Piedmont Triad Life Sciences
Life sciences companies thrive in the Piedmont Triad because of its innovative business community, workforce development infrastructure and network of talented professionals.
The Piedmont Triad region is anchored by three large cities - Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. This region is richly diverse with respect to life sciences subsectors, talent and resources that support corporate growth.
Leading companies, such as Cambrex, Cook Medical, ICON, and Labcorp, put this region on the map. The Piedmont Triad is known for its research, testing and medical laboratories. Of the region's 150-plus life sciences companies, 34 are in this space.
Top universities and colleges continuously turn out a highly-skilled workforce. Wake Forest Innovation Quarter and Gateway Research Park provide an array of resources and opportunities for collaboration for startups and growth companies.
Since 2020, the region has experienced strong growth in relocation and expansion announcements, including ProKidney and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Contact
Nancy Johnston
Executive Director
Piedmont Triad Office
Life Sciences Assets
In total, nearly 8,300 life sciences professionals call the region home. Top research institutions in the region include Elon University, High Point University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Wake Forest University. NC A&T ranks #1 in the graduation of black agricultural science undergraduates in the United States.
According to U.S. News & World Report, The Wake Forest University School of Medicine ranks 48 among research programs domestically. The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is recognized as an international leader in pioneering advancements in regenerative medicine. The Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy at High Point University integrates biomedical and clinical sciences to enable pharmacists to excel in this dynamic field.
Alamance Community College, Forsyth Tech and Guilford Tech Community College are also contributing to this region's talent pipeline.
Community
Leaders from across the region come together as part of the Piedmont Triad Advisory Committee for Biotechnology. This group guides and coordinates efforts to develop the region’s life sciences assets. The region also hosts several networking groups to connect life sciences professionals around scientific topics.
Triad BioNight
The community gathers every two years to celebrate the region’s life sciences growth and accomplishments. For more information, check out this article.
Resources
NCBiotech can help facilitate connections. This means job seekers can use our Career Center. Additionally, we encourage Triad applicants to explore our funding programs for university research and startups. Our Life Science Intelligence team offers market research resources at the regional office.
Location:
Centrally located within North Carolina
Home to Wake Forest Innovation Quarter and Gateway Research Park
Research Triangle Park is within an hour’s drive
Counties:
The Piedmont Triad includes Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties.
Population:
1.6 million residents
1.6% annual growth rate
Projected 2030 population: 2 million plus
Transportation:
Large commercial airport, Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Within an hour's drive from two airports with direct international departures
Four major interstates and numerous secondary routes
Ground and rail connectivity to seaports
University Research Activity:
R2 Universities: NC A&T University, UNC Greensboro, Wake Forest University
Doctoral/Professional Universities: Elon University, High Point University
Photo Credits:
Wake Forest Biotech Place at Night courtesy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Anthony Atala, M.D., Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, in lab courtesy of Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center CEO Dr. John McConnell tour Wake Forest Biotech Place courtesy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
A scientist conducts cell culture work, used in corneal and regenerative medicine projects conducted at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for Ocular Systems Inc. courtesy of: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center