38,000 Highly Skilled Life Sciences Workers Support State’s Thriving Life Sciences Ecosystem

DENVER, March 30, 2023 — Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) announces its comprehensive new report, Peak Talent, on the 38,000 big thinkers and problem solvers who make up the state’s life sciences workforce. The report profiles some of the outstanding people who make up the state’s highly educated talent pool, with 43% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

“Our driven, inventive, and highly collaborative people are committed to saving and changing lives around the world with health innovations from Colorado,” said Elyse Blazevich, President & CEO of Colorado BioScience Association and President of Colorado BioScience Institute. “We are proud that Colorado is recognized as the number one state for talent by CNBC and in the top 25 globally for talent concentration, as outlined in our 2023 Peak Talent Report.” 

Highlights from the report include:

Educated Workers – 43% of Denver Boulder residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, making Colorado residents the 2^nd most educated population in the U.S. (Metro Denver EDC)

Invested in Innovation – Colorado companies raised $1.6 billion in 2022, and the community is building out and planning 3.5 million square feet of lab space to support companies at all stages of commercialization. (Colorado BioScience Association, Colliers)

Focused on Science – Colorado boasts the 2^nd highest density of bioengineers and biomedical engineers in the U.S., and 34 federal labs. (CBRE)

Attracted By Quality of Life – Two Colorado cities rank in the top five “most livable cities in the U.S.” (U.S. News and World Report)

“Colorado’s talented people are the reason leading companies are choosing to expand in our state,” said Emily Martini, Vice President of Partnerships, Colorado BioScience Association. “We recognize it takes a connected ecosystem to grow talent and build a leading hub for life sciences innovation, from our academic and research institutions to the public and private partners that support health innovation.”

The new report also provides an overview of Colorado BioScience Institute’s work to cultivate and diversify the state’s life sciences workforce and introduces some of the state’s up-and-coming talent.

About Colorado BioScience Association

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products and services that improve and save lives. The association leads Capital and Growth, Education and Networking, Policy and Advocacy, and Workforce Cultivation to make its members stronger, together. Learn more: cobioscience.com