Today, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) Commissioners joined industry leaders and academia in Northeast Tennessee to explore Appalachia’s biotech education pipeline and the region’s growing biotech ecosystem.
Commissioners Paul Arcangeli and Angela Belcher met with academic and industry leadership at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to learn more about ETSU’s thriving workforce development programs. They also heard from industry representatives about innovation pathways for securing supply chains and maximizing biotechnology for defense.
To close the day, Commissioners toured the ETSU/Eastman Valleybrook Campus, including meeting the start-up company Limulus and visiting the Niswonger Foundation-powered BioBuilder Learning Lab, to engage with local high school students taking advantage of the unique educational opportunity offered by ETSU’s research infrastructure.
"Expanding educational opportunity is essential to building the next generation of America’s biomanufacturing workforce,” said NSCEB Commissioner Angela Belcher. “ETSU’s program is a compelling example of how successful these programs can be. By equipping students with cutting-edge skills for the next generation of biotechnology jobs, we not only strengthen our economy but also secure our national resilience in an era of rapid technological change."
“Innovation in biotechnology is creating new pathways to onshore critical supply chains vital to our national security. By harnessing these tools, like we saw at ETSU, we can reduce dependence on foreign sources, strengthen resilience, and ensure America leads in producing the materials and medicines that safeguard our future,” said NSCEB Commissioner Paul Arcangeli. “Biotechnology offers both strategic advantage and economic opportunity for the nation.”
“It is an honor for East Tennessee State University to host the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology,” said Dr. Brian Noland, ETSU President. “This visit affirms the national significance of the work being done in our region and reflects the growing recognition of ETSU and our partners as leaders in biotechnology innovation, workforce development, and strategic collaboration. Welcoming NSCEB to our campus underscores the university’s role as a convener of ideas and a catalyst for progress that impacts not only Appalachia but the entire nation.”
“The Appalachian Highlands is becoming a needed hub in America’s biotech future,” said David Golden, CEO of the ETSU Research Corporation. “At the ETSU Research Corporation, we are convening industry, academia, and government to build biomanufacturing capacity and workforce pathways that both strengthen national security and create economic opportunity. Tennessee’s legacy in materials innovation positions us uniquely to help drive the bioindustrial revolution.”
Event participants included:
• Adora Life Science
• BAE Systems
• Ballad Health
• BioBuilder
• East Tennessee State University
• East Tennessee State University Research Corporation
• Gingko Bioworks
• Highland Materials
• Next Rung Technology
• Niswonger Foundation
• Tennessee Hills
• ThermoFisher Scientific
• TNSCORE
• U.S. Antibiotics
Biotech Across America Roadshow
The Commission is hitting the road to highlight biotechnology across America, including the companies, academic institutions, workforce development programs, and policy initiatives that are driving the future for this rapidly growing industry. Commissioners will 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.
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.
