Biotechnology

OED is committed to making Seattle a global biotechnology and life sciences center, and we are well on our way to realizing that vision.

Seattle is an emerging global biotechnology center and the hub of biotechnology activity in the Puget Sound region and Pacific Northwest and is ranked 5th in the nation for biotechnology industry concentration. Approximately 7,600 people work for 55 companies in Seattle's biotechnology industry sector.

Seattle is home to world-class and well-funded medical research institutions, such as the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, which have driven the industry's growth. Both of these organizations lead the nation in attracting National Institutes of Health funding.

The City is providing significant investment in the South Lake Union area to further expand Seattle's biotechnology presence and create a biotechnology hub. Seattle's South Lake Union has been identified as the city's biotechnology center and will provide 10 million square feet of development capacity. The expansion of biotechnology activities in South Lake Union has been supported through land use code revisions to accommodate new facilities and major infrastructure investment and planning efforts that include:

• Securing $12.5 million for the South Lake Union Streetcar which will connect downtown with Seattle's biotechnology hub;
• Enhancing neighborhood amenities, including the development of mixed-income housing opportunities;
• Creating a new waterfront park;
• Working to improve the electrical and water system infrastructure; and
• Improving transportation access to the South Lake Union.

• WBBA Study (2002 Biotech Econ Impact study) (doc)
• SLU Action Agenda (pdf)
• Mayor's SLU Page
• Seattle's South Lake Union Neighborhood - Connecting Business Excellence and Life Sciences
  - December 2005 (pdf)
• Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (WBBA) partners with BIO Technology Solutions to offer a variety of services for its members.