Columbus, OH – (February 19, 2025) – Ohio Life Sciences is proud to announce that its Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) proposal, Life Sciences Futures, has been approved by the State of Ohio. This initiative will fund initial efforts to build a comprehensive industry sector partnership strategy for the life sciences, with a focus on biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The Life Sciences Futures ISP is the first state-funded ISP specifically targeting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. The initial round of funding will support three key initiatives:
- Benchmarking life sciences workforce needs across Ohio to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Launching an online life sciences talent gateway pilot to connect employers with skilled talent.
- Supporting a biotechnology BootCamp to provide hands-on training and upskilling for Ohioans seeking careers in the life sciences.
This investment underscores the growing importance of the life sciences industry to Ohio’s economy. Over the past four years, employment in the sector has grown nearly 13%, significantly outpacing overall private sector growth.
The Life Sciences Futures ISP is part of the State of Ohio’s broader Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant Program, which aims to foster collaboration among businesses, education providers, and community leaders to address workforce challenges and drive economic growth. As announced by Governor Mike DeWine on January 28, 2025, the state awarded $15 million in grants to 35 ISPs across Ohio. These partnerships are designed to strengthen Ohio’s workforce by aligning training and education programs with the needs of key industries, ensuring that Ohioans have the skills required for in-demand jobs regardless of background or experience.
The development of the Life Sciences Futures ISP proposal was a collaborative effort involving leading Ohio life sciences companies, including Forge Biologics, Amgen, Amplify Bio, and Andelyn Biosciences. These companies played a critical role in shaping the ISP’s goals and strategies and will actively participate in its implementation. As the ISP evolves, Ohio Life Sciences will encourage more life sciences companies across the state to join the partnership, ensuring broad industry representation and impact.
This ISP award is a reflection of the progress we’ve made as the Ohio Life Sciences Association to encourage our industry to collaborate and educate our policymakers on the importance of continuing to invest in this growing industry. Employment in the life sciences continues to grow, well outpacing overall private sector growth, so it’s critical we invest in the pipeline of talent to sustain this growth. We are grateful for the leadership of companies like Forge Biologics, Amgen, Amplify Bio, and Andelyn Biosciences in developing this proposal and look forward to expanding participation as we activate the ISP.
Eddie PaulinePresident & CEO, Ohio Life Sciences
The Life Sciences Futures ISP represents a collaborative effort between industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations to ensure Ohio remains a national leader in life sciences innovation and talent development. By addressing workforce needs and creating pathways for skilled professionals, this initiative will help sustain the industry’s growth and drive economic prosperity across the state.
For more information about Ohio Life Sciences and the Life Sciences Futures ISP, visit www.ohiolifesciences.org
About Ohio Life Sciences
Ohio Life Sciences (OLS), the state association advancing and advocating for the common interests of the state’s life sciences community, convenes dynamic companies, people, and institutions to elevate the ecosystem in Ohio while supporting those that drive health, economic and social well-being in communities across the globe. OLS is organized as two nonprofit operations to best serve the life sciences ecosystem across the state, a 501c6 (Ohio Life Sciences Association) to serve as the member-based organization focused on economic and workforce development and advocacy; and a 501c3 (Ohio Life Sciences Foundation) focused on delivering research and funding that will accelerate and promote a robust life sciences industry in Ohio. Learn more at OhioLifeSciences.org
Media Contact
Angela McMurry
Director, Industry Engagement and Workforce
Ohio Life Sciences
amcmurry@ohiolifesciences.org
937-760-1771
