Life Sciences and Global Health

From establishing the first hospital in the Northwest Territory in 1858 to today’s pioneering breakthroughs in which the body’s own immune system may be used one day to wipe out cancer, Washington State has advanced life sciences and global health for more than 150 years.

Today, more than 35,000 Washingtonians in 72 cities work at more than 500 life sciences and global health organizations and major research universities. This is the fifth largest industry in our state. Washington is home to some of the most innovative and well-known life science companies in the world, including the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Novo-Nordisk and Path. The life sciences and global health sectors contribute over $7 billion to the state economy.

One thing that sets Washington State apart from other life sciences/global health hubs is the ability to collaborate with information technology companies. Through these partnerships, businesses can bring new products to market that blend new ideas in healthcare with state-of-the-art technologies, tapping the collective brain trust of some of the most innovative, talented professionals in the country, if not the world.

Industry Snapshot

• 1,000+ organizations located in over 92 different cities in Washington State
• $7 billion in GBI & $12.5 billion GDP
• Washington ranks 7th in attracting federal grants
• 98,000+ skilled workers

Governor Inslee is proud to represent Washington’s innovative, forward-looking businesses and has made it a priority to ensure Washington’s life science and global health sector becomes a world-class center for research, commercialization and manufacturing.

Resources