For the second year in a row, GLI’s Health Enterprises Network will lead a coalition of organizations and businesses to represent the Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky regions at BIO’s International Convention in San Diego. The BIO International Convention is the world’s largest convening of the biotechnology industry with more than 20,000 industry professionals from all across the globe.

Under the shared “Trifecta Kentucky” brand, representatives from Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky will travel to San Diego and staff an eye-catching booth display to sell the region as an ideal location for biotechnology businesses to grow. “Trifecta Kentucky” was created last year through the generous pro-bono support of local healthcare advertising agency, &well, who also designed the booth and all creative. The concept represents the region’s advantages in Life Sciences, Logistics, and Lifestyle – a “Trifecta” of opportunities for biotechnology companies.

“Our team receives consistent feedback that our region has a lot to offer biotech companies, but need to do more to build awareness. Maintaining a presence at BIO Internation Convention allows economic development, education, and business organizations to be in front of the world’s top biotech executives to promote all we have to offer,” said Dean Schlader, GLI’s vice president of business outreach & investor development.

Companies and partners in BIO 2024 include:

• University of Kentucky, UK Innovate
• University of Louisville, Office of Research and Innovation
• UPS Healthcare
• Commerce Lexington Inc.
• DesiCorp, Inc.
• Greater Louisville Inc.
• BE NKY Growth Partnership
• Kentucky Technology Inc.
• XLerateHealth
• &Well

Last year, GLI and HEN led a group of 22 individuals and 15 organizations to BIO 2023 in Boston, MA. Participants left the convention with more than 100 new economic development leads and connections to follow-up on for potential relocation and expansion opportunities. Aside from these hot leads, the biggest takeaway was that Greater Louisville has a lot to offer biotechnology companies and the region is poised for continued growth in this space. Read more about the takeaways here.

“Last year, we had over 20 partnering meetings where we showcased University technology, research, and clinical expertise. This year we plan to bring more stakeholders from campus to increase our presence and make an even bigger impact,” Chelsea Ex-Lubeskie, Innovation Connect Manager for the University of Kentucky’s UK Innovate team.

This year’s conference will take place June 3 – 6 and will include more than 1,500 exhibitors. Participants meet with biotechnology leaders, take part in meetings to sell the region’s competitive advantages, and have the chance to network with thousands of participants throughout the convention.

Interested in joining the coalition or supporting efforts to grow the region’s biotechnology industry? Reach out to Dean Schlader to learn more about Trifecta Kentucky sponsorship opportunities.