COVINGTON, Ky. — Covington has become a hub for life sciences innovation, welcoming a growing wave of biotech startups and research-driven companies that are shaping the future of healthcare and biotechnology.
At its core, life sciences focuses on developing new treatments, advancing medical devices, studying genetics, and creating healthcare solutions that improve lives.
Central to this momentum is LifeSciKY, which officially opened in September 2025 and has quickly become a catalyst for scientific growth in the region.
Designed to support early-stage companies, LifeSciKY provides a modern lab space and shared resources that help startups move efficiently from research to real-world application.
Since opening, LifeSciKY has welcomed companies working across sectors such as biotech, biopharma, medical devices, digital health, and health technology, with businesses using the specialized wet lab facility to accelerate new solutions and innovation. As more science-based companies choose Covington as their home, the city continues to establish itself as a leader in life sciences advancement.
Covington Mayor Ron Washington emphasized the impact already taking place.
“What we’re seeing at LifeSciKY is real progress in action,” Mayor Washington said. “Covington is not only driving economic growth locally but also supporting scientific breakthroughs that benefit communities on a national scale.”
Beyond the lab itself, Covington’s life sciences ecosystem will soon be strengthened by industry leaders such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global provider of analytical instruments, diagnostics, and laboratory services supporting clinical development and research.
“Covington is well-positioned to become the next Boston, San Francisco, or Raleigh. We already have the foundation and the talent to make it happen,” Washington said.
By investing in infrastructure and science, Covington is building a future where discovery and opportunity go hand in hand.
Companies Advancing Life Sciences Innovation in Covington
ASAP Analytical
Designs and manufactures gas chromatography instruments used in life science research and forensic drug analysis by state and federal crime laboratories.
Bexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Develops innovative treatments for oncology and central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
CARTx
Advances next-generation CAR-T cell immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Clareo Biosciences
Uses advanced sequencing of immune receptors to better understand disease and guide improved diagnostics and treatments.
CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services
Supports pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies through every stage of clinical trials — from early development to commercialization — with expertise in cancer, gene therapy, rare diseases, and pediatric care.
Gravity Diagnostics
Specializes in toxicology and pharmacogenetic testing to better understand medication responses, while also providing respiratory and blood hematology testing for healthcare providers.
LifeSciKY
Offers shared laboratory space and resources that help science startups turn research ideas into real-world solutions.
Pan Biologics
Provides precision biological therapies and diagnostics for cancer and infectious diseases, originating from Oak Ridge National Laboratory research.
Riverfront Genomics
Focuses on applied sequencing, diagnostics, and genomic analysis.
Simbryo Technologies
Creates personalized organoid-based diagnostics designed to improve fertility outcomes and IVF success rates.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Provides of analytical instruments, diagnostics, and laboratory, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology services supporting clinical development and research.