Why Oregon?

Oregon Life Sciences · In Partnership with Business Oregon

Where Science
and Life Come
Together.

Oregon is one of America's fastest-growing life sciences regions — where world-class innovation and an unmatched quality of life share the same address.

Oregon Health & Science University  |  Portland, Oregon
$21.2B
Total Economic Output
74,925
Total Jobs Supported
$99K
Avg. Annual Wage
52% above state avg.
$5.6B
Annual Exports
54% of industry output
1,995
Private Firms Statewide
127%
Employment Growth 2002–2023
LifeScience
Industry Sectors

A full-spectrum life sciences ecosystem

Oregon's life sciences industry — from research to advanced manufacturing — plays a role in nearly every county.

Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research & Testing Labs Biomanufacturing Diagnostics Medical Devices & Equipment Ag-Tech Digital Health Synthetic Biology
Employment Growth 2002–2023
Research & Testing Labs+226%
Life Science Research+176%
Medical Devices+66%
All Oregon private employment+29%
Life Changing
Innovation Programs

Oregon invests in what's next

From translational research to global market access, Oregon's ecosystem actively funds and accelerates life science companies at every stage.

Explore Programs
$222M
Oregon Bioscience Incubator (OTRADI)
31 startups launched, $222M leveraged, 400 jobs supported
$72.4M
Gap Fund Returns
44 startups raised $72.4M on a $7.6M state investment
$13M
SBIR / STTR
Federal funding secured for Oregon companies via state matching grants
$7B
NIH Investment
In NIH awards to Oregon institutions 2002–2023
10+
Active FDI Leads
Life science leads since 2024 incl. 8 European FDI prospects
Global
Market Access
Oregon Pavilion at Bio International; Swiss Biotech; MedTech Conference
Research & Talent Pipeline

Life
Saving.

Oregon's universities and research hospitals generate $1.2 billion in annual life science research activity — and a pipeline of scientific talent to power the next generation of breakthroughs.

  • OHSUOregon's flagship research health system, OHSU integrates world-class clinical care with deep research infrastructure — including active translational programs that move discoveries from bench to bedside. The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a national leader in precision oncology and personalized cancer treatment.
  • Oregon State UniversityOne of only three universities in the nation designated as Land, Sea, Space, and Sun grant, OSU brings exceptional breadth — with particular strength in ag-bio, fermentation science, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioengineering.
  • University of OregonUO brings strong capabilities in molecular biology, neuroscience, chemistry, and genomics. The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact accelerates this research toward real-world application — purpose-built to close the gap between discovery and industry partnership.
  • Providence & Legacy ResearchProvidence's research network spans multiple Oregon hospitals and includes active clinical trial programs, giving Oregon-based life science companies direct access to clinical partnership opportunities across the Pacific Northwest.
71.6%
of life science research jobs at Oregon universities and hospitals are held by women — among the highest rates of any sector in the state
Knight Campus at University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Providence & Legacy Research
Quality of Life Recruits and Retains Talent

Life Style.

Your team doesn't have to choose between an extraordinary career and an extraordinary life. In Oregon, both come standard.

Mountains & Cascades
Ski. Hike. Climb. Kayak. World-class outdoor recreation throughout the state.
Oregon Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast
363 miles of public coastline. Cannon Beach, Bandon, the Gold Coast — weekend adventures from anywhere.
The Wine Country
The Willamette Valley — one of the world's premier Pinot Noir regions. 700+ wineries are perfect for day trips, or longer excursions.
Food & Culture
A nationally acclaimed dining scene serving innovative cuisine throughout the state.
Let's Connect

Ready to explore Oregon?

Whether you're a site selector evaluating a location decision, an international company exploring U.S. expansion, or a researcher considering relocation — we're here to help you navigate the ecosystem.

Oregon Life Sciences
Industry & Ecosystem Inquiries
Trade association for Oregon's life sciences sector
oregonlifesciences.org/contact-us →
Business Oregon
Site Selection & Investment
Oregon's economic development agency — incentives, FDI, workforce
businessoregon.com →
Data source: Oregon Life Sciences 2025 Economic Impact Report, prepared by Pinnacle Economics, Inc. Figures reflect 2023 data.