Driven by Innovation & Growth

Our mission is to promote innovation and growth through strengthened networks; advocacy; capital investment; talent attraction, development and retention; and advancing the next generation of leaders.

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Virginia's Life Science Community By the Numbers

  • 3,433 Companies

    Life science companies in Virginia.

  • $8B Industry

    Life Science contributes $8B to Virginia's economy.

  • 30, 504 People

    Employed by Life Science companies in Virginia.

  • $107,281 Average Wage

    Average earnings of life science workers in Virginia.

  • 1,197 Clinical trials

    Biopharmaceutical industry-sponsored trials in Virginia per year.

News

08/26/2025

Activation Capital Names Michael Steele as President and CEO

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority (doing business as Activation Capital) announced today that it has appointed Michael Steele as president and chief executive officer. Steele succeeds Robert Ward, who has served as interim CEO since July 2024 during a period of rapid growth for the life sciences ecosystem development organization. Steele comes to Activation

08/25/2025

Danforth Advisors Acquires PharmaDirections

Danforth Advisors LLC, today announced the acquisition of PharmaDirections, Inc., a full-spectrum development partner to life science companies, expanding its integrated capabilities from discovery through commercialization. Founded in 2003, PharmaDirections was a pioneer of the virtual drug development model. The company brings veteran program leaders and more than 150 specialists to support strategic planning and

08/22/2025

ivWatch Technology Linked to Major Reduction in Severe IV Injuries in Newborns Over Four-Year Study

A study published this month in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) analyzed the use of optical sensor technology from ivWatch, the U.S.-based IV safety company, in the early detection of peripheral intravenous infiltration or extravasation (PIVIE) events in neonates. Presenting a comparative evaluation between conventional observational methods and continuous sensor-based monitoring, the study offers insights