Maine's life sciences sector growth could outpace other industries

Agnieszka Carpenter of Bioscience Association of Mine

File Photo / WOJCIECH BEDNARCZUK Agnieszka Carpenter of the Bioscience Association of Maine.

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Maine’s $2.3 billion life sciences sector, which employed close to 10,000 people in 2024, will outpace the growth of many other industries in 2025, predicts Agnieszka Carpenter, executive director of the Bioscience Association of Maine.

“Unlike other sectors that experienced post-COVID declines, the life sciences industry has demonstrated resilience and is well-positioned not only to maintain its current momentum but also to expand significantly,” she says.

Carpenter attributes the growth to several factors, including sustained investments in the technology sector through funding made available by the $25 million research and development bond passed in November, the state’s strong commitment to workforce development, and strategic initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship and support biotech startups.

“These efforts create a solid foundation for continued innovation and expansion in the sector,” she says.

To help meet evolving workforce needs, her organization plans to team up with Educate Maine to launch a science-focused apprenticeship program this year.

“Designed to align with industry standards, the program will ensure participants acquire the precise technical skills and competencies required for success in the biosciences field,” Carpenter says, noting that apprenticeships are structured to lead directly to employment opportunities within the company or industry, providing a clear and rewarding career path.

“By introducing this dedicated program, BioME aims to create a strong pipeline of skilled workers to meet the growing demand for talent in Maine’s life sciences sector,” she notes.

And in June, BioME will lead Maine’s Pavilion at the BIO International Convention in Boston to showcase the state as “Innovationland,” a thriving hub where life science companies and entrepreneurs can innovate and grow, she says.

Her bold prediction for this year. “In 2025 BioME and its partners plan to advocate for the creation of a Maine Life Science Hub, a new entity that will bring funding, workforce development and other support services together to support Maine›s life science industry.”

Establishing a hub would strengthen the state’s economy by training a skilled workforce, creating high-paying jobs, attracting additional federal funding and drawing increased private investment into Maine, she says.