From Gamers to Scientists: Rad Lab Introduces Oregon Youth to Bioscience Careers for February’s Career Technical Education Month

PORTLAND, OR — Imagine a world where career exploration meets gaming – where students can dive into the dynamic world of bioscience through an interactive, free-to-play video game. That’s exactly what the Oregon Bioscience Association (Oregon Bio)  delivers with Rad Lab, a mobile game designed to spark interest in life sciences careers among Oregon’s youth.

Launched in celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, Rad Lab is more than just a game; it’s an innovative workforce pipeline. The game leverages mobile technology to introduce over 300,000 young Oregonians, with an emphasis on priority populations, to high-paying, high-impact careers in bioscience. Players navigate real-world inspired job environments, learn critical industry skills, and discover career pathways in Oregon’s thriving bioscience sector – all from their phones or tablets.

“There’s a general uncertainty around what life science is, even among adults, which can result in under- or misrepresentation of these career pathways in schools,” says Oregon Bio’s Executive Director, Liisa Bozinovic. “The game allows players to explore various bioscience careers available right here in Oregon, many of which don’t require a four-year degree.”

A Game That’s Changing the Game
Rad Lab’s three playable careers environments – a lab, a manufacturing facility, and a logistics and distribution center – reflect Oregon’s diverse bioscience landscape. This landscape ranges from working with medical devices and pharmaceuticals to research and testing. Players take on interactive challenges that mirror actual job requirements, such as cleanroom protocols, Food and Drug Administration compliance, and data accuracy. Throughout the game, players explore local job descriptions, salary ranges, and educational pathways.

Created by Skillionaire Games – a developer specializing in career-focused video games for industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, IT, and advanced manufacturing – Rad Lab has successfully helped young players explore career opportunities. When the game was introduced in other regions, it delivered impressive results. “Over 80% of Rad Lab players went from not having any idea what Life Science was to knowing it is about making products for healthcare after just three levels of play,” reports Skillionaire Games’ Chief Marketing Officer, Cynthia Jenkins. “That same percentage learned that you don’t have to be a scientist to work in life science.”

Why Bioscience? Why Now?
Oregon’s bioscience industry is booming, generating $21.2 billion in economic activity impact and supporting 28,000 jobs with an average salary of $100,000 (50% higher than the state average). 40% of private-sector bioscience jobs are located outside the Portland metro area. 

“This is a valuable metric as we aim to make positive impacts on elevating Oregon’s next workforce generation, our post-secondary ecosystem, as well as our state’s competitiveness in supporting this expanding industry,” says Shari Dunn, Chair of Oregon’s Workforce and Talent Development Board.

With bioscience firms present in nearly every county, Dunn sees Rad Lab as a game-changer for workforce development. “The fact that the game promotes local content and connections means we get to keep our talent right here in the state.”

Play Rad Lab for Free
Rad Lab is made possible through a collaboration between Oregon Bio and Skillionaire Games. Rad Lab is free to play and available for download on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and online at www.skillionairegames.com/radlab.

For organizations looking to partner and support Oregon’s bioscience talent pipeline, visit www.skillsgapp.com or contact 864.469.9340 to explore partnership opportunities.
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About Oregon Bioscience Association
Oregon Bio is a member-supported regional bioscience alliance that fosters industry growth and policy awareness through government advocacy, workforce development, educational programs, enterprise resources, networking events, and public-private research collaborations. Dedicated to advancing innovation and opportunity, Oregon Bio supports bioscience, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and digital health sectors by fostering sustainability, business expansion, and scientific progress. Oregon Bio recently released the 2025 Economic Impact Report, which details the industry’s $21.2 billion economic contribution, job growth, and the role of bioscience in Oregon’s statewide economy.