From Idea to Impact: The Transformative Potential of Biosciences in Our Community

Last week, I had the privilege of joining some incredible people on stage at the Berks Biomedical Innovation Collaborative’s first conference. The conversations were dynamic, the ideas bold, and the energy in the room electric. Before I knew it, the panel was over, and I was left reflecting on everything we’d discussed—and a few things I didn’t get the chance to say.

The night before, during the conference reception, I found myself enjoying my second plate of fried ravioli and sharing a vision I’ve thought about often. Imagine two students meeting on a college night at one of our local bars. One is studying business at Albright or Alvernia; the other, medicine at Drexel. They strike up a conversation, bond over their shared interests and develop a friendship.

Over time, that connection evolves. The business student discovers a fascination with the science behind medicine, while the medical student realizes they have a knack for entrepreneurship. Together, they develop an idea—something innovative, something that could make a real difference in people's lives. They take that idea to one of our local incubators, refine it with mentorship, pitch it to a local bank, secure funding, and launch their company right here in Reading.

From that first conversation over a beer to hiring their first employee, every step of their journey happens in our community. This is the ecosystem we need to strengthen—a seamless pipeline that turns ideas into opportunities, and opportunities into outcomes that transform lives.

During the panel, the moderator asked me a thoughtful question: “What role does local government play in creating the infrastructure and policies needed to support the growth of the biosciences sector in the region?” It’s a powerful question, and I shared how government helps build the foundation for growth—through investments in infrastructure, thoughtful policies, and strong partnerships.

But as I reflected on it over the weekend, I kept coming back to this: the success of biosciences in our community doesn’t rest on government alone. It’s on all of us—government, businesses, educators, and community members—working together to create an environment where innovation thrives and improves lives.

It starts with people. Biosciences thrive on talent, and our community has plenty of it. Institutions like Abright College, Alvernia, Drexel, Penn State, and Reading Area Community College are already preparing students for success, but we need to go further. We need programs that connect people across disciplines—like our business and medical students—and create pathways that guide them from idea to execution. We need to prepare students not just to enter the workforce, but to lead it.

Of course, it’s not just about growing talent—it’s about keeping it. Too many graduates leave for larger cities, drawn by opportunities we don’t yet offer. To change that, we need to invest in making Reading a place where people want to stay—a place with affordable housing, vibrant neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and opportunities for professional advancement.

Infrastructure is another cornerstone. Biosciences depend on state-of-the-art labs, research hubs, and manufacturing facilities to turn ideas into breakthroughs. Programs like the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) have helped attract investment, but we can go further. Imagine transforming an underutilized warehouse into a cutting-edge innovation hub where researchers, entrepreneurs, and students collaborate on solutions to real-world problems. Pair that with the return of passenger rail service connecting Reading to Philadelphia and eventually New York, and we create the connectivity that attracts talent, investment, and partnerships.

Collaboration is the engine that drives all of this. Progress happens when government, businesses, schools, and community organizations work together. Local government can streamline permitting processes, align policies with state and federal resources, and create incentives that make it clear we’re ready for innovation. Businesses can partner with schools to create training programs, offer internships, and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. Schools can foster interdisciplinary learning, encouraging the kind of creative problem-solving that leads to breakthroughs.

Equity must also be central to our efforts. Biosciences have the power to improve lives, but only if we ensure the benefits reach everyone. Programs like mobile health clinics or food-as-medicine initiatives can address health disparities and bring resources to underserved neighborhoods. Expanding access to STEM education and mentorship opportunities ensures that as the industry grows, it reflects the diversity of our community and creates opportunities for everyone to succeed.

As I think about last week’s conference, I’m filled with a sense of relentless optimism about our future. Imagine a Reading where researchers, students, and entrepreneurs are collaborating on solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Picture a local startup, born from an idea shared on a college night, growing into a business that creates jobs and improves lives. Think of the economic and social impact of being a community known for innovation, equity, and opportunity.

This isn’t just a dream—it’s a future we can build. It will take focus, action, and a commitment to working together, but by aligning our efforts and investing in the people and infrastructure that drive progress, we can make this vision a reality.

The moderator’s question reminded me of how interconnected this effort truly is. Building a thriving biosciences sector isn’t just about government. It’s about creating a community where education, collaboration, and innovation drive progress. Biosciences offer us a pathway to a brighter, healthier future. Let’s take it—together.