Life Sciences & Medical Devices

The founding of medical research facility Van Andel Institute in 1996 jump-started a multi-billion dollar investment along Michigan Street just northwest of downtown Grand Rapids. Today, this area is known as the Medical Mile and it is renowned as a world-class healthcare destination. The clinical, research and academic institutions that now line the Mile have attracted medical professionals from around the world. Their influx has spurred new retail and residential developments, transforming this neighborhood into a bustling center of activity.

Want to become part of a statewide industry poised to lead the future of MedTech and health in the U.S.? The Michigan University Research Corridor (URC) is a collaborative initiative among the state’s top three research universities — Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University — and ranks second in the U.S. for the number of undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded in medicine and biological science.

Whether it’s top revenue generating MedTech companies or global suppliers, Michigan is a hub for careers in the medical device industry. Stryker, for example, has more than 4,000 employees at its Kalamazoo location, working to develop innovative medical technologies for orthopedics, neurotechnology and surgical equipment. Meanwhile, Medline is a leading distributor of medical supplies and was ranked No. 15 on Forbes’ 2022 list of America’s largest private companies with 34,000+ employees worldwide.

Ranking No. 9 in the nation for pharmaceutical employment, Michigan is an attractive destination for jobseekers with nearly 10,000 already employed in the industry. From recent expansions like Niowave (a leading producer of superconducting electron accelerators) to successful biotech startups like Fifth Eye and Genemarkers, professionals can quickly grow their life sciences careers in the Great Lakes State.