Building Bioeconomy Capacity and Growth for all of Vermont

Vermont’s bioeconomy is a growing but fragmented sector that spans bioscience, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, health innovation, agriculture, and clean technology. These industries contribute significantly to the state’s economy and rural communities, but there is no comprehensive understanding of the companies, workforce needs, and economic impact that make up Vermont’s bioeconomy ecosystem. The lack of coordinated data limits the ability of policymakers, educators, and economic development leaders to make informed decisions about workforce development, investment, and growth opportunities.

Rural employers face particular challenges in recruiting and retaining talent. In order to strengthen the statewide bioeconomy, statewide data needs to be collected, connections between UVM – the largest research institution in the state – need to be strengthened, and an organized effort to connect bioscience and biotech companies is necessary.

The Building Bioeconomy Capacity and Growth for all of Vermont initiative will create a statewide understanding of Vermont’s bioeconomy and develop a roadmap for future growth. Through a comprehensive survey and targeted interviews with bioeconomy employers across the state, the project will collect actionable data on company operations, hiring trends, workforce needs, funding sources, employee retention, and rural-specific challenges. Student interns will conduct the data collection and be placed in internships at biotech startups.

Deliverables will include a statewide bioeconomy map, Vermont Bioeconomy Impact Report for policymakers and educators, a partnership with the UVM Career Center to help disseminate the information, connect students with biotech internships and strengthen the bioscience workforce pipeline at UVM. The grant will also help re-establish the Vermont Bioscience Alliance, re-invigorating the association of bioscience companies in Vermont and strengthening the network.

The initiative will establish a model that can be expanded to other sectors of Vermont’s economy, helping communities make informed decisions about workforce development and economic growth.

The project will be led by Biolabs in Colchester, a biotech incubator that supports early stage companies as part of a national network. In collaboration with the UVM Career Center and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Biolabs interns will design surveys, conduct employer outreach, and analyze workforce data. Over time, the initiative aims to expand participation to institutions including Vermont State University, the Community College of Vermont, Champlain College, and Dartmouth College, creating a statewide network that connects students, adult learners, employers, and policymakers to support Vermont’s long-term economic and workforce development goals.