Life Science in Worcester, MA: A Hub of Innovation

Jeff Adkins

Central Massachusetts is an attractive location for global leaders in the health sciences industry. These companies are manufacturing breakthrough technology in biotech, bioengineering and other life sciences. Access to the region’s graduates from nearby colleges like Worcester Polytechnic Institute and its research facilities, the presence of major health care providers and a low cost of living seal the deal for innovative health science companies. Here’s a deeper look at the state of life science in Worcester.

Competitive Edge for Life Science in Worcester

For more than 65 years, Waters Corp. has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis innovations, serving the life, materials, food and environmental sciences. Waters operates in 35 countries and has 7,900 employees worldwide. 

“As a proud electrical engineering graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, my early training in science, technology and engineering – right here in the Worcester area – was an invaluable foundation for my work at Waters Corp. and a testament to what this region has to offer,” says Chris Ross, senior vice president of global operations and interim senior vice president of the Waters Division.

“I lead our manufacturing, supply chain and distribution global networks, assuring delivery of quality products and services to our customers each and every day.” 

Ross says Waters’ collaboration with regional organizations gives the company an edge over competitors. 

Waters Corp.

Waters partners with nonprofits, research institutes, universities and charities in Massachusetts that are making advancements in human health and well-being. They collaborate to provide access to STEM education resources throughout a student’s educational journey and support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives “to help us be more representative of the society that we live in.” 

Waters partners with colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts, including WPI, University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University on applied research projects, internships and other learning engagement opportunities. 

“Since the beginning of 2022, we have engaged with over 300 students through our annual Waters Student Academy (WSA) program and curriculum,” Ross says. 

Hosting students from Milford, Boston, Worcester and Bristol County, the WSA aims to promote hands-on learning and active involvement among high school students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and neighborhoods. 

These initiatives played a role in Waters’ most recent groundbreaking innovations in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) analysis. The new HPLC products help biopharmaceutical laboratories boost efficiency and eliminate up to 40% of common laboratory errors. PFAS analysis cartridges support environmental testing for “forever chemicals.” 

Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives 

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce launched the Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) in 1984 to build upon the region’s growing biotech industry. 

“Today, we are the longest-running nonprofit biotech incubator in the commonwealth, fostering innovation in the life sciences through startup incubation, economic development, regional advocacy and workforce development,” says MBI President and CEO Jon Weaver. “I lead an incredible team of talented professionals with a huge vision for the life sciences industry in Worcester.” 

In its most recent accomplishments, MBI opened its new Pilot Biomanufacturing Center. 

“This facility complements our plans to become a global biomanufacturing hub by providing specialized space to help companies transition from research to clinical trial manufacturing,” Weaver says. Incubator companies repeatedly ran into the same issues that stymied their growth. 

“This new space will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to scale their companies, develop transformative cures and therapies, and create alternative foods, fuels and materials,” Weaver says. 

The region adopted a biomanufacturing strategy, which will help establish Central Massachusetts as a global hub for biomanufacturing. These efforts will go a long way toward attracting new and established life sciences companies to the region. 

“MBI is focused on ushering that industry to our region,” Weaver says. “We forecast over 1,200 jobs coming to the region in the next two to three years, and we’re working to ensure our community is ready.” 

In addition to positions awarded to degreed professionals, Weaver says these new jobs will be accessible for local residents with certificate-based skill training, which will create opportunities for upward mobility. 

“Our region has a tradition of manufacturing and a value proposition that directly suits this emerging industry,” he says. “MBI is proudly leading the region’s efforts to attract this industry and mobilize our industry and academic partners to create transformational career pathways for new populations.”