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.
Eddie Pauline, President and CEO of Ohio Life Sciences, emphasized the significance of this milestone:
“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.”
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.
About Ohio Life Sciences
The Ohio Life Sciences Association is a member-driven industry association dedicated to growing the life sciences market. Through advocacy, building, and connecting, Ohio Life Sciences supports the growth of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other life sciences companies, ensuring Ohio remains a global leader in developing life changing innovation.
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