Bio Defense

Transforming the way we protect those who protect us.

North Carolina's Bio Defense outreach goes far beyond concerns over bioterrorism. NCBiotech and its partners, including North Carolina's small businesses, researchers, and military representatives, think more broadly. We work to safeguard the food supply, provide vaccines and novel technologies to protect soldiers, and deploy novel technologies to help heal those wounded in battle.

Information on North Carolina's Bio Defense companies in North Carolina can be found in the NCBiotech Company Directory.

Statistics 

12 of NC's GDP is military
653K total jobs supported
$80B total economic impact in NC
$4.1B provided by Department of Veterans Affairs in medical care to NC
6 major military installations
4th largest military population in the United States


Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs in Medical Care; Geographic Distribution of VA Expenditures; Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI)

Due to the size and significance of federal investments in North Carolina, NCBiotech and its partners are working to leverage the state's innovative life sciences expertise to address critical military and national security challenges. Developing strategies to better align the state’s well-recognized life sciences strengths with the Department of Defense (DoD) and national security strategic priorities will enable our state to be a critical solution provider on challenging problems, while also increasing defense funding to support North Carolina researchers and companies.

Some of these NCBiotech-led activities include:

  • Providing grants for university-based researchers and small businesses that have a technology that addresses a need in the Bio Defense arena and educate and support their efforts in seeking DoD or homeland security relationships and funding

  • Promoting and representing North Carolina at targeted military and federal Bio Defense conferences throughout the United States and promote our state's life sciences capabilities

  • Hosting or sponsoring conferences where military, government, academic and industry experts can network and collaborate

  • Connecting military, industry and academia partners to promote North Carolina’s Bio Defense capabilities at the state and federal level

Resources

Military Outreach and Veterans Engagement (MOVE) Program

North Carolina’s life sciences sector is growing rapidly—and it needs skilled, mission-driven professionals. The Military Outreach and Veterans Engagement (MOVE) Program, a DoD SkillBridge-approved initiative, connects transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with meaningful careers in this dynamic sector.

MOVE gives industry partners access to highly-trained, adaptable leaders who thrive under pressure. Through targeted recruiting, career coaching, and consulting, we bridge the gap between the military community and employers, ensuring a smooth transition and long-term workforce success.

Service members and their families deserve careers that offer purpose, growth, and competitive pay. MOVE helps make that possible through personalized coaching, training opportunities, and direct employer connections, with no science background required.

Whether you're an industry partner looking to grow your talent pipeline or a veteran ready for your next mission, visit our MOVE web page to learn more.

DEFTECH Opps Talk

Opps Talk is a virtual forum spotlighting key federal R&D opportunities for North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem. Each session features timely, high-impact solicitations from agencies like DoD, DOE, DHS, and others — including SBIR/STTR topics, BAAs, and significant announcements. Designed to keep innovators informed and engaged, Opps Talk connects businesses, researchers, and partners with the federal R&D landscape in a fast, focused format helping turn opportunity into action. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and schedule an appointment for one-on-one technical assistance. To review the next opps talk session, visit the NC Military Business Center homepage. 

Reference Resource

For a list of biomedical and biodefense government acronyms, click here: 

Post-Event Information

Medical, Biomedical and Biodefense: Support to the Warfighter Symposium
September 24-25, 2025

Attendee List

Presentations (slides will be posted as approved)

Bio Defense News & Events

For questions or more information, contact:
Mary Beth Thomas, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Science and Business Development Science and Business Development 919-549-8844 | [email protected]

scroll back to top of page