Biotechnology leaders will meet in West Virginia to discuss ways to expand industry opportunities in the state.
The Bioscience Association will hold its second annual West Virginia summit to look at the role the biotechnology market can play in diversifying the state's overall economy.
Derek Gregg, chairman of the association, told the State Journal the summit will bring together the biosicence community, policy leaders and economic developers.
"The purpose of the event is to highlight the role and impact of the bioscience industry in West Virginia, showcase research and commercialization efforts taking place at state universities and private companies, and to discuss policies and programs to help nurture the industry," Gregg noted. "This is an important industry for our state, and it will become an economic cornerstone in the years to come."
In Georgia, biotechnology leaders said the state's 8 year old loan program to sustain and grow industry jobs is paying off.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports Georgia is now second to only North Carolina for attracting biotechnology firms and one of the top 10 states in the nation for biotech growth.
Since 2004, the Life Sciences Facilities Fund has given out $4.3 million to five companies.