b'Colorado continually ranks BUILDING as a leading location for life sciences and technology talent. the FUTURECritical Investments to Support InnovationWRITTEN BY NIC K GREENHALGHG rowth comes when the peopleranked Colorado as the eighth leading life sci-behindlife-savingbreak- ences hub in North America, a big jump from throughs get the right kind ofthe number 13 slot the year prior. The state support. Colorados life sciences ecosystemis also recognized as a top location for life is known as a collaborative, supportive envi- sciences and technology talent. A May 2022 ronment for health innovation. AcceleratingCBRE report indicated the Denver-Boulder this incredible period of momentum for lifearea boasts the highest concentration of sciences in Colorado will require a sustainedbioengineers and biomedical engineers in focus on building out new lab space, securingthe U.S.new sources of capital, supporting our aca- Colorado is home to a vibrant and growing demic and research institutions, growingcluster of research institutions, renowned the life sciences workforce, and creating ascientists and more than 720 companies supportive business environment.that are developing life-saving breakthroughs. Life sciences companies are currently searchingColorado companies employ more than for 1.3 million square feet of wet lab space32,000 people, representing more than $3 in the Denver-Boulder area, which exceedsbillion in annual payroll with an average salary capacity. Colorados wet lab space is nearlyof nearly $100,000. The states innovation 100% leased and the states centers of excel- ecosystem includes 33 federal labs, one of lence have dozens of companies on waitlists. the largest concentrations in the country. The Opportunity Additionally, Colorado life sciences compa-nies and academic and research institutions Colorado continues to make headlines as aare attracting record capital from public, leading national and international hub for lifeprivate, federal, and state sources, raising a sciences. A 2021 Jones Lang LaSalle reportrecord $2.4 billion in 2021.4 BIOSCIENCECOLORADO 2022-2023 2022-2023 BIOSCIENCECOLORADO 5'