New collaboration will connect Spokane-area and relocating companies with coordinated funding, startup resources, and a statewide life science network.
SPOKANE, Wash., Oct. 6, 2026 — Life Science Washington (LSW), Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County (HSSA), Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) and LaunchPad INW today announced a new partnership to expand access to resources and support for life science entrepreneurs in the greater Spokane region, a fast-growing biotech community in Washington.
The partnership brings together economic development resources, local entrepreneurship support, and deep industry knowledge and connections into a comprehensive package designed to make Spokane an attractive place for early-stage life science executives to build, grow or relocate their companies. By coordinating these capabilities, the organizations will provide Spokane-area companies with more tailored support based on each company’s individual needs.
LSW’s Entrepreneurship & Venture Services helps life science researchers, entrepreneurs and early-stage companies move from discovery to commercialization through startup consulting, mentoring, pitch coaching, grant writing support, investor forums, CEO dinners and executive events. These programs connect company leaders with the relationships and fundraising support they need to expand beyond the startup phase.
“Washington has an incredible network of experienced executives, mentors, investors and life science leaders that entrepreneurs should be able to tap into no matter where they are located in Washington state,” said Marc Cummings, president and CEO of Life Science Washington. “By working together, our organizations can connect entrepreneurs with the right expertise and support at the right time and give more companies across the state the tools they need to grow.”
HSSA supports the growth of Spokane County’s bioscience sector through funding opportunities for local companies and businesses relocating all or a significant portion of their operations to the region. Its incentives and funding programs give Spokane a unique set of tools for supporting bioscience companies that are not available anywhere else in the state.
“Capital is an important part of helping bioscience companies grow, but companies also need strong networks, experienced advisors and access to the right expertise,” said Erin Williams Hueter, executive director of the Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County. “This partnership allows us to pair the resources already available in Spokane with a broader network of life science expertise and give entrepreneurs more comprehensive support.”
GSI helps businesses identify opportunities, access resources and build the relationships they need to grow while strengthening the region’s competitiveness. The organization works to attract new businesses to Spokane and support companies already operating in the region through business development and economic growth initiatives.
“Helping startup businesses grow and sustain their success takes a village, and that village is stronger together when all parts of the state pool their efforts,” said Stacia Rasmussen, director of sector growth and innovation at Greater Spokane Inc. “It is exciting to participate in this partnership after working together for many years somewhat independently.”
LaunchPad INW provides hands-on programming for early-stage technology and life science companies, including its Springboard Startup Program, which helps entrepreneurs strengthen their business strategy, better understand their customers, refine their products and prepare for investment. Working with key partners across the Inland Northwest bioscience ecosystem, LaunchPad INW also connects researchers and entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance they need to build viable businesses.
“Building a successful company takes more than any one program or organization can provide,” said Bill Kalivas, co-founder and executive director of LaunchPad INW. “Bringing our organizations together gives entrepreneurs a clearer path to the people, expertise and resources they need at each stage of their journey. It’s about making Spokane an even stronger place to start and grow a life science company.”
The partnership was announced during Life Science Washington’s 2026 East West Life Science Summit in Spokane. The annual event brings together leaders from industry, academia, government and the investment community to strengthen connections across Washington’s life science ecosystem.
For more info on Life Science Washington, visit www.lifesciencewa.org. For more info on the Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County, visit www.hssaspokane.org. For more info on Greater Spokane Inc., visit www.greaterspokane.org. For more info on LaunchPad INW, visit www.innovateinw.com.
About Life Science Washington
Life Science Washington is the state’s industry trade association, connecting its 500+ members with a robust local network, funding, talent, and essential business services to drive sector growth within the region and beyond. As a top 10 life science cluster in the U.S., Life Science Washington advocates for policies that strengthen the ecosystem and accelerate groundbreaking research and product development, improving patient outcomes and saving lives. For more information, visit www.lifesciencewa.org.
About Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County
Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County promotes bioscience-based economic development and advances new therapies and procedures to prevent disease and promote public health through grant-making and leadership. To learn more about current and future funding opportunities for your entity to make Spokane County healthier, create well-paying jobs, and power future economic growth, visit www.hssaspokane.org.
About Greater Spokane Inc.
Greater Spokane Incorporated is the Spokane region’s business development organization, committed to building a vibrant, inclusive economy through bold vision, advocacy, and partnership. Serving as both the regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Organization, GSI works to create transformative opportunities for all businesses. For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org.
About LaunchPad INW
LaunchPad INW Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the backbone organization behind InnovateINW, a regional innovation initiative serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho, the Tri-Cities and Western Montana. InnovateINW serves as a guide to the region’s innovation network, connecting founders and business leaders with the organizations, programs, mentors and capital they need to launch and grow here. Its core Springboard program helps early-stage technology and life science companies strengthen their business strategy, understand their customers, refine their products and prepare for investment. For more information, visit www.innovateinw.com.