NH Business: An Entire New industry is Being Created in NH with 600+ Businesses Operating Already
In a recent discussion hosted by Fred Kocher, Andrea Hechavarria, President and CEO of New Hampshire Life Sciences, and Ryan Holder, Senior Director of Operations at Lonza, shared insights into the flourishing life sciences industry in New Hampshire.
With over 600 businesses operating in the state, this sector encompasses various fields, including bio-manufacturing, medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative manufacturing. The industry generates approximately $4.3 billion in sales and supports over 11,290 jobs, showcasing a remarkable growth rate of 15.1%. Hechavarria emphasized that New Hampshire is creating a new industry in bio-manufacturing, which reflects the state's long-standing strength in medical technology.
Hechavarria highlighted the appeal of New Hampshire's business-friendly policies, strong educational institutions like the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth, and its strategic location outside of Cambridge, making it an attractive area for expanding manufacturing operations.
Holder noted Lonza’s unifying partnership with New Hampshire Life Sciences as well as significant investments in Portsmouth, including the construction of new production facilities.
Both speakers acknowledged the ongoing life science research at local universities and discussed key challenges faced by the industry, such as limited venture capital investments and the absence of a medical school at UNH. However, they expressed optimism about growing the startup community and attracting additional venture capital to support innovation in the state. Hechavarria highlighted that Dartmouth has an excellent medical school, as well as close access to Boston's thriving medical landscape.
The conversation highlighted New Hampshire's potential as a leader in the life sciences sector, with strong collaboration among industry leaders, educational institutions, and government entities aimed at fostering growth and innovation. For more information about the life sciences landscape in New Hampshire, viewers are encouraged to visit NH Life Sciences.