After conducting its yearly survey of media reports, a North Carolina trade association has announced that life sciences companies brought in more than $1.1 billion in investments and grants to the state in the 12 months ending April 25, 2011, representing a 25 percent increase over the 12-month period ending April 2010.
The North Carolina Biosciences Organization (NCBIO) conducts the survey in conjunction with an annual briefing for state legislators.
According to NCBIO, the life sciences funding includes equity investments, licensing payments, grants, and investments in building and equipment that totaled $924 million. Equity investments reportedly totaled $446 million, building and equipment totaled $437 million, grant announcements totaled $126 million, and licensing payments totaled $122 million.
“These payments represent cash flowing directly into our state for jobs in life science innovation,” said NCBIO President Sam Taylor. “The survey reaffirms the economic impact of North Carolina’s life sciences cluster, which the North Carolina Biotechnology center has estimated generates $46.6 billion in economic activity annually, and supports employment for more than 226,000 North Carolinians.” See NCBIO Press Release, April 28, 2011.
