- Bioscience in Oklahoma
Why Oklahoma
Imagine the Possibilities
Oklahoma offers multiple incentive programs to benefit bioscience companies.
Oklahoma vs. the Competition
Oklahoma delivers 30-50% lower operating costs than coastal bioscience hubs — without sacrificing infrastructure, workforce quality or research capability. Every dollar saved is a dollar that can be reinvested into your pipeline.
| Cost Factor | Oklahoma | Boston, MA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab/Office Space (per sq ft/year) | ~$18-22 | ~$65-90 | ~$55-80 |
| Biomanufacturing Facility (Build-out cost index) | Low (100) | Very High (310) | High (280) |
| Average Biotech R&D; Scientist Salary | ~$80,000-100,000 | ~$130,000-165,000 | ~$120,000-155,000 |
| Average Biotech Lab Technician Salary | ~$52,000-62,000 | ~$75,000-95,000 | ~$70,000-88,000 |
| Cost of Living Index (100 = national average) | 88 | 162 | 153 |
| State Corporate Income Tax Rate | 4% | 8% | 8.84% |
| Commercial Electric Rates (¢/kWh) | ~7-9¢ | ~18-22¢ | ~20-25¢ |
| Industrial Water Rates (per 1,000 gal) | ~$2.50-4.00 | ~$8.00-14.00 | ~$7.00-12.00 |
| Average Office/Lab Lease ($/sq ft/mo) | ~$1.50-2.00 | ~$5.50-8.00 | ~$5.00-7.50 |
Oklahoma’s Bioscience Ecosystem Partners
Oklahoma City Innovation District
The Oklahoma City Innovation District is the ecosystem hub for STEM-based sectors and economic development, connecting professionals in research, aerospace, energy, healthcare, biomanufacturing, and technology. It co-led the $35 million Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster grant, hosts the BioTC biomanufacturing workforce training center and serves as a key community event space.
Tulsa Innovation Labs
Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) connects unique partners to identify opportunities and design solutions for Tulsa’s workforce training, business growth and industry support. In biosciences, TIL supports virtual health companies and technologies encompassing telemedicine, remote monitoring, hybrid care and continuous patient engagement. This aims to make virtual care the primary clinical option, driving innovation in healthcare delivery through technology.
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center. It is highly rated for its patient survival outcomes and frequently ranks as a national leader in patient enrollment for the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). It is also the only facility in the state offering a Phase I Clinical Trials Program, providing access to early-stage “first-in-human” drugs.
Noble Research Institute
Located in Ardmore, Okla., Noble Research Institute is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to farm and ranch management education to build soil health and increase profitability on U.S. farms and ranches.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
OMRF has 60+ labs working to understand and develop new treatments for disease and has made groundbreaking discoveries as they explore the mysteries of human diseases including Alzheimer’s, brain diseases, cancers, diabetes and lupus. Breakthroughs since 2000 includes FDA approved drugs for Lupus and Sickle Cell.
FAA Office of Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) is the medical certification, research, education, and occupational health wing of the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine. The theoretical and applied research conducted in Oklahoma drive human factors and policies worldwide, one example includes the reasons behind applying masks to yourself before helping others.
Oklahoma's Start-Up Scene
Oklahoma is a state that fosters innovative ideas and a pioneering spirit. A hub for life sciences and medical research combines with a focus on growing venture capital and low cost of doing business to create a dynamic state for entrepreneurs.
A Ready Workforce
- 180,000+ employed in bioscience
- BioTC Oklahoma + OU BioProcessing Core Facility produce job-ready technicians with no degree required
- 25% increase in bioscience job growth since 2001
Companies and Research Cultivated in Oklahoma
- Accele Biopharma
- ARL BioPharma
- Cadenza Bio
- Cytovance Biologics
- Deka Biosciences
- Hanger Prosthetics
- IMMY
- Moleculera Labs
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Perigon Imaging
- Tulsa Innovation Labs
- Wheeler Bio
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