2025 in Review: The Impact of Your Membership, and Why 2026 Matters Even More 

As we close out 2025, we’re reflecting on the impact Ohio Life Sciences members made across workforce development, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation—and why your continued membership matters even more in 2026.

OlS Members

As we close out 2025, one thing is clear: everything we accomplished this year was powered by you, our members. 

Your engagement, your support, and your voice strengthened Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem in every corner of the state. 

Because of your membership dues, participation, and partnership, Ohio Life Sciences expanded workforce development, elevated Ohio on the national stage, advanced critical advocacy priorities, and launched new programs that will shape our industry’s future. 

As we prepare for 2026, we’ll be counting on your continued membership when renewals open in January. But first, here’s a look at what YOU made possible this year. 

BioPathways


You Built Ohio’s Future Workforce 

Your membership fueled a record-breaking year for BioPathways, our statewide workforce initiative. 

  • Three in-person educator workshops connected teachers with real industry labs and careers. 
  • 2,200+ students and educators joined our virtual field trip—our largest to date. 
  • Hands-on experiences helped more Ohioans see themselves in life sciences roles. 

This momentum exists because members fund and participate in these programs—providing speakers, facilities, expertise, and inspiration. 

You didn’t just support workforce development. You shaped it. 

career portal ols

You Connected Talent to Opportunity 

The OLS Career Portal, a free resource for members, continued to grow and is becoming the go-to destination for life sciences careers in Ohio. 

  • Members posted jobs at no cost. 
  • Job seekers received personalized help through the Career Navigator
  • Connections formed that will strengthen teams and grow companies statewide. 

Every posting, every hire, and every career step forward was made possible because members invest in a stronger talent pipeline. 

You Expanded Ohio’s Reach and Partnerships 

Thanks to strong member participation, BIO International 2025 in Boston was our highest-traffic booth ever. New connections, new partnerships, and new visibility, all driven by your engagement. 

At home, your involvement made InnoHealth a leading event for thought leadership, collaboration, and strategy-setting across Ohio’s life sciences sector. 

Members didn’t just attend. You shaped the conversations that are positioning Ohio as a national leader. 

You Helped Bring Life Sciences to Every Corner of Ohio 

In 2025, we hit the road with five COSI Learning Lunchbox Industry Roundtables, bringing STEM learning and career exploration directly into communities. 

In 2026, thanks to member support, this program will go statewide across all 88 counties

Your membership allowed us to expand this initiative and reach audiences who have never before engaged with life sciences. 

You Amplified Ohio’s Story on the National Stage 

Members helped champion the Ohio Discovery Corridor, showcasing our state’s research strength, workforce potential, and competitive edge. 

Through your participation, partnerships, and advocacy, Ohio continues to attract attention, and investment, from across the country. 

Statehouse

You Made Your Voice Heard at the Statehouse 

This year, member participation at our largest-ever Advocacy Day helped: 

  • Renew $2 million in state funding for life sciences initiatives 
  • Inform policy decisions impacting employers, innovators, and talent 
  • Strengthen relationships with key legislators 

Your membership ensures life sciences has a powerful, unified voice in policy decisions. 

You Strengthened Ohio’s Biomanufacturing Workforce 

Member support enabled major workforce expansions, including: 

  • Fully attended cGMP Fundamentals Courses at Butler Tech 
  • Two hands-on Biotech Bootcamps at Columbus State 

These programs equip Ohioans with the skills employers need, directly supporting member companies looking to hire. 

This is your membership at work. 

Ohio Life Sciences Industry Hub

You Helped Launch and Activate Our Industry Hub 

The Ohio Life Sciences Industry Hub & Learning Center is now home to eight startup companies, daily collaboration, event space, and a growing community of innovators. 

The hub exists—and thrives—because members wanted a centralized home for Ohio’s life sciences activity. 

Life Science Ready Community

You Championed Community Readiness 

2025 marked the launch of the Life Science Ready Community Designation, helping Ohio cities prepare for industry growth. 

Members informed this program, provided feedback, and helped shape what readiness looks like for our state. 

Celebrating Member Leadership 

This year we introduced new awards to recognize outstanding member contributions: 

These companies reflect the passion and partnership that make this community exceptional. 

Looking Ahead: Your Membership Matters More Than Ever in 2026 

Everything we do, from training tomorrow’s workforce to strengthening industry partnerships, originates from one source: member support. 

As we prepare for membership renewals in January, we’re asking you to stay with us, stay engaged, and stay invested in Ohio’s life sciences future. 

Together, we will: 

  • Expand statewide workforce programming 
  • Grow our Industry Hub community and possibly expand to new location in Ohio 
  • Strengthen advocacy efforts 
  • Build new partnerships and national visibility 
  • Accelerate innovation across the Ohio Discovery Corridor 

And we want your input. What do you want to see in 2026? 
Share your ideas: ols@ohiolifesciences.org 

Thank You for Making 2025 a Breakthrough Year 

Here’s to 2026, a year of collaboration, discovery, and continued progress, powered by you, our members.