Chicago Ranks Among Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters in 2026

Chicago Ranks Among Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters in 2026

by John Conrad | Jun 8, 2026 | iBIO in the News, iBIO News

Chicagoland has earned a spot on Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News' annual ranking of the Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters, a recognition that reflects the region's growing momentum across research, investment, and industry expansion.

GEN ranks clusters annually based on five criteria: patents, NIH funding, venture capital, laboratory space, and number of jobs.  The Windy City and vicinity rank sixth in both NIH funding (2,658 awards totaling $1.607 billion) and jobs (94,000, according to iBIO). 

On the growth front, AbbVie announced plans to build two new API manufacturing facilities totaling $380 million at its campus in North Chicago, designed to support production of next-generation neuroscience and obesity treatments, set to be fully operational in 2029.  Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science also plans to nearly double the size of its Helix 51 biomedical incubator, citing growing demand from early-stage biotechs - an expansion expected to create space for up to 10 additional companies. 

The ranking also highlighted a key policy win for the ecosystem. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed sweetening the state's R&D Tax Credit program by allowing companies to transfer their credits for cash - a measure iBIO President and CEO John Conrad called "a transformative step for our startup and growth-stage ecosystem." 

The ecosystem has plenty more to celebrate. iBIO will release its annual Illinois investment report at the BIO International Convention in San Diego this month, offering a comprehensive look at the capital flowing into Illinois life sciences. Stay tuned for a full picture of what's driving growth across the state.