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The basics:

• NJ life sciences report released ahead of BIO International Convention
• $190M+ invested in innovation infrastructure
• 1.5M square feet of biomanufacturing space added since 2021
• State manufactures six of 13 FDA-approved cell and gene therapies

A new report on New Jersey’s life sciences sector paints a picture of a state not only maintaining its long-standing pharmaceutical leadership, but expanding its influence in some of the industry’s fastest-growing fields.

The release of the 2026 New Jersey Life Sciences Report coincides with the BIO International Convention. A New Jersey delegation featuring state officials, economic development leaders and industry executives will head to San Diego for the event. BIO is the biotechnology industry’s largest global gathering.

The report serves as both a snapshot of the state’s current strengths as well as a pitch to the thousands of investors, researchers and biotech companies attending the event.

Choose New Jersey developed the study in partnership with BioNJ, the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, JLL and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The report highlights how the state is building on its pharmaceutical legacy while emerging as a leader in advanced manufacturing, cell and gene therapy, and healthcare innovation.

Among its findings, the paper points to more than $190 million in state investments in innovation infrastructure and 1.5 million square feet of new biomanufacturing space added since 2021.

It also highlights New Jersey’s position as the manufacturing home for six of the 13 FDA-approved cell and gene therapies available in the United States.

Not just legacy life sciences leaders

The findings reinforce a familiar reality: New Jersey remains one of the world’s most concentrated life sciences markets. Seven of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies and eight of the world’s top 10 medical device firms maintain a presence in the state.

However, the report’s broader message paints a picture that New Jersey’s competitive advantage increasingly extends beyond its legacy industry giants to a growing ecosystem of startups, researchers, manufacturers, investors and innovation hubs.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill touched on the state’s combination of talent, infrastructure and industry expertise.

“New Jersey offers one of the most advantageous environments in the world for life sciences companies,” said Sherrill “Our state already has much to offer life sciences companies looking to grow and invest in a region with unmatched potential, and my administration is committed to making New Jersey even more business-friendly.”

Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold said the report underscores the value proposition the state delegation brings to BIO.

“The depth of New Jersey’s life sciences ecosystem presents a compelling case to investors and companies around the world,” said Herbold. “Our presence at the BIO International Convention amplifies that message, creating opportunities to attract new investment, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce New Jersey’s leadership in the life sciences sector.”

The depth of New Jersey’s life sciences ecosystem presents a compelling case to investors and companies around the world.
—Amy Herbold, CEO, Choose New Jersey

For BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart, the report demonstrates how New Jersey’s collaborative ecosystem continues to attract talent, companies and capital.

“New Jersey has long been at the forefront of life sciences innovation, bringing together the expertise, collaboration, and resources needed to transform scientific discoveries into meaningful patient outcomes,” said Hart.

Room to grow

The report also highlights the state’s inventory of business-ready laboratory and manufacturing facilities, a competitive advantage that can significantly reduce development timelines and costs for growing companies.

“New Jersey offers one of the most compelling life sciences real estate markets in the country,” said Daniel Loughlin, vice chairman at JLL. “From fully built-out pharmaceutical campuses to emerging innovation districts and lab-ready facilities, the state provides companies with opportunities to accelerate growth, reduce costs, and bring new products to market faster.

“The report underscores the significant advantage available to companies looking to establish or expand operations in New Jersey.”

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss said that continued leadership comes as the result of years of investment in innovation and economic development.

“This report reflects the strength of New Jersey’s innovation economy and the opportunities ahead,” Weiss said.

Chrissy Buteas, president and CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, said the findings reinforce the state’s longstanding reputation.

“New Jersey is known as the ‘Medicine Chest of the World’ due to our unparalleled partnerships between the life sciences, government, academia, organized labor, and workforce and economic development efforts,” she said. “This report demonstrates why New Jersey remains a critical hub and top choice for life sciences companies in research, development, and advanced manufacturing.”

The full report is available to download here.