Life Sciences
From nanomaterials to photonics, explore the core technologies driving life sciences companies’ growth in Greater Rochester, NY.
Photo by Kurt Brownell
Discovering Cures Right Here in Rochester
Nanomaterials, photonics, and medical imaging have been integrated into products such as diagnostic instruments, noninvasive medical imaging systems, and prescription contact lenses for local companies such as Carestream Health, CooperVision, and QuidelOrtho.
With numerous life sciences companies and extensive research and development resources such as the University of Rochester Medical Center and the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, discoveries can be readily advanced from the lab into new treatments and cures.
Precision roll-to-roll coating processes and testing services, large-scale manufacturing facilities, cleanroom space for assembly of medical products, and a highly-skilled workforce manufacturing Class 1 & 2 medical devices are all right here in Rochester. Add to this our robust supply chain efficiencies, which allow companies to locally source automation machinery, plastic parts, and test strips at a cost that is competitive in the global marketplace.
Leveraging the capabilities and expertise among many precision manufacturers, software development firms, and research institutions, a diverse and highly skilled technical and engineering environment is readily available to collaborate in the development, prototyping, and commercialization of medical devices, biotech products, and healthcare IT applications.
It’s no wonder that leading life science companies like Bausch + Lomb, Baxter, CooperVision, IFF, QuidelOrtho, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Unither Pharmaceuticals are making their mark in the Greater Rochester, NY region.
| Position | Rochester Annual Mean Wage | National Annual Mean Wage | Rochester Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $109,510 | $115,020 | 4.8% |
| Biological Technicians | $45,930 | $58,020 | 20.8% |
| Engineers, All Other | $106,970 | $121,720 | 12.1% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $52,480 | $56,770 | 9.5% |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $72,440 | $88,640 | 18.3% |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $69,790 | $73,410 | 4.9% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations | $79,740 | $89,690 | 11.1% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $56,690 | $64,640 | 12.3% |
| Materials Engineers | $101,440 | $116,380 | 12.8% |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | $44,320 | $51,410 | 13.8% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $71,360 | $112,690 | 36.7% |
| Microbiologists | $71,620 | $95,200 | 24.8% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $84,280 | $88,660 | 4.9% |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $46,810 | $57,030 | 17.9% |
| Sales Engineers | $112,430 | $130,410 | 13.8% |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $51,580 | $62,370 | 17.3% |
Notable Life Sciences Companies in Rochester, NY
Contact lenses and eye care medicines.
Diagnostic, critical care, nutrition, hospital, and surgical products.
Medical and dental imaging systems.
Prescription contact lenses.
World leader in flavors, fragrances, food and beverage, and health and biosciences.
Polyclonal antibodies.
Treatments and cures for infections and diseases.
Diagnostic healthcare products.
Medical device manufacturer specializing in injection molding.
Membranes and membrane-enabled products.
Labware and disposable plasticware.
Pharmaceutical contract development manufacturer.
Human therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
World-Class R&D Turns Concepts Into Reality
University of Rochester
• Center of Excellence in RNA Research & Therapeutics connects researchers with corporate partners to support the development of RNA-based therapies and train the next generation of New York’s biotechnology workforce
• Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UR CTSI) develops, tests, and implements biomedical research
• Empire Discovery Institute, a partnership between University of Rochester, University of Buffalo, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Center to accelerate life science research
• Health Sciences Center for Computational Innovation – the most advanced computer for health research in the US
Rochester Institute of Technology
• Center for Bioscience Education and Technology – offers customized workforce training programs
• Genomics Research Lab Cluster – a cluster of laboratories aimed at growing industrial partnerships, entrepreneurship activities, and talent
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
Greater Rochester, New York’s Key Industries
Encompassing everything from precision-engineered technologies to the next breakthroughs in your favorite foods and beverages, the Rochester region has it all.
Greater Rochester, NY – Where smart people live and smart businesses grow.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS
“We’ve developed vaccines to prevent cervical cancer right here in Rochester, NY”
Peter Robinson
Vice President and COO, University of Rochester Medical Center
You know your business.
We know Greater Rochester.
Let’s team up.
Photo by John Kucko
Thank You To Our Investors
High tech companies know Rochester as the optics mecca in the United States.
Matt Sydor
Vice President, Sales and Compliance, Sydor Optics
Rochester is the right place for a manufacturer like Pfisterer. We found an affordable, suitable manufacturing site, a skilled and motivated workforce, excellent infrastructure and a city with an excellent standard of living.
Marcus Horn
President, North America, Pfisterer
At Toyota Material Handling North America, which is comprised of two main group companies – Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation – we are committed to leading the way in energy innovation. We believe that the Greater Rochester, NY region shares that commitment, and is the ideal location to establish our cutting-edge energy storage and fuel cell development center.
Jennifer Lupo
Vice President of Energy Solutions, Supply Chain, and Leasing, The Raymond Corporation
Rochester has a great work base. They’re loyal. They’re smart. They’re well educated and they want to succeed.
Jim Continenza
Executive Chairman and CEO, Eastman Kodak
The presence of excellent educational institutions in the area provides a valuable talent pool and opportunities for collaboration.
Jeff Mickel
Project Manager – Genesee, Edwards, Part of the Atlas Copco Group
Rochester has the manufacturing capability, testing capability, and intellectual horsepower.
Matt Fronk
Past Chairman, NY BEST
Rochester has a deep talent pool around all of the things that we need to do to commercialize advanced materials for the energy economy.
Ben Britton
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Ionomr
The decision to expand locally was a relatively easy one for CooperVision. The Rochester area has provided so many of the elements necessary for a successful operation.
Jerry Warner
President, CooperVision
The proximity to top colleges and industry-leading companies, in addition to the quality of life in Western New York, made the decision to open our second office in Rochester an easy one.
Mike Pinch
Director, Security Risk Advisors
Rochester is world famous for precision optics manufacturing and photonics.
Jennifer Cable
President, Thorlabs
We have a long history of people skilled in aerospace technology and precision optical assembly. We take advantage of the industrial base in the Rochester area. We also take advantage of the skill sets developed by our local technical institutions like MCC, RIT, or the University of Rochester.”
Tony Whitman
Cryogenic Optical Test Director for James Webb Space Telescope, L3 Harris
Rochester loves Rochester…people support local small businesses.
Paul Guglielmo
Owner & CEO of Craft Cannery
Rochester has provided ID Signsystems with the ability to grow and develop by tapping into the region’s large pool of design-focused talent, technicians, engineers and sign makers.
Paul Dudley
President, ID Signsystems
Our network of local universities, colleges, and optics companies has created a workforce pipeline that is unmatched anywhere in the United States.
Joseph Spilman
CEO, Optimax
GRE’s direction and guidance proved to be well worth our investment. Their passion to make the business environment in the Rochester area greater is very apparent.
Scott MacCaull
Workplace Interiors
There is unlimited, untapped technical talent in the area and I hope we start a wave of other companies moving to Rochester.
Austin McChord
Founder, Datto
Rochester has a long history of being a hub for telecommunications. There is a rich ecosystem of talent and services to support business growth.
Jai Ramachandran
Founder and CEO, Wire3
Rochester is the perfect size city to get business done. I’m always one connection away from anything I’m looking for.
Zack Phillips
President, Kink BMX
We have access to talent graduating from our businesses and technical institutions capable of perpetuating our success for years to come.
Marc Iacona
President & CEO, Simcona Electronics
The Rochester region provided convenient access to both railroads and major highways, as well as proximity to Barilla’s customer base in the Northeast.
Fabio Pettenati
Vice President of Supply Chain, Barilla America
We’re excited about this area. There’s high-quality milk in the region. There’s a lot of top talent. The industry, the innovation, the technical experience , the work ethic is all attractive to us.
Phil LaMothe
Vice President of Manufacturing, fairlife
The country is starting to recognize Rochester as a technical city outside of just software. We have optics and manufacturing that’s exceeding most of the baselines around the country.
Craig Lamb
Co-owner, Envative
Rochester has the resources optics companies need to transform their concepts into reality.
Dr. Duncan T. Moore
Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Professor of Optical Engineering
Rochester has a great base of intellectual capital in the science and technology fields at local businesses and universities.
Daniel J. Burns
Area Executive for Upstate NY, Western NY, and Pennsylvania, M&T Bank Corporation
We’ve developed vaccines to prevent cervical cancer right here in Rochester.
Peter Robinson
Vice President and COO, University of Rochester Medical Center
Among many great options, none could match Rochester in terms of talent, local supplier networks, and opportunities to partner with top-tier research institutions.
Andy Marsh
CEO, Plug Power
There is an incredible hotbed of talent in Rochester.
Jeff Mucha
CEO and Managing Partner, EEP Quality Group