BioSpace has released its 2026 Hotbed Maps, which spotlight major life sciences hubs throughout the United States. The annual campaign, now featuring a redesigned style with artistic renderings of employers and local flora and fauna, covers seven key regions.
The first Hotbed Map was introduced in 1989 for Biotech Bay. This year’s maps continue to focus on established centers such as California’s Biotech Bay—which includes San Francisco Bay, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto—and Biotech Beach, covering San Diego, Los Angeles, and nearby areas. Despite layoffs in California’s workforce during the past year, manufacturing investment persisted in 2025 and there is potential for an additional 10,000 jobs in the Los Angeles area.
Massachusetts’ Genetown region—encompassing Boston and Cambridge—remains another central hub for innovation. In October, $17 million in tax incentives were announced with expectations to create 800 life sciences jobs in the state by the end of 2025.
Pharm Country covers Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. These states host prominent research universities that attract venture capital and startup activity along with large pharmaceutical companies. Over the last decade, New York City added 5,400 positions while New Jersey aims to draw smaller and midsize life sciences firms. Philadelphia has also improved its standing as a center for life sciences activity.
BioMidwest consists of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. The region is home to various manufacturing sites as well as biotech and medical device companies. It is expected to benefit from increased investment related to reshoring initiatives after U.S. manufacturing came under scrutiny following former President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs.
Other highlighted regions include Bio NC (Research Triangle Park and North Carolina), where Johnson & Johnson recently announced plans for 500 new jobs; and BioCapital (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.).
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