce and expanding access to rewarding, high-growth careers in life sciences.
🔗 Learn more about the Biotech Bootcamps at Columbus State
Together, these initiatives are strengthening Ohio’s workforce pipeline and positioning our state as a national leader in biomanufacturing.
Ohio Life Sciences Industry Hub & Learning Center
Our Industry Hub & Learning Center, located in the Columbus Innovation District, is a thriving space for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
The hub is currently home to 8 startup companies, offers meeting and event space, and fosters daily collisions with other life science groups, creating an environment where ideas, partnerships, and breakthroughs happen naturally.
This center is more than just a physical space, it’s a community hub for innovation, giving Ohio-based companies and entrepreneurs a platform to collaborate, grow, and succeed.
*Interior photos by Dupler Office
Launching the Life Science Ready Community Designation
2025 also saw the launch of our Life Science Ready Community Designation, which recognizes Ohio cities and municipalities preparing to support life science growth.
This program helps communities understand what it takes to attract and retain investment, from workforce readiness to infrastructure, and highlights those already leading the way.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem is strong, and your engagement is more critical than ever. As we look ahead to 2026, we want to hear from our members: what programs, initiatives, or support would you like to see more of in the coming year? Email us at ols@ohiolifesciences.org to share your ideas!
We’re also proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our members through our new Promising Startup, Most Engaged Core, and Most Engaged Strategic Member Awards:
- Most Engaged Core Ohio Life Sciences Member: AtriCure, Inc.
- Most Engaged Strategic Ohio Life Sciences Member: Precision Environments
- Most Promising Startup: Clarametyx Biosciences Inc.
These awards celebrate members who have gone above and beyond in supporting Ohio’s life sciences community, from collaboration and advocacy to innovation and leadership.
As a member-driven organization, your voice, participation, and ideas shape what we do next. Together, we can continue to grow, innovate, and make Ohio a national hub for life sciences.
Here’s to 2026, a year of continued engagement, collaboration, and discovery!
