Ohio Life Sciences Year in Review

As we reflect on the past year, we celebrate the achievements and progress of Ohio’s vibrant life sciences community. Innovators, researchers, business leaders, and advocates are the driving force behind the growth of our ecosystem. Your dedication fuels our mission to empower, support, and connect our members as they innovate, grow, and succeed. With a 45% increase in membership this year, OLS is on track for continued growth in 2025. As our membership expands, so do the opportunities to advance life sciences across Ohio.

Here’s a recap of what Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) accomplished in 2024 and how we continue to deliver value to our members:

Advocacy and Policy Support

We are your voice at the local, state, and federal levels, championing policies that advance innovation and protect your priorities.

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights: Opposed federal “March-In” plans to safeguard your innovation.
Advocating for Biomarkers Coverage: Securing better healthcare outcomes and resources.
Fighting for SBIR/STTR State Matching Programs: Supporting startup and small business growth.
Leveraged PAC funding to advocate for policies that serve our members' interests.

Conducted more than 150 meetings with elected leaders and staff.

Secured over 15 letters of support and testimony to advocate for our members’ priorities.

Workforce Development

By securing $5 million in State workforce funding, we are creating and filling jobs, ensuring Ohio’s life sciences sector thrives.

BioPathways (K-12): Empowered teachers and inspired students to explore careers in life sciences through targeted resources and training.

Bootcamps: Partnered with Columbus State to fund $250,000 for biotech career training.

Entrepreneur Workshop Series: Developed Ohio’s next generation of life sciences leaders. 120 attendees for the 6 modules.

Networking and Collaboration

OLS brought together diverse stakeholders to spark impactful collaborations. With over 3,700 member interactions, we stayed closely connected, ensuring the needs and priorities remained central to our efforts.

Regional Events: Hosted 15+ events, engaging over 870 attendees.

Statewide: Organized InnoHealth*, Ohio’s Life Sciences Executive Conference, connecting over 165 innovators, educators, and investors.

Global: Participated in BIO International Convention*, over 20,559 in attendance, the largest global biotech event, showcasing Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem on the world stage.
*Partnered with JobsOhio to ensure Ohio remains a leader in life sciences.

Showcasing Innovation

Through awards, events, and communication campaigns, we celebrated your groundbreaking work and shared your stories to elevate Ohio’s reputation as a life sciences hub. Amplifying your achievements opens doors to new partnerships, funding, and opportunities.

This year, we introduced the Member Investor Portfolio Report, a first-of-its-kind publication showcasing the success and potential of Ohio’s rapidly growing life sciences sector. Since its launch, we have featured 47 life sciences companies and highlighted a significant trend: major out-of-state investors are increasingly funding Ohio-based life sciences ventures, with over $508 million invested to date. The report also emphasizes quarterly deal flow in Ohio, ensuring intellectual property and jobs remain within the state.

Savings by the Numbers

Our Advantage Purchasing Program saved members valuable resources, helping them reinvest in their growth and success.

Looking Ahead: Updates for 2025

In January 2025, we’re launching a new membership structure to provide:

Greater access to resources.

Expanded networking opportunities.

Enhanced benefits tailored to your needs.

These changes will ensure we continue delivering maximum value and supporting your success.

Thank You

Your support and engagement make all this possible. Together, we are driving life-saving innovations, fostering economic growth, and improving health outcomes across Ohio and beyond. We look forward to continuing our partnership to benefit all our members and strengthen Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem for the betterment of our state and its communities.

Sincerely,