BioUtah, the trade association representing Utah's life sciences industry, joined the Biotech Across America State Symposium in Washington, D.C. on March 25, 2026, to discuss the strategic importance of robust state and local biotechnology ecosystems in bolstering national security and economic resilience. The symposium, a continuation of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)'s Biotech Across America Roadshow, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore how regional biotech hubs contribute to the nation's competitive edge.
Utah's biotechnology sector has emerged as a significant contributor to the U.S. biotech industry, with the state winning accolades as a startup state, employing 180,000 in the life sciences, and generating $22 billion in GDP. The symposium provided a platform to showcase these achievements and discuss strategies for further growth. "Utah's life sciences ecosystem is a powerhouse of innovation and economic impact," said Denise Bell, representing BioUtah. "Our participation in this national conversation underscores the critical role states play in advancing biotechnology for national security."
The Biotech Across America Roadshow is an initiative by the NSCEB, a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity established to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission includes members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. More information about the Commission and its report is available at biotech.senate.gov.
The symposium also involved partners such as the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC), a non-profit public-private partnership dedicated to advancing engineering biology, and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), which works to ensure scientific expertise informs policymaking. EBRC focuses on showcasing cutting-edge research and articulating research roadmaps, while FAS brings scientific rigor to address national challenges.
BioUtah, an independent 501(c)(6) trade association, serves Utah's life sciences industry with member companies reflecting strengths in medical device manufacturing, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. These companies are key drivers of Utah's economy and advancing healthcare. For more information about BioUtah, visit bioutah.org.
The gathering in Washington, D.C. emphasized that the biotech industry is not only a cornerstone of economic development but also a critical component of national security. As the United States faces increasing global competition in emerging technologies, the symposium highlighted the need for continued investment in state-level biotech ecosystems to maintain leadership and resilience.
