CvilleBioHub’s “Talent Pathways” Report Reveals Strategic Opportunities for Central Virginia’s Bioscience Workforce

Charlottesville, VA December 11, 2025 — CvilleBioHub in collaboration with TEConomy Partners, the University of Virginia, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development, and the regional private sector with support from GO Virginia Region today announced key preliminary insights from the forthcoming Talent Pathways Report, a data-driven regional analysis focused on strengthening bioscience workforce development. GO Virginia Region 9 funded the research grant and the full report will be released in early 2026. Today’s preview highlights the region’s momentum and the needed coordination to ensure companies have access to talent across technical, scientific, engineering, and commercialization-focused roles.

The TEConomy analysis shows that Central Virginia’s bioscience industry has grown at a double-digit pace since 2019, far outpacing broader private-sector growth in the region and generating high-wage jobs averaging over $100,000 annually. Yet employers continue to face challenges finding and retaining entry-level and specialized talent, particularly in lab support, clinical R&D, engineering, and quality-focused roles.

“This report confirms what our ecosystem has felt for some time—Central Virginia’s bioscience sector is growing fast, but to sustain this trajectory we need aligned, scalable pathways that help people enter and advance in these careers,” said Nikki Hastings, Ph.D., Executive Director of CvilleBioHub. “We now have a clear picture of both the opportunities and the gaps, and we’re ready to work with our partners across education, industry, and workforce development to turn insights into action.”

The study incorporates extensive quantitative analysis, employer surveys, career outcomes data, and more than forty interviews with leaders from industry, UVA, community colleges, and K–12 programs. Early findings point to three regional priorities:

1. Grow and strengthen regional talent pipelines for bioscience technicians and specialized STEM roles.
2. Build a coordinated regional framework for workforce development and employer awareness.
3. Develop a unified regional narrative around Central Virginia’s bioscience innovation and career opportunities for effective branding and specialized talent recruitment.

“Region 9 has the ingredients for a powerful bioscience talent engine, including high-quality educational institutions, innovation strengths, and employers with demand at every level,” said Ryan Helwig, Principal, TEConomy Partners. “Our research shows that by connecting and scaling efforts, the region can significantly strengthen its position in Virginia and nationwide.”

UVA leaders also emphasized how the findings align with university initiatives designed to expand experiential learning, connect students with regional employers, and support translational research.

“UVA is deeply committed to supporting a robust bioscience workforce for the region and the Commonwealth,” said Pace Lochte, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development, University of Virginia. “This report gives us a shared roadmap, grounded in data, that we can use to strengthen pathways from education to employment in this growing industry, from academic research labs to startup companies to mature companies. Having a coordinated regional framework will be invaluable in connecting initiatives and leveraging resources.”

Piedmont Virginia Community College, which has been expanding biotechnology career studies certificates, stackable credentials, and lab-focused microcredentials, underscored the importance of regional alignment.

“We are excited to collaborate on the next phase of this work. Our students are eager for hands-on, industry-relevant training and this study highlights exactly where we can lean in to meet employer needs,” said Anne Allison, M.S., Ph.D.Director of Biotechnology, PVCC. “The momentum in Central Virginia is real and present and we’re ready to help build the workforce that will sustain it.”

The full TEConomy Talent Pathways Report will be published in early 2026.Today’s preview marks the beginning of a broader effort led by CvilleBioHub and regional partners to align programs, expand awareness of bioscience careers, and support both established companies and emerging startups across the region.

About CvilleBioHub
CvilleBioHub accelerates the growth of the bioscience ecosystem in Central Virginia by connecting industry, supporting startups, convening leaders, and advancing regional competitiveness. With the Commonwealth BioAccelerator supporting early-stage companies and more than 75 companies and organizations across the region, CvilleBioHub champions innovation, talent development, and commercialization.

About TEConomy Partners
TEConomy Partners is a global leader in research, analysis, and strategy for innovation-driven economic development. They work with states, regions, universities, and industries to translate knowledge into prosperity.

About GO Virginia
GO Virginia is a business-led, bipartisan initiative that drives regional collaboration to grow and diversify Virginia’s economy. Through state-funded grants, GO Virginia supports projects that create high-paying jobs in traded sectors, strengthen talent pipelines, and enhance long-term competitiveness across the Commonwealth.

Contact: Tiffany Keaton
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-307-7866