75 Students Set to Participate in the 2026 NIIMBL eXperience This June

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is proud to announce the selection of 75 first- and second-year college students for the 2026 NIIMBL experience program. The cohort represents 67 academic institutions across 19 states, including Puerto Rico. Students will participate in one of five NIIMBL eXperience programs taking place in June. The list of participants can be found on the NIIMBL eXperience webpage.

The NIIMBL eXperience is a week‑long immersion program that introduces students to career opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry. Participants visit manufacturing facilities, engage with industry professionals, and take part in hands‑on activities and workshops. The program strengthens the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry talent pipeline by showcasing the wide range of career options to talented students.

“A strong talent pipeline is essential for the biopharmaceutical industry to continue advancing and meeting workforce demands,” said John Balchunas, NIIMBL Workforce Director. “The NIIMBL eXperience introduces companies to emerging talent and helps cultivate the future professionals who will drive innovation and strengthen the industry’s long‑term competitiveness.”

In September 2025, NIIMBL awarded $500,000 to five organizations selected to host the 2026 NIIMBL eXperience. Each host will deliver a unique program in June. The 2026 NIIMBL eXperience host locations are:

• Puerto Rico Science Technology and Research Trust (May 31 – June 6, 2026)
• Santa Clara University (June 21-27, 2026)
• University of Houston (June 7-13, 2026)
• The Wistar Institute (June 21-27, 2026)
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (May 31 – June 6, 2026)

Since 2019, 238 students from 144 academic institutions have participated in the NIIMBL eXperience. The 2026 cohort will introduce 75 additional students to the biopharmaceutical industry, reflecting the program’s growth from its first class of five students to five nationwide programs serving 75 students in 2026.

NIIMBL has opened the Request for Applications for 2027 NIIMBL eXperience regional lead organizations. Academic and nonprofit NIIMBL members are encouraged to apply. NIIMBL will host a virtual Listening Session on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET to review the opportunity and answer questions.

For more information on the NIIMBL eXperience, including a list of student participants, visit niimbl.org.