Friday, January 23, 2009

GOV RITTER TOUTS BIOSCIENCE INDUSTRY SUCCESSES


 
Gov. Bill Ritter, the Colorado BioScience Association and Colorado Office of Economic Development today released the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap 2008 report, which shows impressive gains for Colorado's bioscience sector and provides an updated growth plan for the future.
 
The report found that Colorado now ranks 11th in the United States for bioscience venture capital investments, with $1.3 billion invested from 2002 through the second quarter of 2008, and that bioscience employment has increased 5.5 percent since 2003.
 
"More than 18,000 Coloradans are now involved in this field," Gov. Ritter said. "We want to continue this industry growth trend and build upon our successes. Using the updated action plan will allow us to be more targeted and strategic in our planning, as well as to better compete at a national and international level."
 
The Battelle Technology Partnership Practice worked with key industry leaders in Colorado and conducted research throughout the state to prepare the report. Through this research, the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap showcases the strengths and of the industry and the challenges it faces, providing the industry a five-year plan to grow the bioscience hub in the state.  
 
"The new report shows that Colorado is on the right path to becoming a top-ten bioscience hub and pinpoints strategic areas to focus over the next five years to position the bioscience sector as a key driver of Colorado's economy," Colorado Bioscience Association (CBSA) Executive Director John Collar.
002 and 2007
In addition to the CBSA and the Economic Development Office, the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap 2008 was made possible by: Allos Therapeutics, Colorado State University, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, Forest City Enterprises, Holland and Hart, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Metro Denver WIRED, QLT USA, Roche Colorado and the University of Colorado. An electronic copy of the study can be found athttp://www.cobioscience.com/stateplan08.pdf.