As the home of the new LifeSciKY Center in Covington, the Institute for Health Innovation at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), and a network of anchor institutions, Northern Kentucky has emerged as a dynamic hub for medical and life sciences meetings and a power player in the region’s growing strength in the health sector.
Accelerating Innovation, Catalyzing Connection
As a 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art wet lab, LifeSciKY describes itself as an ecosystem designed to bring science to life within the NKY community.
“We’re creating a collaborative environment that gives scientists, startups, and innovators the tools, space, and connections they need to make real breakthroughs,” said Executive Director Dr. Christin Godale. “It fills a critical gap for early-stage biotech companies that need access to infrastructure without the massive upfront cost.”
For meeting planners, this means not only hosting an event near a lab but also connecting attendees to innovation in action.
“LifeSciKY shows what this region’s commitment to science, entrepreneurship, and community really looks like,” said Godale.
Meeting planners can schedule tours, invite speakers, and host workshops or programs that feature LifeSciKY resident scientists, startups, and partners. From behind-the-scenes lab tours to a talk from one of the company’s founders to a hands-on science workshop, LifeSciKY can help design experiences that bring the life sciences story to life for meeting attendees.
Additionally, with its location inside Covington’s One NKY Center, the lab sits directly on the Ohio riverfront, with picturesque views and easy access to restaurants, parks, and shops — all within walking distance.
Merging Academia and Industry
At NKU, the mission of the Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) is to pioneer solutions to the health challenges facing the region by driving change that directly addresses urgent unmet health needs. IHI works toward this goal by growing the innovation ecosystem, supporting future health leaders, and improving health infrastructure.
According to Dr. Valerie Hardcastle, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Executive Director of the Institute for Health Innovation and Vice President for Health Innovation, NKU has “a state-of-the-art simulation center with a functional ER that is second to none and available for appropriate groups to access for their use and training,” said Hardcastle. “We have a lot of groups that come through and use our facilities. If you’re doing training or skill upgrades, this is a very good place to do it.”
For meeting planners, IHI means opportunities for academic conferences, continuing education programs, and, because of its tight connection with LifeSciKY, cross-sector collaborations.
“We want our programs to evolve to meet current workplace needs,” said Hardcastle. “This is particularly important given the new wet lab coming online and other anchor institutions that are in the healthcare space.”
A Network of Anchor Institutions
Institutions helping to reinforce the Cincinnati region’s strength in health and life sciences and drive national and global impact include Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, which has been considered one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals nationwide for the past 16 years. It has ranked No. 1 in the nation for Pediatric Cancer Care for three consecutive years, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. Additionally, it ranked #1 for Diabetes & Endocrinology and Gastroenterology & GI Surgery.
Also bolstering this regional network are Covington-based life sciences companies CTI (Clinical Trial and Consulting Services), a global, full-service CRO (Contract Research Organization); Gravity Diagnostics, a state-of-the-art laboratory providing diagnostic testing for universities and public health organizations, among others; and Bexion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is advancing a new class of biologic therapy.
With “world-class healthcare, companies like CTI, Gravity Diagnostics, and Bexion Pharmaceuticals, and teaching hospitals like St. Elizabeth Healthcare, which partners with Northern Kentucky University, we are deeply invested in growing this ecosystem,” said Godale. “With collaboration across the river with Cincinnati’s research and venture community, and a talent pipeline fed by our universities, we are set up for sustainable advancement in the health and life sciences sector.
“Northern Kentucky is the kind of place where a conversation at a breakout session could genuinely spark the next startup or research collaboration.”
For medical association meeting planners, this thriving ecosystem opens up the possibilities of lab tours and site visits, as well as potential keynote speakers, expert panels, and industry partners here in the region, all of which can elevate a conference’s relevance and appeal for attendees.
Discover how Northern Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem can elevate your next medical meeting. Contact us today to start planning.
