By Lynzee Misseldine, VeloCity Newsletter
Life Science Oklahoma (LSOK) used its presence at BIO International 2025 to deliver real value to its members, helping Oklahoma-based companies connect with industry leaders, gain media exposure and position themselves for future growth. The organization showcased the state’s growing momentum in biosciences while creating opportunities for networking and strategic visibility.
LSOK’s activities included a panel breakfast, a booth on the exhibit floor, and focused messaging about Oklahoma’s biotech and biomanufacturing strengths. For member companies, it was a chance to meet potential partners, raise their profile and explore new opportunities in a competitive environment.
A strong start: LSOK panel breakfast
LSOK hosted a Networking and Panel Breakfast during the convention, introducing the organization to a national audience and featuring a discussion about Oklahoma’s role in the life sciences sector.
The panel was moderated by LSOK Board Chair and Moleculera Biosciences CEO Craig Shimasaki. Panelists included Dr. Tom Kupiec (ARL BioPharma), Jeff Seymour (Innovation District and BioTC), Dr. Jeff Volz (University of Oklahoma), Patrick Lucy (Wheeler Bio) and Sharina Perry (Utopia Plastix).
They discussed opportunities in biomanufacturing and the strengths of Oklahoma’s research and startup communities. From workforce readiness to academic partnerships, the panelists highlighted the collaborative spirit that makes Oklahoma competitive.
Dr. Jeff Volz, Associate Dean for Partnerships at the University of Oklahoma’s Gallogly College of Engineering, noted the value of attending, saying, “BIO gave us a platform to highlight the research capabilities and collaborative infrastructure OU brings to the biosciences space. It was a chance to connect with partners who may never have considered Oklahoma before, and to show them that the innovation happening here is nationally relevant.” LSOK Executive Director Michelle Gregory put it simply: “We don’t want to be that flyover state anymore. We have a lot of good things to offer.”
Connecting on the convention floor
LSOK also operated a standalone booth representing its member organizations and the state’s broader bioscience community.
The booth was sponsored by the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), ARL BioPharma, ParaNano, Alzarrock Bio and Moleculera BioSciences. Sponsors used the space to hold meetings and connect through BIO Partnering™, the convention’s official platform.
With more than 64,000 meetings scheduled across 72 countries, LSOK had many chances to highlight Oklahoma’s strengths in drug manufacturing, diagnostics, ag science and clinical research. The team spoke with potential partners about relocation, workforce pipelines and regional investment potential.
A year of growth and momentum
Since becoming executive director, Gregory has led LSOK’s efforts to grow connections and build awareness across the state. At the launch of LSOK, she said, “I could not be more excited to be at ground level… there is so much excitement and momentum.”
At BIO, she emphasized how Oklahoma’s foundation in healthcare, research and ag science is opening new doors. LSOK is working to position the state as a viable option for startups and growing biotech companies, while aligning resources to support entrepreneurs and industry growth.
What BIO 2025 achieved for Oklahoma
The convention helped:
- Build visibility: The panel and booth introduced Oklahoma’s life sciences sector to new audiences.
- Make connections: LSOK and sponsors met with potential collaborators, investors and service providers.
- Shift perceptions: BIO helped counter outdated views of Oklahoma and highlight its innovation potential.
Gregory said the momentum at BIO confirmed Oklahoma is ready to play a bigger role in biotech. Events like this help attract talent and investment and show how far the state has come in a short time.
Oklahoma’s emergence on the national stage also drew media attention. A Boston Business Journal story noted that states like Oklahoma are “gunning for Massachusetts” as they step up their biotech ambitions. Meanwhile, a feature in Health Tech World highlighted Oklahoma’s shift “from oil to opportunity,” pointing to the state’s biomanufacturing growth and inclusive innovation as signs of a rising contender.
Looking ahead
LSOK’s presence at BIO may have been smaller than some state delegations, but its impact was clear. Through storytelling and collaboration, LSOK ensured Oklahoma had a place in the conversation.
Looking ahead, LSOK plans to expand its network, support local companies and continue promoting Oklahoma as a place where bioscience businesses can thrive.
In just one year, LSOK has gone from launch to national presence, and it’s just getting started.