This summer, the NSCEB is hitting the road to highlight Biotechnology Across America, including the companies, academic institutions, industry alliances, workforce development programs, and policy initiatives that are driving the future for this rapidly growing industry. Commissioners intend to continue learning about the work being done across this vibrant ecosystem while engaging on the key findings and recommendations from the Commission’s recent report to Congress.
To follow the NSCEB’s roadshow progress, visit: www.biotech.senate.gov. As events are scheduled, information will be updated.
“The Commission’s job is far from finished,” said Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the NSCEB. “We are taking our report on the road and continuing the conversation with the people across America doing biotech work everyday. Together we can strengthen this vital ecosystem and advance our national and economic security.”
For the first stop in North Carolina, Vice Chair Rozo started in Raleigh where she discussed the state of the NC biotechnology industry with leaders from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) before meeting with Co-Chairs of the NC General Assembly’s Life Sciences Caucus. She also joined leaders from industry and academia for a roundtable discussion on the ways North Carolina’s leadership in biopharma manufacturing and workforce development is powering national progress across the biotech industry.
Vice Chair Rozo and NSCEB staff then traveled to Franklinton, NC, to tour the Novonesis enzyme manufacturing facility, discuss recent agricultural biotechnology innovations that can serve as a cornerstone for national security, economic independence, and agricultural resilience. The group then closed the day by meeting with members of the North Carolina agricultural and industrial biotechnology community at a showcase of local biotech innovations.
“For more than 40 years, NCBiotech and the state of North Carolina have been strategically investing in biotechnology and the life sciences,” said Doug Edgeton, president and CEO of NCBiotech. “Given this critical moment for advancing U.S. leadership in biotechnology for national security and economic resilience, North Carolina is well positioned to execute on the Commission’s recommendations, particularly around biomanufacturing, training, and domestic onshoring of critical supply chains for healing, feeding, and fueling the world.”
“The proactive measures proposed by the National Security Commission underscore a pivotal moment, not just a vision for a bio-based future, but the recognition that biotechnology and biosolutions are already shaping our world today,” said Tue Micheelsen, President of Novonesis North America. “The tools to solve complex challenges and improve lives exist now, we simply need to amplify and extend them to reach everyone. At Novonesis, we are committed to accelerating this momentum, working to ensure these powerful innovations benefit communities everywhere. We invite all stakeholders, from policymakers to local leaders, to join us in expanding access to biology-driven solutions. Together, we can build a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous world.”
“The life sciences industry in North Carolina has been built on a strong foundation of support from our state legislature, municipalities and colleges and universities,” said NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter. “The state’s focus and foresight has built North Carolina into one of the nation’s leading hubs for agricultural technology, defense, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.”
Additional North Carolina participants included:
Co-Chairs of NC Life Sciences Caucus (Rep. Donna White, Rep. Robert Reaves, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, Sen. Benton Sawrey), North Carolina Life Sciences Organization, NC Biotechnology Center, Office of U.S. Senator Budd, Office of U.S. Senator Tillis, Office of U.S. Representative Rouzer, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, North Carolina State University (BTEC, Plant Sciences Initiative, Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, and Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences), Ferment, Sable Fermentation, Elo Life Systems, Franklin County Economic Development, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation, McGuireWoods, American Alliance for Biomanufacturing, BioMason, BIOME Consortia, TerraSafe, DMC Biotechnologies, Franklin County Schools, Innatrix, Keel Labs, Kiwanis Foundation of Franklin County, Iluma, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Novo Nordisk, Novonesis, Pairwise, PRTI Inc., SAS, Tar River Trading Post, United Way, Vance Granville Community College, Verb Biotics
About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit biotech.senate.gov.
About Novonesis: Novonesis is a global company leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes, and lives. In more than 30 industries, our biosolutions are already creating value for millions of consumers and benefitting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology. Learn more on www.novonesis.com
About NCBiotech: Since 1984, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center has led life sciences technology-based economic development for the state by supporting the progression of ideas from the research lab to the marketplace. A private, non-profit state-funded corporation, NCBiotech invests in technology development through grants, in company development through loans, and in economic development through partnership development grants. Our transformational programs and activities develop strengths that yield high-paying life sciences jobs statewide. NCBiotech is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, with regional offices in Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. To learn more, visit ncbiotech.org.
About NCLifeSci: NCLifeSci, the North Carolina Life Sciences Organization, is the trade association for North Carolina’s life sciences industry. Founded in 1994, the organization advances the North Carolina life sciences industry and ecosystem, enabling its members to innovate and collaborate for success in a global marketplace.
Contact: [email protected]
SOURCE National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology
