August 20, 2018

By Mike Graney

I recently attended BIO 2018 in Boston as part of a significant delegation from South Carolina, organized by SC BIO. Key benefits of attending this international convention include access to global biotech and pharma leaders and raising awareness of our market’s opportunities with companies and industry leaders. We met with several interesting companies and our pitch to consider Charleston’s life science scene was well received. The highlight was the sold-out SC BIO breakfast. We had guests from Boston, the U.S., and across five continents. Business attraction and networking opportunities abounded.

Life Science companies are the fastest-growing industry in Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s (CRDA’s) project pipeline. CRDA remains committed to growing this pipeline. We are thankful for the support of industry partners such as the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Roper St. Francis Research and Innovation Institute. The quality of our healthcare and academic institutions is a powerful magnet for life science firms considering a new facility.

Earlier in the year, after a multi-year search, Med-Ally announced the Charleston region as its new headquarters, R&D, and manufacturing location. Med-Ally fills an important niche in our life science ecosystem and works with companies and researchers from around the globe.

The official groundbreaking ceremony for 22 West Edge in the heart of Charleston’s new Discovery District took place on August 2. This building marks a new phase in Charleston’s identity as a life science destination, as it is the first building designed with speculative life science and lab space in Charleston’s history. Of particular note, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) has leased an entire floor of wet lab space that can be sub-let to biotech and pharma companies and entrepreneurs interested in research adjacent to the MUSC campus.

My CRDA colleagues and I are happy to facilitate collaboration between life science companies and our healthcare, research, and innovation partners. You will find Charleston a welcoming place with the ability to identify the doctors, professors, researchers and academic partners you need to support your company’s needs.

Please contact me at [email protected] if you want to find out more.

Contact us:

Michael J. Graney
Vice President, Global Business Development
843.760.4526 | Michael Graney