Target Sector

Life Sciences

Burke County, NC offers an unmatched environment for life sciences manufacturers — combining a deep talent pipeline, world-class infrastructure, and the strategic backing of the The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, and other partners.

Life sciences research and manufacturing

Burke County, NC Life Sciences Infrastructure

Burke County Life Sciences Ecosystem — 11 industry sectors, key statistics, and regional assets
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New Research

Charlotte Region Positioned to Compete for Life Sciences Investment

Read the Full Study

A new study commissioned by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and conducted by Deloitte finds that the Charlotte region's medtech industry cluster and manufacturing base position it to compete for targeted life sciences investment.

Source: Charlotte Regional Business Alliance / Deloitte Life Sciences Competitiveness Study, 2026

"The region's medtech industry cluster and manufacturing base position it to compete for targeted life sciences investment."

— Charlotte Regional Business Alliance / Deloitte Life Sciences Competitiveness Study

4 Sectors Best Positioned for Growth

As identified by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance / Deloitte study

Medical device manufacturing
01

Medtech

The region's established medtech cluster provides a foundation for device manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain depth.

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing clean room
02

Contract Manufacturing & Technical Services

Existing manufacturing infrastructure and a skilled workforce support contract and technical services growth.

Biologics laboratory research
03

Biologics

Proximity to research universities and a growing biotech ecosystem creates conditions for biologics expansion.

Nutrition and consumer health manufacturing
04

Nutrition & Consumer Health

Consumer health and nutrition manufacturing aligns with the region's food and beverage production capabilities.

Life Sciences CompaniesCLT Region
160+
Life Sciences
Companies
12,400
Regional
Workforce

The Charlotte region hosts a growing cluster of life sciences companies spanning medtech, pharma, biologics, and consumer health — supported by a skilled regional workforce.

Announced InvestmentRecent Activity

The region is actively attracting new life sciences investment — with announced projects signaling growing confidence in the Charlotte market.

Medtech device manufacturers expanding regional footprint

Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) evaluating sites

Biologics and pharma companies assessing workforce availability

Nutrition & consumer health brands seeking production capacity

Target SectorsPrimary & Secondary

Primary — Best Positioned for Growth

01Medtech
02Contract Mfg & Technical Services
03Biologics
04Nutrition & Consumer Health

Secondary Opportunities

Pharma ServicesClinical ResearchHealth ITAgricultural Biotech
Strategic PrioritiesCLT Alliance
1

Build on Medtech Strength

Leverage the existing medtech cluster as the anchor for broader life sciences attraction and expansion.

2

Develop Targeted Workforce

Align regional education and training pipelines with the specific skill demands of life sciences manufacturing.

3

Activate Site-Ready Assets

Position shovel-ready sites — including the NC Megasite — as competitive options for life sciences capital investment.

4

Coordinate Regional Partners

Align economic development organizations, utilities, and state agencies around a unified life sciences recruitment strategy.

Strategic Partner

Fueling North Carolina's Life Sciences Future

NCBiotech accelerates life sciences growth statewide — delivering innovation, investment, and jobs that strengthen North Carolina's position as a global leader.

Visit NCBiotech
100+Patent Filings
35Licenses
$5BExternal Funding
25,000Jobs Impact
$500MCollaborative Funding
$150MGrowth Funding
Life sciences researcher in laboratory

Innovation

Research grants and programs grow university research capacity, promote collaboration, and translate science into real-world solutions.

Investment

NCBiotech catalyzes out-of-state capital into early-stage companies — expanding venture funds, activating angel investors, and connecting NC to global networks.

Life sciences team collaborating at workstation

Jobs

Workforce development programs align trained talent with industry needs — enabling 10,000 new life sciences jobs and supporting 15,000 additional announcements.

Opportunities

Strategic coalitions pursue $500M in collaborative funding and $150M in growth resources to strengthen NC's life sciences competitive advantage.

Ready to Explore Life Sciences at The NC Megasite?

Connect with our team to learn how Burke County, NC can support your life sciences operation.