Best Startup Cities for Biotech 2025
Discover the top startup ecosystems for biotech companies. Compare funding, talent, and resources across major biotech hubs.
Top Biotech Startup Cities
Boston
#1Boston is the undisputed biotech capital, with unmatched access to research institutions, pharma companies, and biotech talent.
Key Strengths
- World's leading biotech hub
- Proximity to top research institutions (MIT, Harvard)
- Strong pharma and healthcare presence
- Deep biotech talent pool
Notable Companies
- Moderna
- Biogen
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals
- Bluebird Bio
San Francisco Bay Area
#2San Francisco combines world-class research institutions with strong VC presence, making it ideal for biotech innovation.
Key Strengths
- Strong biotech and life sciences focus
- Access to Stanford and UC Berkeley research
- World-class VC presence
- Innovation culture
Notable Companies
- Genentech
- Gilead Sciences
- 23andMe
- Illumina
San Diego
#3San Diego is a major biotech hub with strong research institutions and lower costs than other major biotech centers.
Key Strengths
- Major biotech hub
- Strong research institutions (UCSD, Scripps)
- Lower costs than SF/Boston
- Life sciences focus
Notable Companies
- Illumina
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals
- Neurocrine Biosciences
Raleigh/Durham
#4Raleigh/Durham offers strong biotech research capabilities with lower costs and access to world-class universities.
Key Strengths
- Research Triangle with strong biotech
- Access to Duke, UNC, NC State
- Lower costs than major hubs
- Growing biotech ecosystem
Notable Companies
- Biogen
- G1 Therapeutics
- Precision BioSciences
Biotech Ecosystem Comparison
| City | Total Funding | Unicorns | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
🏛️Boston | $8B+ | 20 | World's leading biotech hub |
🌉San Francisco Bay Area | $50B+ | 150 | Strong biotech and life sciences focus |
🌊San Diego | $2.5B+ | 5 | Major biotech hub |
🔬Raleigh/Durham | $2B+ | 5 | Research Triangle with strong biotech |
Related Resources
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