Biotechnology is one of the fastest and largest growing industries globally. In 2024, the global biotechnology market reached $1.55 trillion with anticipated growth to $4.24 trillion by 2033, and the U.S. has the potential and opportunity to become the leader in the industry. To capitalize on the growing sector effectively, it is critical that we have a trained and prepared workforce.
By connecting with organizations within the biotechnology sector, community colleges and universities can provide students with early exposure to new industries and job opportunities, preparing them for careers in an ever-expanding sector. In partnership with higher education institutions across the country, BioMADE, a public-private partnership catalyzed by the U.S. Department of Defense, is building the workforce of the future by pairing educational institutions with program development at every stage—in K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and beyond.
Potential job opportunities in the biotechnology sector
One important industry under the broader biotechnology umbrella is bioindustrial manufacturing. Bioindustrial manufacturing uses biological systems—including microbes such as bacteria, yeast, and algae—to produce new materials or biobased alternatives that are incorporated into products we use every day, like plant-based nylon fabric, biobased cement, and rubber tires grown from dandelions. Jobs in this specific industry, including technicians, fermentation operators, ethanol plant operators, and research associates, typically focus on research and development (R&D), manufacturing and production, automation and digital manufacturing, supply chain, and more.
Currently, one of the biggest hurdles to growing the U.S.’s workforce is a lack of awareness for opportunities within the field. It’s rare to walk into a classroom today and find a student dreaming of a career in bioindustrial manufacturing. However, we believe that exposing students to biotechnology tools and their real-world applications through hands-on experiences is the solution to bridging this gap.
Furthermore, emphasizing training where industry disciplines converge, incorporating learning beyond technical skills, and creating supported pathways for transitioning from education to employment will provide new employees with the hands-on skills necessary to be successful in an industrial setting.
Introducing students to bioindustrial manufacturing
There are countless ways to get students interested in and excited about the bioindustrial manufacturing industry. For example, professors at the University of Texas, Austin (UT Austin) and Austin Community College created the Freshman Research Initiative at UT Austin to expose students to biomanufacturing job opportunities during their freshman year. The initiative is offered each year and teaches students about many basic biotechnology- and biochemistry-based skills that are used to harvest, create, and manufacture bioproducts.
The Freshman Research Initiative’s proven framework can be utilized by colleges and universities to help students identify, apply for, and retain STEM-related jobs and engage with regional STEM-based businesses. Early engagement with authentic research experiences builds valuable skills and increases interest in STEM careers by demonstrating real world applications. This type of programming also provides opportunities for academic institutions to build productive relationships and pathways to successful career placement.
Additionally, experts at North Carolina State University’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center developed a self-paced, online course that provides a comprehensive introduction to bioindustrial manufacturing and the broader industry landscape. It supports budding experts in understanding key facets of biomanufacturing, including the fundamentals of molecular biology and bioprocessing, bioethical principles, and the societal importance of responsible innovation.
The future and beyond
As technology continues to evolve, so does our approach to education. These unique types of educational opportunities are not only available to current students and in classrooms, but they are also offered through non-traditional platforms and to working professionals who are looking to expand their expertise or explore a new industry.
East Tennessee State University and Niswonger Foundation’s partnership expands to include adult professionals and non-traditional high school and college students, giving them the tools to jump into the workforce in as little as two years. Participants of this Multidisciplinary Workforce Development Institute in the Appalachian Highlands receive hands-on training related to downstream bioproduct separation, physical biosecurity, and the convergence of bioengineering and business.
Binghamton University’s Biomanufacturing Project Management (BPM) Certificate program seamlessly combines project management and biomanufacturing technical expertise in a six-month, asynchronous format that prepares students to navigate the complexities of the bioindustrial sector. This innovative program blends flexible online learning with immersive, hands-on pilot-scale training, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed across various unit operations and project milestones. By maximizing effective workforce training on the manufacturing floor, the program not only enhances participants’ technical and management abilities but also contributes to the sustainable growth of the bioindustrial workforce.
Additionally, strong partnerships within BioMADE’s membership network provide participants with access to localized internships and industry-mentored capstone projects, ensuring students gain both practical experience and mentorship. Programs like this are setting a new standard in workforce development, creating a skilled, adaptable, and scalable talent pool that will drive the future of the bioeconomy.
Bioindustrial manufacturing also expands beyond the traditional technology hubs of the U.S., like the Bay Area and Boston, to regions across the country.
A six-member research team in Utah—including Utah STEM Foundation, Talent Ready Utah, Checkerspot, Technology Holding, Utah Valley University, Salt Lake Community College—set out to develop a talent pipeline to bioindustrial manufacturing job opportunities for secondary and post-secondary students. The program includes early outreach activities, establishing stackable credentials, and increasing access to career and educational pathways to create a skilled workforce that’s ready to meet emerging industry demands, bringing biotechnology to a new region.
Across the board, these programs are ensuring that biotechnology, and specifically bioindustrial manufacturing, opportunities are accessible to everyone. Regardless of age, geographic location, or education status, there are countless new opportunities available in the emerging field of biotechnology. We are building the workforce of the future, is your institution ready to join us?
