Washington, DC is an emerging powerhouse in life sciences
and health technology, leveraging its proximity to government,
research institutions, and a world-class academic network.
The DC metro area is home to a growing cluster of biotech
firms, digital health startups, and pharmaceutical companies
– many of which are leading advancements in areas such as
personalized medicine, telehealth, and bioinformatics. With
local investors, access to federal funding, and a deep bench
of scientific and policy expertise, Washington, DC is uniquely
positioned to shape the future of health and life sciences.
RECENT INVESTMENTS
Children’s Hospital National Research & Innovation Campus: The nation’s first pediatric research & innovation campus opened in 2021, anchored by Children’s Center for Genetic Medicine Research and Rare Disease Institute, Johnson & Johnson Innovation JLABS, and Virginia Tech’s Biomedical Research Institute.
Seven Starling, a DC-based health startup focused on maternal mental health secured $11M in Series A funding in 2024 to continue to expand virtual care services nationwide.
DC-based startup Hibiscus Health secured in 2024 $5M in funding to scale its AI-powered health screening platform.
Howard University: The Historically Black College & University (HBCU) will build a National Research Center for Health Disparities that will provide a home to pharmaceutical companies and biomedical research organization specializing in chronic illnesses with an emphasis on solutions for communities of color.
HEALTH TECH
DIGITAL HEALTH
Major Employers
Talent Pipeline
The Washington, DC Metro Area offers employees with specialized and highly credentialed talent in the life sciences and health tech fields.
Home to
4x
Concentration of Biological scientists than the U.S. average
Architects (except naval)
1.52
Management Analysts
3.35
News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists
2.23
Public Relations Specialists
4.07
Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers
1.93
Writers and Editors
2.43
Company Spotlight
DC-based CaryHealth was founded in 2017 by pharmacists and technologists with extensive healthcare experience on a mission to deliver personalized digital healthcare experiences at scale to benefit all. In 2024, it ranked #82 on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing business as well as #2 for artificial intelligence and #1 within DC.
Incentives & Resources*
SUPERMARKET TAX INCENTIVES
Through the Supermarket Tax Exemption Act of 2000, the District waives certain taxes and fees to eligible grocery stores that locate in specific neighborhoods. The incentive encourages development and investment in areas lacking access to groceries and fresh food. Qualifying supermarkets may be eligible to receive one or more of the following benefits for up to 10 years after development or renovation:
- Real property tax exemption
- Business license fee exemption
- Personal property tax exemption
- Sales and use tax exemption on building materialsnecessary for construction
ON THE JOB TRAINING
OJT is a workforce development strategy where employers of all sizes have an opportunity
to train, mentor and hire candidates as they become
fully proficient in a particular skillset or job function. Pre-screened and job-ready candidates are matched
with employers willing to provide skills-based, on-the-job training. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) will provide wage reimbursement from 50 to 75% of the candidate’s salary from one to six months (in some cases up to one year) for qualifying District of Columbia residents and employers.
DC GREEN BANK
DC Green Bank focuses its investments on solar energy, greener and more efficient buildings, infrastructure resilience, and transportation electrification. Programs such as DC PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) and CLEER (Commercial Loan For Energy Efficiency And Renewables) can provide financing to commercial tenants or owners of existing buildings in DC for upgrades that reduce energy and resource consumption and for distributed renewable energy solutions.
FOOD ACCESS FUND
DC Green Bank focuses its investments on solar energy, greener and more efficient buildings, infrastructure resilience, and transportation electrification. Programs such as DC PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) and CLEER (Commercial Loan For Energy Efficiency And Renewables) can provide financing to commercial tenants or owners of existing buildings in DC for upgrades that reduce energy and resource consumption and for distributed renewable energy solutions.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROSPERITY FUND
NPF incentivizes community development, economic growth, and job creation by providing financing for eligible projects that attract private investment to distressed communities.
Grant funds can support architectural and engineering costs, construction costs, tenant improvements, historical preservation building improvements to maintain compliance with applicable laws, development analysis, rent abatement and/or tenant concessions for up to three years to stabilize market rent.
*Subject to the availability of funds.
