The Research Triangle region has built a strong, robust life sciences community over the last three decades, and is routinely rated as one of the top ten clusters in the country. Home to nearly 40% of all life sciences companies in the state, Durham has fared very well in attracting and retaining companies in this cluster, with 2,600 new life sciences jobs announced in the last 18 months alone.

According to Jones Lang Lasalle, more than 925 life sciences organizations make up North Carolina’s life sciences cluster. Raleigh-Durham is the #4 cluster for this industry, with nearly 70 percent of these companies located here. In 2016, our life science employment grew the fastest at 46 percent, or more than 12,600 jobs, according to the International Technology & Innovation Foundation report, ”Growing the Future: State Efforts to Advance Life Sciences.” The report evaluated five states with promotion policies in life sciences. 

           Local and State Biopharma Manufacturing Resources

Medtech companies will find a resilient workforce and collaborative community when considering the Durham region. The highest concentration of Tier 1 research universities is located around Durham between UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. These institutions contribute greatly to the innovative business environment and collaborative industry partnerships.

The presence of Duke Health, including Duke University School of Medicine and Global Health Institute; our proximity to the RDU Airport and rail systems; and our proficiency in attracting the best talent make Durham County an optimal location for growing Life Science companies.