The life science industry is hitting its stride in Cincinnati

The region’s fastest-growing sector pays well, is rapidly expanding worldwide and has the potential to ignite decades of regional growth. Recent statistics by commercial real estate developer CBRE and consulting firm Chmura Economics prove Cincinnati’s life sciences growth:

Cincinnati is just getting started as it emerges as a life science leader. Here are examples of how the region is pushing toward the forefront of this fast-growing field.

Life science companies perform research and develop products that serve living beings, with major advances occurring in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics and therapeutics spaces. The sector is rapidly expanding; CBRE found that life science employment reached its highest level ever in late 2024 as venture capital funding soared 10% year over year.

Cincinnati is at the forefront of the life science industry’s breakneck growth, according to the Business Courier. “When a person in a position to know says Greater Cincinnati could become the nation’s next big life sciences hub, you smile and nod,” the publication says. “When 10 of them say it, you start to wonder whether they’re on to something.”

As it turns out, life science leaders have already targeted the Queen City as the field’s new home. They attribute the region’s attractiveness to its robust corporate and startup presence along with renowned health care powerhouses like the UC College of Medicine, which pioneered breakthroughs such as Benadryl and the polio vaccine. Other elite health care facilities in the area include Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and UC Health.

“I think we’re spoiled,” Matt Huddeston, chief commercial officer of drug delivery company Enable Injections, told the Business Courier. “How many people can say they’ve got the number one children’s hospital in the world? And UC – not only is it a world-class institution, but the co-op program … that’s how you’re developing your future leaders.”

Cincinnati also has the robust support system required to nurture a growing life science industry. Below are a few positives of our region as it races toward the top:

With Ohio ranked by CNBC as America’s fifth-best state for business and first in the Midwest, there’s good reason life science leaders are turning to the Buckeye State. And among those considering Ohio, the Cincinnati region consistently earns top billing.

Examples of successful life science firms aren’t difficult to find in the Queen City. From major firms like Medpace and CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services to small-scale startups, local life science companies are transforming Cincinnati’s innovation landscape.

Below are a few life science breakthroughs that have moved through UC’s Tech Transfer team:

• Endometriosis diagnostic test: Research that could lead to the development of a noninvasive, at-home test for endometriosis to replace surgical procedures.
• MetaMol Theranostics: Business working on a breast cancer diagnostic device that boosts detection rates and could increase chances of survival.
• Rapid biopsy research: Technology with the potential to dramatically reduce the amount of time and resources that go into biopsies.
• Sense Neuro Diagnostics: Startup with a rapid brain-scanning system that can monitor and detect strokes and traumatic brain injuries in under four minutes.

Cincinnati’s life science scene moves far beyond these four technologies, but they offer a glimpse at the pioneering research happening in the region. By combining patenting expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and top talent with an affordable and top-ranked business environment, Cincinnati is quickly emerging as America’s next life science hub.

Featured image at top: University of Cincinnati student performing medical research. Photo/Colleen Kelley