A hotbed of innovation in the life sciences sector, the Madison Region claims an array of groundbreaking discoveries in biosciences and biotechnology.

From the discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s to the first human embryonic stem cells grown in a laboratory, the Madison Region is an established leader in outstanding biotech research and development. Our life sciences sector is driven largely by UW-Madison, which ranks in the top five nationwide for federal research funds with over $1 billion in expenditures, more than half of which is spent directly in life sciences. From our base in R&D stems a deep concentration of major life science firms—both mature and startup—that have chosen to build headquarters in the Madison Region. Support institutions such as BioForward pair with resources for incubation, clinical trials, and scientific testing to help biotech discoveries move from the lab to the marketplace. Learn more.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Promega
Covance
Exact Sciences
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD)
GE Healthcare
FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals

SUB-SECTOR STRENGTHS
Scientific Research & Development Services
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing

ESTABLISHMENTS
335 establishments

EMPLOYMENT
10,250 employees

DEGREES CONFERRED
9,071 industry-applicable degrees and certificates conferred in 2014-2015
from higher education institutions in and around the Madison Region

LOCATION QUOTIENTS
Employment | 1.7
Establishment | 0.95

Source: Emsi 2016.2