BioUtah joined the Biotech Across America State Symposium in Washington, D.C., on March 25, 2026, to discuss the strategic importance of strong state and local biotechnology ecosystems in bolstering national security and economic resilience. The symposium is a continuation of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)’s Biotech Across America Roadshow, which highlights biotechnology across the United States, including companies, academic institutions, workforce development programs, and policy initiatives driving the industry’s future.
Utah contributes significantly to the U.S. biotech industry, earning recognition as a startup state, employing 180,000 in the life sciences, and generating $22 billion in GDP. The state’s participation underscores the critical role regional hubs play in the national biotech landscape. The NSCEB, a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity, aims to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government, which can be viewed at biotech.senate.gov.
The symposium brings together stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to engage on key findings and recommendations from the Commission’s report. The event is part of the Biotech Across America Roadshow, which continues to learn about work being done across the vibrant ecosystem. The symposium is organized in partnership with the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC), a non-profit public-private partnership dedicated to advancing engineering biology, and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), which works to advance science, technology, and innovation policy. More information about FAS can be found at fas.org.
BioUtah, an independent 501(c)(6) trade association serving Utah’s life sciences industry, represents member companies with strengths in medical device manufacturing, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. These companies are key drivers of Utah’s economy and advancing healthcare. For more information, visit bioutah.org. The symposium highlights how state-level initiatives contribute to national security by fostering innovation, creating high-quality jobs, and ensuring the United States remains competitive in the global bioeconomy. As the NSCEB continues its work, the insights from states like Utah will inform policy recommendations to strengthen the nation’s biotech infrastructure.
The implications of this announcement are significant: it underscores the interconnectedness of local biotech ecosystems and national security, emphasizing that investments in state-level biotechnology can have far-reaching effects on economic resilience and defense capabilities. By participating in the symposium, BioUtah and other state representatives are helping shape the future of U.S. biotech policy, ensuring that regional strengths are leveraged to meet national challenges.
