Federal commission launches biotechnology tour in North Carolina
The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology launched its nationwide "Biotech Across America" roadshow in North Carolina in June, highlighting the state's role as a key player in the nation's biotechnology ecosystem.
NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo kicked off the three-month tour on June 5, meeting with biotechnology leaders and industry stakeholders in the Research Triangle Park region. The commission selected North Carolina as its first stop to emphasize the importance of public-private collaboration in securing America's biotechnology future.
The tour follows the commission's comprehensive report published in April 2025, which warned that the United States risks losing its position as the global leader in biotechnology. The bipartisan commission, composed of congressionally appointed members from both the Senate and House of Representatives, issued policy recommendations to Congress and the federal government.
The trip started in Raleigh where she discussed the state of the North Carolina biotechnology industry with leaders from the NC Biotechnology Center before meeting with the co-chairs of the NC General Assembly’s Life Sciences Caucus Sen. Benton Sawrey, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, Rep. Donna White and Rep. Robert Reives. Rozo also joined leaders from industry and academia for a roundtable discussion on the ways North Carolina’s leadership in biopharma manufacturing and workforce development is powering national progress across the biotech industry.
Rozo and NSCEB staff then traveled to Franklinton to tour the Novonesis enzyme manufacturing facility with representatives of the offices of U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer. There they discussed recent agricultural biotechnology innovations that can serve as a cornerstone for national security, economic independence and agricultural resilience. The group then closed the day by meeting with members of the North Carolina agricultural and industrial biotechnology community at a showcase of local biotech innovations.
The commission noted in its report that continued collaboration between public and private sectors remains essential for maintaining American competitiveness in the field.
The commission's April report led to the introduction of the National Biotechnology Initiative Act on April 9, legislation based on the report's recommendations to create a National Biotechnology Coordination Office at the White House.
North Carolina is home to 840 life sciences companies that directly employ 75,000 people, making it a significant hub for biotechnology research and manufacturing. The commission's work will continue through 2026 as it seeks to educate stakeholders and expand upon its policy recommendations.
The roadshow planned to visit additional states over the coming months as the commission works to highlight America's biotechnology capabilities and promote implementation of its national security recommendations.