Wisconsin is a competitive advantage.

That was the key message Exact Sciences CEO, President and Chairman Kevin Conroy relayed to attendees during his keynote presentation at the annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium Wednesday at the Monona Terrace.

After being recruited to lead Exact Sciences in 2009, Conroy moved the company from Boston to Madison.

“There is something different here,” Conroy said. “People who join your company won’t give up. I can’t say that about San Diego or Cambridge.”

Conroy also cited the “world-class” talent and the “best biochem program in the world” as other advantages the state has to offer.

“(Plus), this is a phenomenal place to live,” Conroy said.

Chief Science Officer Graham Lidgard, who was on stage with Conroy, agreed, as he was recruited from La Jolla, Calif.

The Early Stage Symposium continues through tomorrow.