The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED) joined biotechnology and life sciences leaders from around the world at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, a premier global gathering that brings together biotech companies, investors, researchers, government agencies, and policymakers to advance innovation and partnerships.
Frederick belongs to the Bio Capital Region, consistently ranking among the top 3 bioclusters in the nation. Our participation reflects the City’s continued commitment to growing its life sciences ecosystem, supporting industry partnerships, and positioning Frederick as a hub for research, innovation, and biotechnology advancement. DED attended alongside the Maryland Department of Commerce, connecting with industry leaders and promoting opportunities within Maryland’s thriving life sciences sector.
Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, providing remarks at the Maryland pavilion.
At the Maryland Pavilion, Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, highlighted the City’s momentum as a growing hub for biotechnology and innovation. “Growth for us isn’t just about population — it’s about momentum. Momentum in talent, momentum in innovation, and momentum in opportunities,” Griffin shared while inviting BIO attendees to explore Frederick as a location for expansion and investment.
Griffin emphasized Frederick’s strategic location within the Mid-Atlantic innovation corridor, access to major transportation networks, and the strength of its life sciences ecosystem. “Frederick delivers the workforce, the infrastructure, and the collaborative environment needed for large-scale, advanced biomanufacturing,” Griffin said, pointing to the City’s advantages for companies looking to expand.
The convention provided an opportunity to highlight Frederick’s key industry assets, including AstraZeneca and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, while engaging with global partners shaping the future of biotechnology. AstraZeneca participated in industry programming, including the sponsored session “R&D for Rare Diseases is Growing: How Will Policy Developments Impact the Future Landscape?” which explored the evolving rare disease research landscape and the impact of policy developments on future innovation. Representatives from the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research also participated in BIO programming, showcasing Frederick’s role in advancing cancer research, technology transfer, and biomedical collaboration.
Additional Frederick connections were represented through industry leaders such as Kite Pharma, which participated in convention programming focused on advancements across the biotechnology sector. By participating in BIO International Convention, DED continues to strengthen relationships with life sciences companies, investors, and research institutions while sharing Frederick’s unique advantages as a destination for biotechnology innovation, talent, and collaboration.
