Governor Bill Ritter and the Colorado Bioscience Association (CBSA) held a press conference at the State Capitol this morning to announce the release of the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap 2008 report. The report highlights both the accomplishments of the bioscience industry in the state, which now ranks 11th nationally in venture capital investment, and outlines the strategies for continued growth over the next five years. Gov. Ritter touted the “no longer fledging” industry for its growth to date – employing over 18,000 at over 900 establishments – and cited bioscience as “one of the pillars of [Colorado’s] strategy” for growth moving forward. CBSA Chairman Jack Wheeler noted House Bill 1001,which makes state matching grant funds available to bioscience companies, as “the kind of commitment needed to make [Colorado] competitive.”
Looking toward the future, State Representative Jim Riesberg stated the need to ensure researchers, entrepreneurs and graduating students alike see Colorado as “a climate for people to come and stay.” To help achieve this vision of bioscience industry growth, the report highlights five specific initiatives which were outlined by CBSA Executive Director John Collar. Briefly, the strategies are:
- Ensure availability of capital.
- Create a strong commercialization infrastructure (efficient tech transfer).
- Educate, attract and retain a skilled workforce.
- Promote Colorado’s bioscience industry.
- Make a long-term commitment to bioscience.
For more details on these strategies including specific action items and statistics, a copy of the report can be downloaded here.
The press conference marked the conclusion of Colorado Bioscience Day at the Capitol. Check back for an update on the earlier sessions of the day including comments from several state legislators, Matt Cheroutes of the Colorado Office of Economic Development, presentations by Peter Kelly of the Biotechnology Industry Organization and John Collar of the CBSA.
