Biotechnology has become a critical driver of U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, with Houston positioned to play a defining role in the future of the American biotech ecosystem.
Last month, the Greater Houston Partnership joined the Biotech Across America State Symposium in Washington, D.C. to discuss the strategic importance of strong state and local biotechnology ecosystems in bolstering national security and economic resilience.
The symposium served as a continuation of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)’s Biotech Across America Roadshow, which is an ongoing effort to highlight the companies, places, and people shaping the future of U.S. biotechnology around the United States. The event was organized in partnership with the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC).
Learn more about Houston’s life sciences industry.
The conversation comes at a critical moment for U.S. biotechnology: As artificial intelligence converges with biology, advances in the life sciences are transforming all sectors of the economy, from healthcare to agriculture to energy, and more. Crucial industries are being reshaped by biotech, thus strengthening biotechnology is a national security imperative. State and regional initiatives are key to supporting the broader U.S. biotechnology industry, particularly in building workforce pipelines, supporting commercialization, and fostering greater bioliteracy.
“It was an honor to participate in the NSCEB State Symposium, learn from leaders across the U.S. and share the exciting cross-industry biotechnology work happening in Houston,” Partnership Senior Director of Global Life Sciences Dr. Verena Kallhoff said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with peers at the “With Honor” networking event marking one year since the NSCEB report’s release, and to meet with Texas representatives on Capitol Hill to discuss the critical role of biotechnology and the importance of continued legislative support. A meaningful and energizing experience all around.”
“As the NSCEB has traveled around the country, we’ve discovered biotech stakeholders turning local ingenuity and talent into national strength at every stop,” said NSCEB Vice Chair Dr. Michelle Rozo. “The hard work and dedication represented at the Biotech Across America State Symposium prove that regional biotech ecosystems are the foundation for durable economic resilience. But there is more work to be done at the federal, state, and local level, and biotech voices from every corner of the nation will play a vital role in maintaining the U.S. position as the global biotechnology leader.”
The Partnership has continued its mission of being a convener for important discussions among leaders in the biotechnology sector through assembling the Synthetic Biology Task Force, exhibiting at the SynBio Beta Conference and collaborating with regional partners to host the NSCEB Biotech Across America Roadshow in 2025. The region’s diverse industry mix positions it to both contribute to and benefit from the expected growth in synthetic biology. Companies such as Cemvita, Solugen and VIA BioFuels are developing innovative ways to make products and address the demands of dynamic industry sectors. As the need for innovative solutions grows, Houston’s place at the intersection of pertinent industry presents a meaningful opportunity.
To learn more about Houston’s life sciences ecosystem, visit our website.