BioMedical Tech Industry Success Story in Fairfax

Powering Precision Health Research in Fairfax County

Consider it a high-tech upgrade to health research. Academic research, health systems and public health are leveling up their studies thanks to groundbreaking work from Vibrent Health in Fairfax County.

Founded in 2009, Vibrent was the first health technology company of its kind focused on biomedical research and mobile digital health solutions. Backed by 150-plus professionals, the digital health company develops software as a service (SaaS) machine-learning platforms and programs designed to advance personalized health and precision medicine.

A trailblazer in its own right, Vibrent counts another worldwide leader as its innovation benefactor. In 2016, the firm won a $75 million initial award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a precision medicine platform for the All of Us Research Program. The initiative is one of the largest ever to focus on individuals and communities historically underrepresented in biomedical research.

NIH reaffirmed its alliance with Vibrent in 2020, committing additional funding, starting with $39 million for the first year, to continue All of Us work over the next five years. Another NIH investment was awarded in 2021 to develop technology for COVID-19 screening, testing and contact tracing. Since launching its partnership with NIH, Vibrent more than tripled its staff and moved into new offices. With a Northern Virginia HQ, Vibrent manages relationships with the NIH and other Greater Washington-area clients with ease.

Fairfax County is home to 5,300 health-related companies, and the area’s life sciences global market is forecasted to total $3.5 trillion by 2024. Fueling the way is 460,000-plus experts in pharmaceuticals, precision medicine, R&D, clinical integration, analytics and other areas. More than 45 regional colleges and universities promote a talent pool that’s diverse, educated and steadily growing.