Skip to content

Tech & Bioscience

Building in Buffalo County: a Strategic Choice for Data, Diagnostics and Development

Buffalo County offers the key ingredients tech and bioscience companies look for: a growing, educated workforce, strategic partnerships with a research-driven university, and an environment where employers can scale without cost pressure.

For businesses in professional, scientific, and technical services, that translates into both workforce availability and market stability. More than 2,950 people already work in this sector locally, earning an average annual wage of $61,812. These figures continue to grow in parallel with industry demand.

technology fast forward

Emerging Cluster: Local Companies Leading the Way: Innovation and Diagnostics Companies Already Growing Here

Buffalo County is home to a growing cluster of tech and bioscience employers, including:

West Pharmaceutical Services: A global manufacturer providing packaging systems and drug delivery solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.
west pharma worker

Ward Laboratories: A full-service agricultural testing lab supporting clients nationwide with soil, water, feed, and plant analysis.
ward labs soils

MARA: A biotechnology and diagnostics firm with a strong regional footprint and expanding capabilities.
mara

These companies reflect the broad scope of activity in the sector—from life sciences and pharma packaging to ag-tech, lab diagnostics, and biotech consulting. Their continued growth illustrates the competitive advantages of doing business in central Nebraska.

Ideal Fit for These Tech and Bioscience Sectors

Buffalo County is an ideal location for companies in:

Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Medical, Diagnostic & Testing Laboratories

Pharmaceutical Support Services

Custom Software and IT Services for Healthcare or AgTech

Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

Research and Development in Biotechnology

These businesses benefit from local access to skilled workers, lower overhead, and opportunities to engage directly with university research programs.

University of Nebraska at Kearney: A Direct Talent Pipeline

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) plays a central role in shaping Buffalo County’s tech and bioscience ecosystem. The university enrolls over 6,000 students, 4,269 undergraduates and 1,772 graduate students, and offers over 200 academic programs. Many of those programs directly align with industry needs, including:

  • Biology, biotechnology, and health sciences
  • Computer science and information technology
  • Business administration and management
  • Pre-professional medical and scientific tracks

UNK has earned national recognition for academic quality and value. It ranks among the top 10 public regional universities in the Midwest and holds the No. 1 ranking in Nebraska. Programs like the Nebraska Promise and the New Nebraskan Scholarship significantly reduce tuition costs, expanding access to high-caliber students nationwide.

This recognition matters for business. Local companies benefit from UNK’s internship and research partnership opportunities, access to recent graduates, and a tuition strategy that keeps talent in the region.

Build With Confidence in Buffalo County

Talk with our team about sites, workforce data, and incentives. Buffalo County is ready if you’re evaluating new locations for a tech or bioscience operation. 

We’ll connect you with detailed site data, tailored workforce analytics, and introductions to education and research partners. Contact us to start your site review today.

Ready to Learn More?