$1.5 Million Capital Budget Investment Builds on Existing State Support for Workforce Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Life Sciences Institute (OLSI) today announced it has received $1.5 million in funding from the Ohio legislature’s capital budget to support the Ohio Life Science Training Center (OLSTC), marking the first time the organization has received state capital funding.
The investment complements existing support OLSI has received through the state’s operating budget, which has funded workforce initiatives including the K-12 BioPathways teacher training program and the Life Science Learning Kits. Together, the funding streams reflect growing state commitment to building Ohio’s life sciences talent pipeline, from K-12 classrooms to advanced manufacturing careers.
The OLSTC, located in New Albany, is designed to address a critical workforce gap in Ohio’s life sciences industry, where operators make up roughly 40 percent of jobs, but the talent pipeline has lagged demand. The facility uses a hub-and-spoke training model, with Columbus State Community College delivering cGMP and manufacturing curriculum.
“We are grateful for the support the Ohio legislature approved in the capital budget,” said Eddie Pauline, President & CEO of the Ohio Life Sciences Institute and the Ohio Life Sciences Association. “This funding, combined with what the legislature has already invested in the Institute through the operating budget, is a strong signal that our elected officials are realizing the importance of building a stronger life sciences industry. This investment will help ensure we can build a best-in-class training center that will make Ohio even more attractive to life sciences companies who are looking to grow.”
Pauline also recognized the OLSTC’s other key investors, including JobsOhio, the City of New Albany, the Ohio Life Sciences Association, and Fisher Scientific, whose combined support has been instrumental in advancing the project.
OLSI specifically thanked Sen. Bill DeMora, Sen. Liston, and Rep. Piccolantonio, along with legislative leaders representing Franklin County, for their sponsorship and advocacy on behalf of the funding. OLSI also thanked Sen. Jerry Cirino and Rep. Brian Stewart, chairs of the Senate and House Finance Committees, for their support in advancing the appropriation through the capital budget process.
OLSI will continue working with state and industry partners to expand access to life sciences training and education across Ohio.
About the Ohio Life Science Training Center
The Ohio Life Science Training Center (OLSTC) is a 34,000-square-foot facility on an 11-acre site in New Albany, Ohio, developed to close Ohio’s life sciences operator workforce gap. Led by OLSI in partnership with Columbus State Community College, the OLSTC delivers hands-on instruction in cGMP, manufacturing foundations, and formulation/wet lab skills, preparing Ohioans for in-demand careers in biomanufacturing and advanced life sciences production.
About the Ohio Life Sciences Institute
The Ohio Life Sciences Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building Ohio’s life sciences workforce and economy — through workforce programs like the Ohio Life Science Training Center, BioPathways, and the Life Science Learning Kit, and economic development initiatives like our Life Science Ready Community Designation, industry research tools, and reports. Our programs serve the whole statewide ecosystem, not just OLS Association members.
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Media Contact:
Natalie Monroe
Director of Integrated Marketing & Operations
nmonroe@ohiolifesciences.org
614.406.9297
