NSCEB Brings Biotech Across America Tour to Houston, a Biotech Innovation Powerhouse

By Binita Roy

roundtable participants

The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) visited Houston on September 24 as part of its nationwide roadshow, Biotechnology Across America, spotlighting innovation hubs shaping the future of biotech. The showcase featured cutting-edge biotech projects, companies, and initiatives from across the region and was hosted by the Innovation Center of the University of Houston in collaboration with Greater Houston Partnership, a business-led economic development organization and the region's chamber of commerce.

At the high-level Ecosystem Leaders Roundtable during the visit, Commissioner Dr. Michelle Rozo heard from industry leaders, academic stakeholders, and local government officials about how Houston is uniquely positioned to lead in the field of synthetic biology, one of the fastest-growing areas of biotechnology.

Verena Kallhoff, Senior Director, Global Life Sciences at the Greater Houston Partnership—which works to support the growth of the greater Houston region’s life sciences ecosystem—started off the proceedings by emphasizing how few regions bring together energy, life sciences, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology at the scale Houston does. That convergence makes Houston an ideal place for synthetic biology companies to innovate and grow.

The city is applying biotech to areas like biofuels, carbon capture, and sustainable chemicals, while its strong industrial base helps scale these breakthroughs into production. With NASA, leading research institutes, and a growing startup scene, Houston is also advancing biotech for space exploration and agriculture, positioning itself as a global center for biotechnology and energy innovation.

Engaging in a lively discussion with the round table participants, Dr. Michelle Rozo stressed the need for expanding biomanufacturing capacity by incentivizing the creation of manufacturing sites within the United States, maximizing workforce training programs, and training the biomanufacturing workforce of the future. Commenting on the occasion, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at UH, said:

“We are so pleased to host the round table and tour with NSCEB as it represents a critical step in advancing decisive action to strengthen and deploy biotechnology leaders at scale by engaging with academic and industry leaders in the Energy Capital and the home of the largest medical center in the world. The advancement of scalable medical, space, materials and energy focused biotechnology requires the Houston region to engage in the national conversation and the field visit by the Commission is notable first step.”

After the round table, Dr. Rozzo toured the facilities at the venue at UH Tech Bridge and joined the Biotech Innovation Showcase, where participants presented posters.

“Houston is an excellent example of the opportunities that are available at every level. [The NSCEB] is understanding from local leaders how we can ensure that the initiatives that we are advocating at the federal level are supporting the efforts and innovation ecosystem in Houston. The region’s leadership demonstrates that America can maintain its position as a top biotech power in the world,” she said.

Participants included:

·       Bio Well

·       BioVeritas, LLC

·       BridgeYear

·       CUBiO Innovation Hub

·       First Bight Venture

·       Gulf Coast Consortia at Rice University

·       Houston Angel Network

·       Immatics, Inc.

·       Loop Bioproducts

·       Marksonne

·       Mckinsey

·       MIT, Mech Eng, L4TE

·       Pearland Economic Development Corporation

·       Rice University

·       Ridgeline Therapeutics; University of Texas Medical Branch

·       San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology

·       VIA Biofuels

·       Yokogawa

The NSCEB seeks 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’s roadshow is highlighting 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 are learning about the work being done across this vibrant ecosystem while engaging on the key findings and recommendations from the Commission’s recent April 2025 report to Congress.  

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