One of the most exciting life science business growth areas can be found in the Kentucky biomedical sector. Northern Kentucky has quickly established itself as an innovative center for biomedicine:

  • Research
  • Development 
  • Production 

In this article, we’ll look at what is driving these advancements. We’ll also explore why biomedical companies should consider Northern Kentucky as the place to grow their business.

The Growing Biomedical Industry in Northern Kentucky

The biomedical industry in Northern Kentucky is growing. And growing fast. From 2014 to 2019, employment in biomedical industries in the area grew by 82%. And that growth continues. By 2025, employment in life sciences industries is expected to grow by 49.1%.

It’s not just businesses that have experienced the benefits of this growth. The governments of Kentucky and Ohio and private developers have pledged over $5 billion to the region for capital investments, infrastructure, and new, mixed-use developments. From new bridges to newly constructed office, hotel, residential, and office communities, the entire community is benefiting from the growth of Northern Kentucky’s vibrant healthcare sector. It’s an industry that includes businesses:

  • Conducting research
  • Developing measurement solutions for R&D
  • Focusing on clinical trials
  • Manufacturing medical devices 
  • Providing cord blood banking

Advantage: Northern Kentucky

Northern Kentucky holds strategic advantages for biomedical companies. There are:

  • Lower standard costs of doing business
  • Incentives to enable growth and employee development
  • Community improvement projects
  • An educated and skilled labor pool
  • Opportunities for collaboration and industry engagement

Many of the advantages available to Northern Kentucky biomedical startups, and established biomedical companies, fall into three key categories.

1. Incentive advantages

Medical device companies in Kentucky have a number of incentives they can use to grow their business. These incentives can help with everything from the physical expansion of the business to employee training.

2. Infrastructure advantages

The Northern Kentucky Port Authority, with support from the State of Kentucky and public and private partnerships, is building the state-of-the-art OneNKY Center and Covington Life Science Lab, a 12,000 sq. ft. biomedical innovation incubator.

Within the space will be the Covington Life Science Lab. This expansive wet lab, the only one in the Cincinnati region, will provide Northern Kentucky biomedical startups with access to lab space they might not otherwise have. This will enable those companies an opportunity to put their theories to the test almost immediately.

In addition to what the OneNKY Center offers, biomedical companies in Kentucky looking to expand their footprint will have access to:

  • Favorable utilities – Industrial electricity is 11% lower than the national average.
  • Strong connectivity – The Northern Kentucky region is one of the most wired communities in the world.
  • Travel support – Skytrax Magazine says the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is one of the top five regional airports in the US. 
  • Community transit – The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) helps over 3 million commuters reach their destination each year.

3. Advantages in R&D

Northern Kentucky is home to some of the top biomedical research companies. It is also a training ground for the next generation of leaders in the industry. This is because, within a 75-mile radius, you can find over 25 four-year colleges and universities.

  • In just a five-year timeframe, three of those colleges alone spent $100 million on life sciences R&D. 
  • The University of Cincinnati Medical School is the second oldest college of medicine in the U.S. It remains a leader in biomedical research in Ohio.
  • The PulsePoint app is currently assisting cardiac 911 calls in over 4,000 communities. It was developed by students at Northern Kentucky University.

Calling Northern Kentucky Home

The biomedical industry in Northern Kentucky is made up of a number of different types of businesses including:

  • established biomedical companies
  • startups
  • medical device companies
  • manufacturers

Among the biomedical companies driving forward healthcare innovations in Kentucky are:

Gravity Diagnostics

Gravity is a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. It was a leader in developing COVID-19 testing protocols. Today it focuses on developing new testing models for:

  • COVID-19
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Infectious and upper respiratory diseases
  • Blood

Wood Hudson Cancer Research

This is a spectacular research center. Located in Newport, it is the only one like it in Kentucky. It holds more than 2 million human tissue cancer and non-cancer specimens. These are used for different research programs. One program involves studying the environmental causes of cancer.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Thermo Fisher is a global leader in healthcare services. They have chosen Northern Kentucky to be the home for their PPD Laboratory Services and have announced plans to expand significantly in Northern Kentucky with a $47.8 million investment. PPD provides a vital service to clinical trials. They offer an “…integrated, flexible, one-stop solution for the collection, management, and analysis of lab and study data…”  

Andritz Separation

One of several medical device companies in the region, Andritz has been a leader in chemical separation systems for decades. They offer solutions for APIs, vitamins, antibiotics, and more.

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services

The experts at CTI have touched more than 10,000 projects since 1999. This includes testing to ensure 150+ drug and device approvals that have helped patients with diseases like:

  • COVID-19
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Sickle Cell
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Asthma

Gen9

Gen9 is taking a novel approach to the needs of an aging population. With grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging, they have developed a smartwatch, connected eyewear, and other solutions to keep seniors safe.

Earning a Degree in Biomedical Research in Kentucky

LinkedIn put the Northern Kentucky region in the Top 5 “Places to Launch Your Career” (2020). While many people move to the area to start their career in the biomedical industry in Northern Kentucky, others make the transition from college to career.

There are a number of college and university-level programs available in the region to prepare the next generation of:

  • healthcare professionals
  • researchers
  • scientists
  • geneticists
  • biotechnologists

Some of those opportunities can be found as described below:

Northern Kentucky University offers an MS in Health Informatics. In this program, students learn how to develop innovative solutions in healthcare using data, science, and software.

At The University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus, students have an opportunity to learn from accomplished educators. They will also learn directly from physicians in the St. Elizabeth Healthcare system.

The University of Cincinnati’s Biomedical Engineering program provides students with an opportunity to learn about the “intersection of biology and medicine.” This involves:

  • classroom learning
  • a Cooperative Education Program with regional biomedical companies
  • hands-on experience in the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Combined, The University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, and Miami University alone awarded nearly 4,000 degrees in the health profession in 2019.

What’s in the Future for the Biomedical Industry in Northern Kentucky?

There are many exciting tools emerging in the biomedical industry. Soon we could see a more everyday use for: 

  • AI
  • telesurgery
  • nanotechnology
  • virtual reality

The hope is that these advancements, and others like them, will make healthcare professionals’ jobs easier. At the same time, they can make patient care more precise, direct, and specific.

Companies focused on biomedical research in Kentucky will be poised to be at the forefront of these, and other advancements. This is due to:

Fostering a collaborative community

The biomedical industry in Northern Kentucky would not be as strong as it is without the collaborative spirit that comes from an industry growing together. It’s easier to perform research when CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services, the #1 ranked CRO, is right down the street. And you can make adjustments easily when you can quickly visit the medical device manufacturer building the tools your team needs to succeed.

A supportive environment

Local and state governments and agencies like the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, Kenton County, and the City of Covington recognize the importance and potential of having a strong Kentucky biomedical sector. This is why they have committed millions of dollars to attract businesses and encourage growth. They are also making key investments in local infrastructure projects.

Three of the most recent investments include:

  • $15 million for a state-of-the-art wet lab facility in Covington
  • $69 million for work on the Fourth Street Veterans Bridge
  • $3.1 billion to develop the Brent Spence Bridge

A campus for the future

The NKY Port Authority will manage the funds to create the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence. This $125 million center will be located in Covington, offering educational opportunities and innovation support for the development of life sciences opportunities.

Research and development opportunities

Consistent R&D opportunities can advance biomedical research in Kentucky. There are several private companies working in this space. Many work alongside one of the region’s public universities. Partnerships like those are one of the reasons LinkedIn names the area one of the top five places to launch your career.

A Positive Future for Biomedical Companies in Kentucky

The BE NKY Growth Partnership estimates that Kentucky’s biomedical sector will continue to grow at a robust pace. This will be fueled by:

  • private sector expansion
  • government investment
  • a dedicated and focused research community

To accommodate this growth, regional infrastructure improvements are being made and investment and training incentives are available. 

To learn more about the benefits available for biomedical companies in Kentucky, contact the BE NKY team today.