Georgia Life Sciences Releases “Pathways & Partnerships: A Roadmap for Georgia’s Life Sciences Sector”
Georgia Life Sciences Releases “Pathways & Partnerships: A Roadmap for Georgia’s Life Sciences Sector”
Strategic roadmap positions Georgia as the Scale-Up Manufacturing Hub of the Southeast
ATLANTA, GA —February 18— Georgia Life Sciences (GLS) today announced the release of Pathways & Partnerships: A Roadmap for Georgia’s Life Sciences Sector, a strategic framework designed to strengthen Georgia’s position as a national leader in biotechnology, medical technology, and life science innovation—and to position the state as the scale-up manufacturing hub of the Southeast.
Developed through extensive stakeholder interviews and ecosystem engagement, the roadmap outlines key opportunities, challenges, and bold ideas to accelerate growth across Georgia’s life sciences landscape. It reflects the priorities of those shaping the sector’s future, including startups, manufacturers, educators, investors, and policymakers.
“Georgia has all the ingredients to lead the next chapter of life sciences growth—innovation, talent, infrastructure, and collaboration,” said Maria Thacker Goethe, President and CEO, Georgia Life Sciences. “This roadmap provides a clear, shared framework to help align efforts, scale innovation, and drive long-term economic impact across the state.”
The roadmap focuses on five strategic pillars critical to Georgia’s continued leadership and competitiveness:
- Scale-Up Manufacturing Infrastructure
- Workforce and Talent Pipeline
- Capital and Investment
- Policy, Incentives, and Regulatory Environment
- Ecosystem Coordination and Collaboration
Together, these priorities and recommendations establish a coordinated approach to accelerating discovery, scaling manufacturing, supporting talent development, and ensuring Georgia remains a destination for life sciences growth.
The Roadmap for Georgia’s Life Sciences Sector serves as a guide for industry, academia, government, and economic development partners working together to build a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive life sciences ecosystem.
Over a 10-year horizon, the roadmap aims to:
- Establish Georgia as the Southeast’s preferred location for scaling biopharma, medtech, diagnostics, agricultural and industrial biotech companies.
- Generate thousands of high-wage jobs and retain more companies through later growth stages across all major life sciences subsectors.
- Build a self-sustaining ecosystem that relies less over time on ad-hoc-or one-off incentives, as private capital and market-driven investment strengthen.
To learn more and access the roadmap, visit galifesciences.org/roadmap.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Senior Vice President of Science & Regulatory Affairs Annetta Beauregard issued the following statement on the release of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) VIII commitment letter: “For more than 30 years, PDUFA has helped deliver hundreds of new medicines to American patients. As a lead industry negotiator for the PDUFA VIII agreement, BIO supports the PDUFA VIII commitment letter and its strengthening of regulatory review, advancing innovation, and helping deliver safe and effective treatments to patients. “Specifically, the PDUFA VIII agreement includes important commitments that bolster the FDA’s core review activities, ensure accountability for predictable performance, improve financial sustainability and improve communication, transparency and efficiency. “Timely, bipartisan reauthorization of PDUFA is vital for protecting the health of Americans, strengthening U.S. competitiveness, and maintaining America’s global leadership in medical innovation. BIO is committed to working with Congress to ensure reauthorization by September 30, 2027.” The FDA has announced plans to hold a hybrid public meeting at 9am on 9/16 to discuss the proposed enhancements for the reauthorization of PDUFA for fiscal years (FYs) 2028 through 2033. Learn More about PDUFA and the PDUFA VIII commitment letter HERE .
Award recipients will be recognized at the Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on August 25 ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia Life Sciences today announced the recipients of the 2026 Golden Helix Awards, recognizing the individuals, organizations, partnerships, and investments that are advancing innovation, improving patient care, strengthening Georgia's economy, and shaping the future of the state's life sciences ecosystem. The honorees will be celebrated during the Georgia Life Sciences Summit Welcome Reception and Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, August 25, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, kicking off Georgia's premier gathering of life sciences leaders ahead of the Summit on Wednesday, August 26. "For nearly two decades, the Golden Helix Awards have celebrated the people and organizations whose vision, collaboration, and commitment continue to elevate Georgia as a global leader in life sciences," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "This year's recipients represent the extraordinary innovation taking place across our state—from groundbreaking research and transformative investments to workforce development and community impact. We are proud to recognize their achievements and the lasting difference they are making for patients, our economy, and the future of healthcare." 2026 Golden Helix Award Honorees Phoenix Award · Micron Biomedical, Emory University, and CDC – Industry-Academic Partnership Innovation Awards · Dr. Kyle Johnsen, University of Georgia · Focused Cryo Community Awards · Angela Gill Nelms, Biolocity · Frugal Science Academy · Jessica King Holden, Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair · Dr. Marlo Vernon, Augusta University Deal of the Year Awards Economic Development · UCB · Shriners Children's Research Institute and Georgia Tech Acquisition · LymphaTech & Tactile Medical · Avanos Medical Financing · Altesa BioSciences Federal Grant · HEAL: Healthy Ameliorated Lymphatics, Georgia Institute of Technology · Manus & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (HHS/ASPR) Emerging Leader of the Year · Dr. Ryan Devine, Medical Innovation Hub, Georgia Tech Legislator of the Year · Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-29) Teacher of the Year · Ana White, DeKalb High School of Technology North at Cross Keys The Golden Helix Awards recognize excellence across Georgia's life sciences ecosystem, honoring breakthrough scientific discoveries, strategic partnerships, commercial achievements, community leadership, and investments that strengthen the state's position as a national leader in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, research, and advanced manufacturing. The awards ceremony serves as the opening event of the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit, bringing together executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders, and academic institutions from across the state to celebrate innovation and explore opportunities shaping the future of Georgia's life sciences industry. The Georgia Life Sciences Summit will take place on Wednesday, August 26, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, featuring nationally recognized speakers, executive panels, CEO spotlights, networking opportunities, and the Solutions Corridor showcasing organizations driving the industry's continued growth. To learn more about the Georgia Life Sciences Summit or to register, visit https://www.galifesciences.org/summit.
One of the biggest benefits of becoming a Georgia Life Sciences Student Member is access to discounted registration for Georgia's premier life sciences conference—bringing together CEOs, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the state. Better yet, Student Membership is only $25 per year , making it one of the best investments you can make in your future. The Georgia Life Sciences Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is the official student membership community of Georgia Life Sciences, created to connect students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals with Georgia's thriving life sciences ecosystem. As an ELN member, you'll build meaningful peer-to-peer relationships, engage with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and gain access to professional development programs designed to help you launch a successful career in the life sciences. As a member, you'll have opportunities to: Connect with fellow students, postdocs, and emerging professionals from across Georgia. Expand your network through peer-to-peer engagement and professional networking events. Learn from industry leaders and gain exposure to Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Participate in workforce and career development programming. Access Career Connections Student members also receive exclusive access to the Georgia Life Sciences Career Connections LinkedIn Group , where you can: Discover internships and job opportunities. Connect with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals. Stay informed about career fairs, networking events, and workforce initiatives. Engage with a growing community of future life sciences leaders. Student Member Benefits Georgia Life Sciences Student Membership: $25/year Georgia Life Sciences Summit Registration: $150 Access to the Emerging Leaders Network Career Connections LinkedIn Group Networking events and professional development opportunities Industry news, workforce resources, and member communications Whether you're exploring careers in biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health, or research, Georgia Life Sciences connects you to the people and opportunities that can help shape your future. Join today . Build your network. Advance your career.
