Life Science Oklahoma

What Life Science Oklahoma does

Life Science Oklahoma (LSOK) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association headquartered in Oklahoma City that serves as the unified trade body for Oklahoma's life sciences sector. Launched in June 2024 at the BIO International Convention as the successor to OKBio, LSOK supports, advances, and promotes the growth of the state's life science industry through membership services, networking events, education, advocacy, and partnership building. Its member base spans biotech and biopharma companies (including CDMOs Cytovance Biologics and Wheeler Bio), research institutions (OMRF, University of Oklahoma), venture capital firms (Cortado Ventures, Echo Investment Capital, i2E/Plains Ventures), diagnostic and medical device companies, and economic development partners.

LSOK does not develop or sell technology products; rather, it operates a portfolio of community and convening services. These include the Catalyst thought-leadership series, Bioscience on Tap networking events, educational webinars, the Oklahoma Life Science Membership Directory, a job board, purchasing-program discounts (legacy Bio Business Solutions), and an annual presence at BIO International Convention with booth and panel representation. Events are staged primarily at Innovation Hall (316 NE 9th St., Oklahoma City) within the Oklahoma City Innovation District, which LSOK co-develops alongside the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.

The organization's revenue model rests on three streams: annual membership dues (quote-based, not publicly disclosed), corporate sponsorships and grants, and event registration fees (e.g., Catalyst at $50 members / $60 non-members). LSOK is one of six projects funded by the $35 million U.S. EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, administered by the Greater OKC Chamber under the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster (OBIC) initiative, which also underwrites complementary assets such as BioTC (a $15M-funded biomanufacturing workforce training center) and OU's Bioprocessing Core Facility. The organization is led by Executive Director Michelle Gregory with advisory board chair Dr. Craig Shimasaki (CEO of Moleculera Biosciences), and operates with 1-10 employees.

Name

Life Science Oklahoma

Legal name

Life Science Oklahoma

Website

https://lifesciok.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Life Science Oklahoma (LSOK) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association headquartered in Oklahoma City that convenes the state's biotech, biopharma, research, and venture capital stakeholders through membership, events, advocacy, and ecosystem partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Life Sciences Industry Association

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Life Sciences & Biotechnology Congresses (THAHAJAB)

Keywords

• Life sciences association
• Industry membership network
• Biotech networking events
• Workforce development programs
• Ecosystem advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Oklahoma City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership dues from life science companies, organizations, and stakeholders. Membership provides access to networking, discounts on purchasing programs, event rates, job postings, and the Oklahoma Life Science Membership Directory.
2. Sponsorships: Annual sponsorship packages offering brand exposure and visibility to Oklahoma's growing life sciences industry. The organization receives generous support through sponsorships and grants from corporations and community partners.
3. Event Revenue: Registration fees for events including the Catalyst series ($50 for members, $60 for non-members), webinars, and networking events. Members receive special rates for all employees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Life Science Oklahoma is a membership-based industry association that supports, advances, and promotes the growth and expansion of Oklahoma's life science industry. It delivers member services including networking events (Bioscience on Tap, Catalyst series, BIO International Convention participation), access to the Oklahoma Life Science Membership Directory, job posting capabilities, educational webinars, and partnership-building opportunities for biotech companies, research institutions, investors, and economic development organizations.

Product overview

Life Science Oklahoma (LSOK) is a membership-based industry association that supports, advances, and promotes the growth and expansion of Oklahoma's Life Science Industry. Rather than offering a unified software product or platform, LSOK provides a suite of member services including networking events (such as Bioscience on Tap, Catalyst series, and the annual Bio International Convention), access to the Oklahoma Life Science Membership Directory, job posting capabilities, educational webinars, and partnership building opportunities. The organization facilitates connections between industry stakeholders through conferences, panel discussions, and social events to advance innovation and economic development in Oklahoma's life sciences sector.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LSOK Annual Membership

Quantifiable outcome

• Members saved more than $3.5 million through Bio Business Solutions participation (OKBio predecessor)

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Greater Oklahoma City ChambercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024LSOK was launched by and operates in close partnership with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. The Chamber provides organizational support, economic development connections, and infrastructure. Christy Gillenwater serves as President & CEO of the Chamber. LSOK is one of six funded projects through the $35M EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant.
• Oklahoma City Innovation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024OKCID is a nonprofit revitalizing Oklahoma City's entrepreneurial landscape, fostering job growth through research, technology, healthcare, biomanufacturing, and aerospace. Jeffrey Seymour serves as President & CEO. OKCID manages the Innovation District where Convergence and Innovation Hall are located - key venues for LSOK events.
• University of OklahomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOU is a key research institution partner, co-sponsoring LSOK events and collaborating on workforce development. The university launched a Bioprocessing Core Facility (BPCF) and certificate program funded through the EDA Build Back Better grant. Dr. Jeff Volz serves as Associate Dean for Partnerships.
• Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOMRF is a major biomedical research organization in Oklahoma and sponsor of LSOK's BIO International Convention booth. OMRF scientists conduct cutting-edge research in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other diseases, receiving significant NIH grants.
• Wheeler BiocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWheeler Bio is a CDMO and LSOK member that partners on events including crafting special IPA beer for Bioscience on Tap networking events. The company secured $35M Series A-1 funding and is constructing a 52,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Convergence.
• Innovation HallcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovation Hall (316 NE 9th St., OKC) is the primary venue for LSOK events including the Catalyst series, networking events, and educational programs. Developed by Newmark Robinson Park with $10M in MAPS IV matching funds.
• Bio InternationalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBIO organizes the world's largest biotechnology convention (20,000+ industry leaders). LSOK participates annually with booth space and panel discussions. The 2025 convention was held in Boston with LSOK hosting a networking breakfast and representing Oklahoma's ecosystem.
• BioTC (Biotech Innovation Cluster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBioTC is Oklahoma's first biomanufacturing workforce training center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit within the Innovation District. Received $7M from the EDA grant and $8M from American Rescue Plan for equipment. Koey Keylon serves as Executive Director. Partners with companies like Wheeler Bio for customized training.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MassBio: Massachusetts' life sciences industry association, member-driven, focused on advocacy, networking, and member savings programs. Most analogous regional life science trade association model for LSOK.
• California Life Sciences: California's statewide life sciences association formed from BayBio and CHI merger. Provides policy advocacy, networking, and member benefits similar to LSOK, with a much larger ecosystem.
• BioNJ: New Jersey's life sciences trade association serving biopharma, medical device, and biotech companies. Direct comparator as a state-level industry association offering events, advocacy, and member programs.
• NCBIO: North Carolina's life sciences industry group providing networking, advocacy, and member services. Comparable regional association model serving an emerging biotech hub.
• MichBio: Michigan's life sciences association, member-supported, focused on advocacy, education, and ecosystem development. Comparable in scale and mission to LSOK.
• Georgia Bio: Georgia's life sciences industry association, offering networking events, policy advocacy, and member programs. Comparable emerging-hub trade association model.
• BioAlabama: Alabama's statewide life sciences association, focused on industry growth, networking, and advocacy. Small-scale, regional peer similar to LSOK in operating size.
• Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI): Texas' life sciences and healthcare industry association providing advocacy, networking, and member services. Comparable state-level industry association model.
• Indiana Life Sciences Association: Indiana's life sciences industry organization supporting pharma, biotech, medical device, and ag-bio companies. Similar emerging-hub regional association comparable to LSOK.

Others

• OKBio (predecessor): LSOK's predecessor organization that previously represented Oklahoma's life sciences industry and ran Bio Business Solutions which saved members $3.5M+. Direct historical reference point for LSOK's model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/life-science-oklahoma

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Life Science Oklahoma