life sciences
Virginia makes
medicine
smarter
medicine
smarter
From discovery to delivery, Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem is designed to move innovation from the lab to patients faster and with less friction. With manufacturing-ready sites, strong lab-to-market capabilities, highly skilled workforce solutions, and tightly coordinated public-private partners, VEDP helps companies reduce risk, scale up, and accelerate time to market.
A proven engine fueling
scientific breakthroughs
Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem is built on connection, bringing together an integrated network of research institutions, manufacturers, workforce partners, infrastructure, and public-sector leaders. This integrated network helps companies move from concept to commercialization with speed and scale — accelerating the path from bench to bedside, supporting large-scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Granules Pharmaceuticals,
Fairfax County
A hub for
life-saving therapies
life-saving therapies
You're in good company. Virginia is home to a deep and growing life sciences cluster, anchored by global pharmaceutical companies and supported by hundreds of firms across R&D, clinical development, manufacturing, and supply chain services.
A workforce built for now and what's next
A workforce built for now and what's next
From Ph.D. research to GMP manufacturing, Virginia has the life sciences talent to move quickly and scale with confidence. An Industry 4.0-ready workforce supports AI-enabled manufacturing, advanced analytics, and digitally integrated operations across the life sciences value chain.
85,100+
professionals in core life sciences occupations
Source: JobsEQ, 2025
Civica
21,200+
graduates in life sciences as of 2023-2024
Source: JobsEQ, 2025
$120M
from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Merck & Co. to establish a joint training center for pharmaceutical manufacturing
Source: VEDP
AstraZeneca
Success Stories
Why companies
succeed in Virginia
We have found in Virginia an amazing team that moves at incredible speed to build a better future for this Commonwealth and the American people.
With its welcoming partnerships, central location along I-95, and growing life sciences workforce, we are thrilled to build our new facility in Virginia.
There really is no place in the nation right now this focused on advanced manufacturing. There is significant activity. Stars are aligning.
investment in 2025 to establish and expand pharmaceutical manufacturing in Virginia, including from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck & Co.
Source: VEDP Announcements Database
R1-Classified Research Universities, including the first pharmaceutical engineering doctoral program in the U.S.
Source: Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, 2025
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), the most in any state
Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, 2024
The building
blocks of
a growing life sciences hub
Virginia’s life sciences advantage is rooted in a strong foundation of research, talent, and manufacturing readiness that supports long-term growth and sustained investment across the ecosystem.
Key partnerships drive collaboration across Virginia
Virginia takes a coordinated, public-private approach to turning research into real-world impact. Dedicated institutes, initiatives, and tech hubs accelerate innovation from early-stage discovery to large-scale production.
The Medicines for All Institute
The Medicines for All Institute
The Medicines for All Institute is a national leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and process innovation, bridging academic research and commercial production to help companies translate discoveries into scalable, cost-effective manufacturing.
The Lab to Launch Initiative
The Lab to Launch Initiative
This partnership between Virginia’s six R1 research universities and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation accelerates technology transfer and commercialization through fast-track licensing, targeted funding, and investor engagement.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Tech Hub
Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Tech Hub
This EDA-designated hub in the Richmond–Petersburg region is the only one of its kind in the nation, supporting manufacturing readiness, workforce development, and faster scale-up.
What’s new
Eli Lilly and Company Invests $5 Billion in Virginia
Eli Lilly and Company, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, invests $5 billion in Goochland County that will generate 650 high-wage jobs and 1,800 construction jobs.
Meet your
industry partners
Sneha’s extensive experience in regulatory and compliance roles, as well as eight valuable years in the public sector, give her an insightful edge when developing strategies to grow employment across Virginia in manufacturing industries, including advanced materials, food & beverage manufacturing, and biopharmaceuticals.
Karen supports life sciences companies through targeted lead generation and site selection assistance — identifying the right locations, coordinating with local partners, and guiding prospects toward Virginia’s most competitive opportunities.
An expert partner dedicated to your success
VEDP works alongside your team to connect you to the right partners and support smarter decisions at every stage of decision-making.
Partner coordination & ecosystem development
Connect with the right public and private partners to support your investment, align resources, and keep projects moving forward.
Find the right location fast with customized site searches, certified shovel-ready options, and expert guidance through every step of the process.
Analytics & strategic insights
Make confident decisions with in-depth economic, workforce, and market data, plus policy insights that shape Virginia’s competitive edge.
Get the Virginia life sciences guide
Learn more about why life sciences companies choose to locate in Virginia — and how VEDP ensures they flourish and grow.
“Virginia has a deep well of scientific talent and resources that are critical for success in the biotech and life sciences industry.”
Latest news in life sciences
Eli Lilly and Company Invests $5 Billion in Virginia
Eli Lilly and Company, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, is moving forward with plans for a $5 billion state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will generate 650 high-wage jobs and 1,800 construction jobs at the West Creek Business Park in Goochland County.
AstraZeneca Selects Albemarle County for $4.5 Billion Investment
AstraZeneca will invest $4.5 billion to establish two new manufacturing facilities in Albemarle County, creating 600 direct jobs and the company's largest single investment in a facility to date.
