TRENTON, N.J., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey will showcase its thriving biotechnology development and technological competitiveness at BIO 2006, held in Chicago from April 9-12, 2006, where a variety of companies and organizations representing the state's biotechnology and life science industry will exhibit. The annual international conference attracts globally prominent professionals from the world of biotechnology.
A recent study by FierceBiotech names New Jersey as one of the five top regions in the world for major geographic growth in biotech. With more than 150 biotech firms located in the state, New Jersey owns the distinction of being the country's fourth-largest biotech cluster. Steady growth in biotechnology and life sciences is predicted to continue due to the government's positive backing as well as an investment in research by local universities.
Attracting and keeping biotech and life sciences companies is a top priority in New Jersey. According to New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission Secretary Virginia S. Bauer, "New Jersey has more scientists, engineers and technicians per capita than any other state. There is no better place in the country for biotech and life sciences growth."
Currently, New Jersey is home to 15 of the world's 25 largest drug companies. Often hailed as one of the most fertile areas in the country for groundbreaking research, nearly half of the nation's private health research occurs in the state.
Pharmaceutical powerhouses such as Novartis and Celgene are the latest companies to benefit from New Jersey's upgraded premier business incentive programs. "Through these programs, New Jersey consistently demonstrates its commitment to retaining and growing its pharmaceutical base," according to Secretary Bauer.
Dedicated to advancing research on the use of human embryonic stem cells, New Jersey is the first state to invest public funds for this vital research. In addition, New Jersey is the first state to invest public funds to create the New Jersey Stem Cell Research Bank, the nation's first public cord and placental blood bank for stem cell research.
Through novel programs which encourage businesses to set up shop in the state's three Innovation Zones, located in Camden, New Brunswick and Newark, to meeting the demands of the biotechnology infrastructure with the Technology Center of New Jersey, a 50-acre research park built by the NJ Economic Development Authority, New Jersey is poised to remain at the forefront of biotechnological development.
According to the latest Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Batelle Memorial Institute study, which was the most comprehensive analysis ever done to qualify the scope and impact of bioscience employment within the 50 states, New Jersey was singled out for its support of the industry and the factors which influence a state's ability to grow bioscience employment.
Secretary Bauer is available to speak about New Jersey's leadership role and commitment to biotechnology now and in the future.
New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism CommissionCONTACT: Michelle Goldstein of Brushfire Inc., +1-973-871-1715, for NewJersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism
