BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis welcomes Sona Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Neopenda, for an inspiring conversation on innovation, impact, and scaling medical technology in underserved markets. Sona shares how a formative experience teaching in rural Kenya ignited her passion for global health, leading to the creation of neoGuard, a wearable vital signs monitor tailored for low-resource settings. This episode builds on a recent article featured on the BHI News page, offering a deeper look into Neopenda’s journey, innovations, and impact in global health.

They discuss the engineering challenges of building clinical-grade hardware for hospitals with limited infrastructure, the company’s growth from Maryland’s Relevant Health accelerator, and the deployment of over 350 devices across East and West Africa. Sona also talks about Neopenda’s next wave of products, lessons in balancing cost and quality, and the importance of community, resilience, and mission-driven entrepreneurship.

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In this timely episode of BioTalk, returning guest Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, joins host Rich Bendis to explore how sweeping changes in U.S. regulatory policy, workforce dynamics, and economic pressures are affecting the biotech industry in real time.

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Apple: https://apple.co/3EHj6IE
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3EIid2q
iHeart: https://ihr.fm/3Ykuq46
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jR5byw
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Alex breaks down the potential consequences of FDA workforce cuts, particularly for small and mid-sized biotechs that depend on regulatory guidance, and offers perspective on how HHS and NIH budget proposals could reshape the national innovation infrastructure. The conversation covers everything from the impact of tariffs on manufacturing and supply chains to the slowing pace of M&A activity and venture capital investment trends. Alex also shares his insights on IPO strategy shifts, and whether the current biotech environment is poised for a rebound—or a broader realignment with global competitors. This is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating the uncertain waters of biotech in 2025.

What does it take to establish Maryland as a powerhouse for biotech commercialization? In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Deborah Hemingway, Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, shares her insights on the current investment landscape in the BioHealth Capital Region. She discusses the strategic advantages that make Maryland uniquely positioned for success, the critical gaps that must be addressed, and how state and local governments can provide essential support through tax credits, grants, and economic incentives.

Dr. Hemingway also highlights Ecphora Capital’s impact, having deployed $15 million in the last two years, and reveals the firm’s strategy for future investments, including SPVs and a dedicated fund. With deep experience in medtech commercialization, strategic partnerships, and early-stage investing, she offers valuable perspectives on where the industry is headed in 2025 and how companies can thrive in an evolving biotech ecosystem.

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/40QvxJg
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TuneIn: https://bit.ly/42LITcb

Tune in for a compelling conversation on innovation, investment, and the future of biotech in the BioHealth Capital Region.

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis is joined by Amitabh Varshney, Dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Together, they explore the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence and health computing driven by the University of Maryland (UMD).

Dean Varshney discusses the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) earlier this year. He shares insights into the vision behind AIM, the strategic hiring of new faculty, the allocation of seed grants, and the development of academic programs in AI, all solidifying UMD's position as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

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In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Kolaleh Eskandanian, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s National Hospital, discusses her work driving pediatric healthcare innovation. Dr. Eskandanian introduces the BARDA SPARK Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing medical countermeasures for children, and explains how it aligns with Children’s National’s mission to lead in pediatric healthcare innovation.

She also highlights the unique challenges in developing pediatric medical countermeasures and the importance of partnerships with organizations like Rainbow Babies, Mass General, and others. Additionally, Dr. Eskandanian shares insights into the hospital’s role in fostering innovation through the National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation (NCC-PDI) and the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus.

Join us for an engaging conversation about the future of pediatric healthcare, the opportunities for innovation, and how the SPARK Accelerator is paving the way for advancements that will improve the lives of children worldwide.

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In this episode of BioTalk, Bill Tompkins, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), discusses the strategies driving Montgomery County’s position as a leading bioscience hub. Bill highlights MCEDC’s role in reinforcing the region’s standing as the third-largest bioscience cluster in the U.S. and shares insights into the new Institute for Health Computing. He also introduces two new venture funds—the Technology Innovation Fund and the Founders Fund—designed to accelerate innovation and support local entrepreneurs.

Bill outlines MCEDC’s priorities for the upcoming year, emphasizing economic growth, investment opportunities, and fostering collaborations that make Montgomery County a thriving ecosystem for business and life sciences.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platforms:

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In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis welcomes Ric Hughen, CEO of Linshom Medical, and Talia Feldman, Software Engineer at Linshom Medical, to discuss their groundbreaking advancements in respiratory monitoring technology. As the main winners of the 2024 Crab Trap Competition at the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week, Ric and Talia share Linshom’s mission to improve patient safety through their innovative and accessible respiratory monitoring devices.

Ric explains how Linshom is addressing critical gaps in respiratory monitoring by bringing operating-room-quality data to patient bedsides and homes. Talia shares insights from the engineering side, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in developing reliable and user-friendly technology.

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The conversation explores Linshom’s roots in the BioHealth Capital Region and how its partnerships and resources have been instrumental to the company’s growth. Talia reflects on her experience presenting at the Crab Trap Competition, and Ric discusses how this recognition aligns with Linshom’s broader visibility and growth objectives.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Eric Edwards, Co-Founder and CEO of MedPhlow, shares how his innovative company is reshaping emergency medicine through cutting-edge drug delivery systems. Dr. Edwards discusses his journey from co-founding Kaléo, where he helped develop life-saving products like AUVI-Q, to leading MedPhlow, a subsidiary of Phlow Corp. Based in Richmond, VA, MedPhlow is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in essential medicine delivery, with its first product focused on improving outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Edwards explains the groundbreaking technology behind MedPhlow’s platform and how it is poised to transform emergency care. He also highlights the impact of investor partnerships, such as those with Virginia Venture Partners, and discusses MedPhlow’s next milestones in its mission to make emergency medicine more efficient and accessible.

As a part of the BioHealth Capital Region, Dr. Edwards reflects on the advantages of being based in this vibrant hub of innovation and his contributions as a BioHealth Innovation (BHI) board member. Tune in to learn about the future of MedPhlow and the inspiring work being done to advance life-saving solutions in healthcare.

Listen via your favorite podcasting platform:

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Join us for an insightful episode of BioTalk as Rich Bendis speaks with Eric Mayton, CEO of Cerillo, one of the recent winners at the Crab Trap competition during the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week. Cerillo, based in Charlottesville, VA, is making waves in microbiome research and biological product development with its innovative tools designed to tackle variability challenges and enhance data collection efficiency.

In this episode, Eric shares Cerillo’s mission to combat Eroom's Law—the increasing cost and time in drug development—through affordable and accessible research tools like the Stratus and Alto microplate readers. We also dive into the impact of Cerillo’s co-culture duet system, which is transforming cellular interaction studies in fields such as antimicrobial resistance and biofuel development.

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:

Apple - https://apple.co/3Cw22DT
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In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis sits down with Rachel Rath, the Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, to discuss her journey and insights on building a thriving ecosystem for life sciences innovation. Rachel shares her academic and professional background, from roles at PCORI and BARDA Blue Knight to leading JLABS @ Washington, DC. She offers an in-depth look at JLABS’ national and international footprint, and the significant partnerships with organizations like Children’s National, Virginia Tech, and BARDA that strengthen the innovation landscape across the mid-Atlantic.

Tune in as Rachel shares the current priorities at JLABS, highlighting the diversity of its tenant portfolio, which spans MedTech, Pharma, and Integrated Healthcare Solutions. She also discusses how JLABS companies benefit from the support and resources available through Johnson & Johnson, including access to valuable connections, mentorship, and funding opportunities via JJDC.

Listen now via your favorite podcasting platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/4fybjcO
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4eenlXO
Amazin Music: https://amzn.to/3NRxK0P
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4ecryv7