Written By: Alex Stern, Economic Development Intern
Published 02/06/2025 | Updated 02/07/2025
Biotechnology is a dynamic field that merges life sciences and engineering to develop cutting-edge products and technological advancements. The Greater Lexington region is home to over 100 Biotech companies leading the way in this exciting industry. Here’s a closer look at some of these innovative firms and their contributions:
- Kindeva Drug Delivery (acquired Lexington startup Summit Biosciences in early 2024) is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing nasal drug delivery.
- Catalent, recently acquired by Nova Holdings, partners with biotech and consumer health companies, offering drug delivery and manufacturing solutions, particularly in oral drug delivery technologies.
- Neogen leverages biotechnology and toxicology to create diagnostic products focused on food and animal safety, including test kits that detect hazardous substances in food.
- MosquitoMate, Inc. uses biotechnology to tackle mosquito populations, including invasive species that carry human pathogens. They breed male mosquitoes that carry a naturally occurring bacteria, sterilizing females upon mating to help control future populations.
- Topasol utilizes nanotechnology in the development of specialty coatings and composites for the automotive and aerospace industries.
- Space Tango conducts groundbreaking experiments in space, advancing health research, including stem cell studies.
The biotech sector is booming in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, with over 1,800 individuals employed in this field, earning an average annual wage of $115,500 . Since 2019, employment across Kentucky’s biotech sector has grown by an impressive 11.1%.
Recent expansions in the Greater Lexington Region highlight the region’s commitment to biotech growth:
- Piramal Pharma Solutions’ 2024 expansion in Fayette County: $79,860,000 capital investment, creating 45 new jobs.
- Neogen Corporation’s 2023 expansion in Fayette County: $6,000,000 capital investment creating 72 new jobs.
- Catalent Pharma Solutions’ 2022 expansion in Clark County. $175,000,000 investment creating 15 new jobs.
Local colleges and universities serve as vital talent pools for these companies, offering specialized programs that equip students for careers in biotech. Currently, over 7,400 students are enrolled in biological and biomedical science programs across Kentucky. Notable programs include:
UK’s Agricultural & Medical Biotechnology program educates students in chemistry, biology and genetics to prepare them for careers in agriculture and healthcare as well as biotechnology. The program is designed to be individualized to students career interests and incorporates a research project under a mentor.
UK’s College of Pharmacy, which is ranked 6th best school in the nation, created the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS), launching in the Fall of 2025. This innovative program combines scientific study with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for impactful careers in drug development, research, and health care while fostering real-world innovation.
Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s Biotechnology Program is home to the only two-year biotechnology program in Kentucky, designed to prepare students for entry-level biotech jobs. Students can pursue a Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Associate’s in Applied Science, or a variety of certificate options. The program incorporates laboratory projects and industry technology alongside biotechnology courses. Between going on to a career in the industry or transferring to a four-year institution, program graduates have a 95% placement rate.
Commerce Lexington is proud to support the biotech industry and is a community partner for The Technology Association of the Bluegrass, a biotech and life sciences consortium created to further enhance collaboration among companies in the region.
For more insights and resources related to the biotech industry, visit
- Kentucky Life Sciences Council
- Biotech is Booming Fact Sheet
- Kentucky Bioscience Industry Fact Sheet
The future of biotechnology in Greater Lexington is bright, and as innovation continues to flourish, the region is poised to become a leader in health and safety advancements.
Click here to learn more about the Biotechnology industry in Greater Lexington.
