Life Sciences

Breathing new life into a vital industry.

The Charlotte Region is an emerging life science market with unique research and development centers, venture capital investment, and more than 20 institutions in the region offering training programs to ensure a strong talent pipeline to fuel future growth.

2 lowest corporate tax

burdens in the southeast (NC & SC)

50+

innovation and research centers in the region

175,000

people employed in the sector

“Big enough to do great things. Small enough to have a sense of community.”

Eugene A. Woods

Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Health

REGIONAL BENEFITS

More than 175,000 individuals are employed in life sciences in the region, with biopharmaceuticals and biotech as the two fastest growing clusters. Meanwhile, 2- and 4-year degree granting institutions are collaborating to build a talent pipeline for biomedical careers. Combine this exceptional pipeline with a cost of living lower than the national average, and you have all the key elements for growth.

20+

higher education institutions providing training programs specific to life sciences

29%

Average cost of living 29% lower in the Charlotte Region than traditional life science hubs

Regional strength

with Biopharmaceuticals and Biotech

With thriving centers throughout the region conducting trials that are gaining national recognition, the Charlotte Region has the resources to support the next generation solutions to our health and well-being.

50+

innovation and research centers located in the region

15+

innovation and testing laboratories located within the North Carolina Research Center (NCRC)

15+

research and clinical trials focused on precision nutrition & genomics with national recognition

NCRC

received a $19.2 million grant from the NIH to form the metabolomics and clinical assays center

From established centers to new investments, the region is committed to researching and commercializing new innovations resulting from the collaborative ecosystem that makes the Charlotte Region successful.

North Carolina Research Center (NCRC) 350-acre campus

including research, economic development, training programs and initiatives in nutrition science, biotech and biopharmaceuticals. Seven North Carolina Universities have lab space on this campus.

North Carolina Biotechnology Center

offers research, economic development, and training programs.

The Pearl & Innovation District:

Wake Forest School of Medicine – Charlotte will anchor the district that focuses on training, research, and development.

More than $1.5 billion investment in the region over the last two years by established companies and newcomers strengthen the sector, encouraging more like-minded companies to consider the Charlotte Region.

$1 billion

$177 million

$30 million expansion

Download the Life Sciences overview

COMPARE THE DATA

To see how the Charlotte Region stacks up against other major metro areas, use our comparison tool.