LIFE SCIENCES

Where Life Sciences Succeed

Manufacturers of medical devices, biomedical technologies, assistive technologies, and biotechnology are increasingly calling the seven-state Tennessee Valley region home. And, thanks to our highly-skilled workforce and lower cost of living, so are global leaders in biosciences, genomics, and pharmaceuticals.

Prescribing the Perfect Locations

Home to notable healthcare, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies including Acadia, Pfizer, and Vertex, our region provides endless opportunities for forward-thinking manufacturers.

Leading the Way for Life Sciences and Biotechnology

With five Research 1 and four Research 2 universities — including The University of Alabama, The University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University — our skilled workforce is just what the doctor ordered.

Affordable Workforce

In 2023, wages in the industry were 30% lower than the national average.

Medical Device Manufacturing

Home to one the largest cities for medical device production.

230+

Universities, technical schools and community colleges.

Beyond Next-Gen: Pioneering Scientific Exploration

Our region is a hotspot for life sciences, medical device manufacturing, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals: 

  • Medtronic
  • Pfizer
  • ProNova Solutions
  • Siemens
  • Smith & Nephew
  • Stryker
  • Revance Therapeutics
  • Wright Medical Group

Real Time Advancements, Real Life (Sciences) Innovation

Pronova Solutions, Maryville TN

Our People Are Our Most Valuable Resource

More than 25,500 workers are employed in the life sciences and our competitive wage rates are 30% lower than the industry average.

Do Business With Us

More than 1,885 companies in the life sciences industry have made our region their home. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

99.999% Reliability

TVA offers low-cost, highly reliable power to its customers.

Diverse Power Generation

Nearly 60% of the region’s power comes from carbon-free sources.

Competitive Electricity Rates

Our region’s industrial electric rates are among the lowest compared to peer utilities.

The Valley Region Is Hitting Its Scientific Stride

A recent CBRE analysis found that cities in our region are experiencing significant growth in the life sciences sector. Their findings were based on an increase in researchers, the number of Ph.D.s per graduates, venture capital funding, and income relative to the cost of living. 

Tyler Chaffee
Life Sciences Specialist

For more information about available properties, demographics, infrastructure, communities and our skilled workforce, use our interactive GIS mapping tool or contact your target market specialist.

[email protected]

Search For Your Venture’s Next Home

Explore nearly 1,000 properties and buildings virtually using our interactive mapping tool. Filter by property type, size, location and more.

  • Public and venture capital research funding have driven the sector in the past couple of years, letting Nashville take its first steps toward creating a self-sustaining life sciences cluster apart from the East Coast. As this continues, the metro will attract more life sciences companies and researchers and, in turn, fuel the development of purpose-built lab spaces.

    -J.T. Martin, CBRE

  • Quality and availability of labor are key considerations for any expanding industry, and that’s certainly the case for life sciences.

    -Ian Anderson, CBRE

In the News

Oklo Inc., to Establish Operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, announced plans to establish operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating more than 800 new jobs and investing $1.7 billion, which includes the development of an advanced nuclear fuel recycling facility. This announcement establishes Oklo as the nation’s first privately funded nuclear recycling facility,…

MAHLE GmbH Announced Plans to Expand Operations in Hamblen County

MAHLE GmbH, an automotive supplier of electric compressors, announced plans to expand operations in Hamblen County. Plans for the project include investing $10 million and creating 50 new jobs, which will bring the company’s total headcount to nearly 800 people at its Morristown facility. Economic development partners include Morristown Utility System, Morristown Area Chamber of…

Parsons Corporation to Expand in Huntsville, Alabama

Parsons Corporation, a defense and intelligence contractor, announced plans to expand their presence in Huntsville, AL. Plans for the project include creating 198 new jobs and investing more than $5 million. Economic development partners include Huntsville Utilities, City of Huntsville, Alabama Department of Commerce, and the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce. This project furthers TVA’s…