Life Sciences & Biotech

Fredrick County, MD

Top 3 National Biotech Cluster - Easy Access to D.C. - Fast-track Permitting

Home to International Leaders: Including Thermo Fisher Scientific, AstraZeneca, Kite Pharma, and Lonza.
Strategic Advantages:
- Easy Access to Washington D.C.
- I-270 Tech Corridor
- Fast-track Permitting
- Biotech Incubators
- Dedicated Biotech Parks
- Generous Incentives

Ask The Office of Economic Development. Let's Talk Biotech Growth!

Learn More About Biotech in Frederick

Leading the growth in Frederick County is its life science cluster, which includes international leaders such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, AstraZeneca, and Lonza. Recent national and international firms include Kite Pharma with a 279,000 SF biologics manufacturing facility and VaLogic's 75,400 SF expansion. With our bio parks and fast track permitting, Frederick County has capacity to meet the needs of the expanding life science cluster in both time and space. Major employers continue to grow including Fort Detrick with a $11.2B economic impact on the State of Maryland, Frederick Health, Leidos Biomedical, and Frederick National Lab.

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Location

Frederick County is a cornerstone of Maryland's biotech hub located along the I-270 Technology Corridor north of Washington, D.C. Here you will find dedicated R&D parks with ample lab space for biotech research and manufacturing.

Intersected by five interstate and national highways, Frederick County offers the tremendous advantage of market access and is equidistant to both Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. Frederick is a 1-hour drive to all three international airports (BWI, DCA, IAD). Baltimore Harbor, the 3rd largest seaport on the East Coast, is also easily accessible.

Skilled Workforce

Frederick County is home to one of the most highly educated and talented workforces that provides companies with unparalleled human resource capabilities. 44.9% of Frederick County's population age 25 years+ has a bachelor's degree or higher, placing it above Maryland's average. Maryland also ranks second in the country for its high percentage of biological scientists.

Frederick County employers can draw from a workforce of nearly three million people in neighboring counties.

Looking for talented workers? There is a variety of no-cost business services and job-seeker resources from our partners at Frederick County Workforce Services.

Incentives & Taxes

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development offers a variety of programs to support biotech business growth and expansion.

Fast Track Permitting

Fast Track Permitting is an economic development tool used to expedite projects through the development process while adhering to all established standards. Applicants receive points based on criteria such as job creation, target industry, capital investment, and average annual salaries. Approved applicants will meet with the appropriate staff to discuss project scope and details prior to plan submission.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) may be used to fund infrastructure for large projects with a required number of jobs and capital investment.

0% Business Personal Property Tax

The County does not assess a business personal property tax. This can provide considerable savings in comparison to neighboring jurisdictions.

Inventory Tax Exemption

The County exempts 100% of commercial and research and development inventory from personal property tax.

Frederick County New Jobs Tax Credit

Businesses that construct or expand by at least 5,000 square feet in a priority funding area and create at least 25 full-time jobs within the first two years of expansion may qualify for a New Jobs Tax Credit. An Enhanced New Jobs Tax Credit is available for businesses that expand by at least 250,000 SF at a minimum number of new jobs. These tax credits are available for new construction only. Download the New Jobs Tax Credit