Senior Economic Development Manager, Sam Rauf, recently joined the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and colleagues from across the state at CPHI Frankfurt 2025—one of the world’s largest and most influential gatherings for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

With over 60,000 attendees from more than 160 countries and 2,400+ exhibiting companies representing the full spectrum of the global supply chain, CPHI offered an unparalleled opportunity to showcase North Carolina’s thriving life sciences ecosystem. From Europe to Asia to North America, the event was a truly global affair, and Wake County stood out as a key player in the international life sciences landscape.

A highlight of the trip was reconnecting with Ypsomed AG, who recently announced their first U.S. operations in Holly Springs—a major win for the region’s biotech sector. The team also returned with several promising leads that could further strengthen Wake County’s position as a hub for innovation and investment.

Adding to the momentum, ElectriCities of North Carolina hosted a special “Doing Business in NC” networking night at the German National Soccer Team Training Facility. The event provided a unique and memorable setting to engage with German businesses interested in expanding to the U.S., and helped deepen international ties.

Notably, few U.S. states had a presence at CPHI, making North Carolina’s booth and delegation even more impactful. The visibility helped elevate the Research Triangle and the broader state on the global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for life sciences growth.

The energy, connections, and opportunities from this event will continue to fuel Wake County’s economic development efforts in the months ahead.