Successfully growing North Carolina’s biotechnology industry depends on having a full picture of biotechnology in the state. The Biotechnology Center understood this from the beginning, and met the need by creating and maintaining a comprehensive inventory of biotechnology and related support companies. In fact, the first printed directory of biotechnology companies was published in the fall of 1985, just shortly after the Center received its initial funding from the 1984 state legislature.

The introductory text from the 1985 directory states a three-fold purpose:

  • Forging a multi-faceted “biotechnology community” in the state;
  • Facilitating productive university/industry relationships, information transfer and technological innovation in the state; and
  • Communicating to the rest of the world an accurate picture of North Carolina as the home of increasing levels of biotechnology activity.

As we approach NCBiotech’s 30th anniversary, these critical goals continue to drive the company directory today.

The updated 2013 NCBiotech Company Directory is now available through our partnership with Business North Carolina, in both print and electronic formats. From 32 core bioscience companies identified in 1984, today’s industry has grown to encompass more than 500 life science research and manufacturing companies throughout the state, employing more than 58,000 people. The annual published directory showcases these companies to NCBiotech visitors and partners, and is a popular resource at trade shows such as the BIO International Convention.

The online searchable NCBiotech Company Directory is even more comprehensive, expanding the list to include more than 2,000 related and support companies for the bioscience industry in the state. This database is our third most popular resource on the website, bringing in about 15,000 unique visitors each month. If you haven’t been to the site recently, take a moment to click through and check it out. This year we’ve added significant functionality, such as a browseable map, individual company locations, and improved search and browse capabilities.

Data for these resources is maintained through regular interactions with the companies, news monitoring, and an annual survey to update the companies. Be sure your company participates in this effort – the next survey will be sent out on October 1. Your participation is critical to ensure that we continue to have the most accurate picture of biotechnology in the state.

(C) NC Biotechnology Center