R&D Proposal Signals Strong Support for Bioscience

The 2026 legislative session kicked off with significant developments for Connecticut’s bioscience sector, a major driver of the state’s economy.

Connecticut has cultivated a thriving life sciences ecosystem, bolstered by renowned research institutions, a highly skilled workforce, and a robust network of innovative companies.

The state is home to more than 1,500 life sciences organizations that collectively employ over 25,000 professionals.

Connecticut workers also hold one of the highest proportions of advanced degrees in science, engineering, and health, fueling breakthroughs in vaccines, medical devices, genomics, stem cell research, and other areas of biomedical innovation.

On opening day last week, Lamont administration budget chief Joshua Wojcik introduced a proposal to expand the state’s research and development tax credit to include pass-through entities, benefiting many early-stage and startup biotech and biopharma companies.

The proposal increases the R&D tax credit rate for biotech companies from 65% to 90%, further demonstrating Connecticut’s commitment to fostering growth in this vital industry.

‘Critical Step’

By broadening eligibility and enhancing refundability, these reforms are expected to attract more investment, accelerate innovation, and strengthen Connecticut’s standing as a national leader in life sciences.

“This is a critical step for innovation in the bioscience industry, which CBIA’s Bioscience Growth Council has been advocating for several years,” said CBIA policy director Jenna Grasso.

“The increased R&D exchange rate will produce significant benefits.”

CBIA’s Jenna Grasso

“The increased R&D exchange rate will produce significant benefits not only the sector, but for Connecticut’s business climate at large.”

Connecticut’s life sciences companies are well‑positioned to continue expanding, but the work does not stop here.

CBIA’s Bioscience Growth Council will continue advocating for policies that make the state even more attractive to biotech and biopharma companies, including efforts to address energy affordability and overall competitiveness to support existing life science leaders and encourage new businesses to call Connecticut home.

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Jenna Grasso (860.244.1169).