In recognition of the importance of the life sciences industry in South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster proclaimed Feb. 15-19, 2021 as South Carolina Life Sciences Week in the Palmetto State.

McMaster made the announcement just steps from where SCBIO organizers were putting the finishing touches on the first day of the largest-ever life sciences gathering held – virtually, of course – in the state. 

A record 600+ registrants from across America and around the globe are attending the virtual SCBIO gathering of South Carolina's life sciences community – and celebrating the contributions of its 800+ organizations in helping America and the world overcome the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.

“South Carolina has developed a strong reputation as an emerging leader in the life sciences,” McMaster said. “Our innovative companies and exceptional workforce are key drivers in strengthening our economy and creating new opportunities for South Carolinians. With an incredible pace of growth in the industry here, we know that the life sciences will continue to play a critically important role in our state’s economic success for generations to come.”

McMaster made the proclamation in downtown Greenville, in the heart of the county that possesses the state’s largest concentration of life sciences companies, although the industry boasts life sciences organizations in 42 of South Carolina’s 46 counties.

McMaster was flanked by leadership and board members of SCBIO, South Carolina’s investor-driven economic development organization focused on building, advancing, innovating and growing the life sciences industry in the state. 

 Life sciences has a $12 billion economic impact in the Palmetto State, with more than 800 firms involved and over 43,000 professionals employed in the research, development and commercialization of innovative healthcare, medical device, industrial, environmental and agricultural biotechnology products. 

It also represents a significant economic development focus for the state, with strong life science recruiting initiatives led by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and other regional economic development teams.

South Carolina life sciences has seen a doubling of firms and 40 percent increase in life sciences’ direct employment since 2017, which combine to make it the fastest growing industry sector in the state, according to recent data provided by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, the state's research economist and economic development expert with the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

“Life sciences is a major driver of South Carolina’s economy today, and this conference is testament to the industry’s surging impact, reach and rapidly rising economic significance in our state and country,” said SCBIO President and CEO Sam Konduros.