Choose New Jersey Releases 2026 Life Sciences Report Highlighting Sector Growth and Global Competitiveness

Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, today released the 2026 New Jersey Life Sciences Report, an in-depth analysis of New Jersey’s thriving life sciences ecosystem. Developed in partnership with BioNJ, the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ), Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the report highlights key industry trends, real estate and development opportunities, workforce strengths, and state-supported programs driving growth across the sector.

The report highlights New Jersey’s commitment to innovation, including more than $190 million in recent state investments in incubators and accelerator programs. These investments are helping early-stage companies grow while strengthening the broader life sciences ecosystem that supports companies across all stages of development and commercialization.

"New Jersey offers one of the most advantageous environments in the world for life sciences companies,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "The organizations that created the state’s third-annual Life Sciences Report are ready to support the next wave of New Jersey healthcare and biotech innovators. Our state already has much to offer life sciences companies looking to grow and invest in a region with unmatched potential, and my administration is committed to making New Jersey even more business-friendly.

The report highlights New Jersey’s continued growth in life sciences manufacturing capacity, including 1.5 million square feet of new CDMO and biomanufacturing space added since 2021. It also underscores the state’s leadership in cell and gene therapy, noting that New Jersey is home to six of the 13 FDA-approved cell and gene therapies in the United States. This strength is supported by ongoing investment in the state’s biomanufacturing workforce through programs such as NJBioFutures, which partners with industry and academic institutions to prepare job-ready talent for roles across the life sciences sector.

The report’s release coincides with the start of the 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego, California, where Choose New Jersey, along with a strong delegation of state and industry leaders, will showcase the state’s life sciences strengths. As the biotechnology industry’s premier global event, the convention brings together more than 20,000 industry leaders from across the biotech ecosystem, including approximately 5,000 exhibitors and over 2,500 investors representing more than 90 international markets.

“The depth of New Jersey’s life sciences ecosystem presents a compelling case to investors and companies around the world,” said Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold. “Our presence at the BIO International Convention amplifies that message, creating opportunities to attract new investment, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce New Jersey's leadership in the life sciences sector.” 

“New Jersey has long been at the forefront of life sciences innovation, bringing together the expertise, collaboration, and resources needed to transform scientific discoveries into meaningful patient outcomes,” said Debbie Hart, President and CEO of BioNJ. “This report showcases the strength of our ecosystem and the many advantages that continue to attract companies, talent, and investment to New Jersey.”

The report further details New Jersey’s available real estate and legacy sites. Companies can accelerate market entry through business-ready R&D campuses, reducing startup timelines by 12 to 24 months and saving up to 90% in construction costs.

“New Jersey offers one of the most compelling life sciences real estate markets in the country,” said Daniel Loughlin, Vice Chairman at JLL. “From fully built-out pharmaceutical campuses to emerging innovation districts and lab-ready facilities, the state provides companies with opportunities to accelerate growth, reduce costs, and bring new products to market faster. The report underscores the significant advantages available to companies looking to establish or expand operations in New Jersey.”

“New Jersey’s continued leadership in life sciences is the result of a sustained focus on innovation, talent, and business growth,” said Evan Weiss, CEO of the NJEDA. “By working to cut red tape, bring down costs, and make smart investments in high-growth industries, Governor Mikie Sherrill is building an environment where companies can scale, create jobs, and bring transformative technologies to market. This report reflects the strength of New Jersey’s innovation economy and the opportunities ahead."

“New Jersey is known as the ‘Medicine Chest of the World’ due to our unparalleled partnerships between the life sciences, government, academia, organized labor, and workforce and economic development efforts,” said Chrissy Buteas, President and CEO of HINJ. “This report demonstrates why New Jersey remains a critical hub and top choice for life sciences companies in research, development, and advanced manufacturing.”

To download the full 2026 New Jersey Life Sciences Report, click here. 

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the state’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.