VABio Welcomes $120M Investment in Training for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed on Oct. 31, 2025, a memorandum of understanding with AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Merck and state entities to establish a training center. Photo by Katherine Schulte/Virginia Business

Following the announcement of a combined $120 million investment in workforce training by AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly & Co., and Merck & Co. late last year, Virginia’s biotech ecosystem is rapidly gaining momentum. With an additional $10 million provided by the state, these investments will aim to support the graduation of 2,000–2,500 Virginians annually.

The planned Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing includes a statewide network of university and community college programs that will together offer stackable credentials and degree pathways from technician certifications to advanced degrees designed to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

John Newby, Virginia Bio CEO and LSWC Board member, noted, “This investment in Virginia will be a game changer for the state, our people, and our innovative biomanufacturing hub. We applaud these companies for not only building physical infrastructure, but also investing in the talent development that will drive sustained innovation.”

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