i&E Bio Edition 2022

OKC Chamber readies to showcase city’s bio ecosystem at BIO 2022

www.okcchamber.com

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i&E

BIO Edition 2022

YEARS AGO, BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY were words you would rarely hear coming out of the mouths of most Oklahomans, especially when oil and gas, aerospace and agriculture essentially dominated the state’s economic landscape. But times are changing, and they are changing fast. Oklahoma City has steadily – and intentionally – transformed itself into an emerging bioscience and biotechnology player over the last few decades, garnering attention from across the nation and globe. One national publication earlier this year even named Oklahoma City as one of five emerging life science development hubs. Accolades like that were not achieved by accident, nor has it been an easy path. Rather, it has been realized through the cooperative and collaborative efforts from several public and private entities and leaders, all of whom understood the importance of diversifying Oklahoma City’s economy in this increasingly global marketplace. A good example of how public and private entities and individuals are coming together to help grow Oklahoma City’s bio industry is by attending the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention each year. The Chamber has supported the region’s efforts at this convention for more than 20 years. This annual event provides local attendees with ample opportunities to network with thousands of global biotechnology and pharmaceutical leaders and companies. Under the OKBio banner, Oklahoma will have its own exhibit space to promote Oklahoma and its growing bioscience and biotechnology industry to a worldwide audience.