Maryland-based business has the potential to reshape the ophthalmology and neurology sectors

COLUMBIA, Md., (September 10, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Builder Fund investment in JuneBrain Inc., a biotechnology company. TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund is part of TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds, which were created to engage and invest in economically underserved founders and communities.

“JuneBrain was originally started to creatively support patients and those who care for them,” said Dr. Samantha Scott, founder and CEO. “TEDCO’s continued investments in us have helped our goals and unique strategies come to fruition.”

The Maryland Department of Commerce has officially opened the 2025 Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit (BIITC) program. Qualified Maryland Biotechnology Companies (QMBCs) can submit Form B applications starting on August 20, 2024, while investors can submit Form A applications starting September 3, 2024. The program offers income tax credits ranging from 33% to 75% of eligible investments, depending on the QMBC's location and specific program qualifications.

Enhanced credits are available for investors in Opportunity Zones and RISE Zones, with higher tax credits based on eligibility. Registration for the investor queue opens on September 24, 2024, and applications are processed on a first-come basis, with limited funding available. Be sure to apply early through the Commerce online system to take advantage of these tax benefits. For more information, please visit the official BIITC program page.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications for its FY24 $50 million Build to Scale program to support organizations that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems to support entrepreneurs as they build and scale technology-driven businesses—and the employees in the new, good jobs they create—to make and deliver new technology products and services. [Read Today’s Blog Post] 

Build to Scale (B2S) grants fund programs that support innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups transforming ideas into the critical, emerging technologies of the future.  

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Descartes-08 for the treatment of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Descartes-08, Cartesian’s lead mRNA cell therapy candidate, is an autologous mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T) product candidate targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Descartes-08 is designed to be administered without preconditioning chemotherapy and does not use integrating vectors.

Billions in funding from the CHIPS & Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Rescue Plan–known as the Investing in America suite of bills– have begun to flow into communities.

Over the next two years, it will be essential that state and local governments, industry, higher education institutions, workforce entities, labor unions, and the media effectively track and evaluate the flow of funding and the activities those funds are catalyzing.

A new tool released by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate aims to help illuminate just that. The interactive map shows the 198 signature place-based investments, highlighting the geographic diversity and intentional layering of investments across the two agencies.

The BioHealth Capital Region is proud to announce the finalists for this year’s Crab Trap Competition, selected from a highly competitive pool of a record number of over 60 applications from within the Region and beyond. These finalists represent a diverse and innovative group of biohealth companies, each bringing forward unique solutions with the potential to significantly impact the industry. The competition will take place on September 18th at 1:45 pm at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, as part of the BioHealth Capital Region Week.

The Crab Trap competition is designed to identify and foster the most innovative startups within the biohealth sector. It serves as a platform for emerging companies to gain exposure and interact with a network of industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. This year’s finalists were chosen based on their technological innovation, potential market impact, and the strength of their business model. The competition not only highlights cutting-edge advancements in healthcare and biotechnology but also provides a critical opportunity for startups to accelerate their journey from concept to market. As these companies prepare to present their solutions, the anticipation builds for how these innovations could reshape the future of medicine and healthcare.

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Canon Virginia, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of consumer and office products, will expand its manufacturing facility in the City of Newport News. The expansion will support Canon’s new initiative to scale a unique method of isolating natural silk protein to create a solution with applications for multiple industries. Canon Virginia will retrain 30 employees to staff the new line, which is one of the company’s first ventures outside their longstanding core business of image-related products.

ARPA-H has announced a new funding opportunity through its PRECISE-AI program, aimed at maintaining the accuracy and reliability of AI-enabled medical tools over time. As AI continues to transform healthcare, tools can degrade due to evolving data, patient populations, or operations. PRECISE-AI seeks to develop solutions that automatically detect and address these issues, ensuring safer, more effective care. With over 950 AI-enabled medical devices now authorized by the FDA, this initiative is critical to future healthcare innovations.

For more information, visit the PRECISE-AI program page.

Emmes, part of Emmes Group, today announced they will provide a Clinical Coordinating Center for the NIH's National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmes, part of Emmes Group, a leading specialty tech-enabled global contract research organization (CRO), has been selected by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) NIDA [National Institute of Drug Abuse] to support their Clinical Trials Network (CTN) for a multi-task, IDIQ contract.

The International Life Sciences Real Estate Conference, taking place on September 11-12, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Rockville, MD, is an event for professionals at the crossroads of biotech and commercial real estate. This conference will explore the latest trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the life sciences sector. Attendees will gain insights from top executives, developers, investors, and government officials on how to build thriving biotech ecosystems, navigate market conditions, and leverage AI and sustainability for future growth. Speakers include Maryland Governor Wes Moore and AstraZeneca's Cory Matthews.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- REGENXBIO Inc. (Nasdaq: RGNX) today announced positive results from the Phase I/II/III CAMPSIITE^® trial of RGX-121 for the treatment of patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), also known as Hunter syndrome. The results were presented at the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) Annual Symposium 2024.

The totality of evidence from the CAMPSIITE trial continues to support RGX-121 as the potential first gene therapy and one-time treatment for MPS II. In the United States, RGX-121 is also on track to be the first treatment that addresses the neurocognitive decline associated with MPS II, with the potential to be the first-line treatment for patients with neuronopathic disease. 

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in its first-in-human Phase 1 trial of Descartes-15, the Company’s next-generation autologous anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T).

As we approach the exciting BioHealth Capital Region Week, slated to kick off in just two weeks, there's still time to secure your spot at two of the region’s most anticipated events. The BioHealth Capital Region Forum and the Investment Conference are set to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the biohealth spectrum.

Growing Participation: With over 500 attendees already registered for the Forum and nearly 150 organizations signed up for the Investment Conference, the buzz is building. These events offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, attracting a diverse group of participants from the biohealth industry.

Crab Trap Competition: While applications for the Crab Trap competition have closed, we encourage everyone to register for the Forum to witness this innovation showcase. The finalists, who will be announced soon, will pitch their groundbreaking solutions to a panel of expert judges in a bid to win prizes and gain exposure.

Why You Should Attend:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with key industry players, potential investors, and partners.
• Educational Insights: Gain valuable insights from leading experts during panels and keynotes addressing the latest trends and challenges in the biohealth sector.
• Investment Prospects: For startups and investors, the Investment Conference offers a platform to explore potential funding and growth opportunities.
• Inspiring Content: Witness firsthand the innovative prowess of emerging companies during the Crab Trap competition.

Acknowledging Our Supporters: We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, whose generous support has made it possible for all attendees to participate free of charge. Additionally, our planning committees have been instrumental in crafting another year of engaging and insightful events, ensuring that the BioHealth Capital Region continues to thrive as a leading hub for biohealth innovation.

Don't Miss Out: There's still time to be part of these dynamic events. Register now to join hundreds of professionals at the forefront of the biohealth industry. Whether you're seeking knowledge, connections, or opportunities to advance your business, the BioHealth Capital Region Week is the place to be.

We look forward to welcoming you to an enriching experience that promises to elevate your understanding and engagement within the biohealth sector.

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., sits down with Peter Ronco, Chief Executive Officer of Emmes, a global full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO). Peter discusses his transition from leading roles at Janssen R&D and Bristol Myers Squibb to guiding Emmes' strategic direction and operations.

Peter introduces Emmes, its growth as a full-service CRO, and the recent partnership with New Mountain Capital that has accelerated global acquisitions and diversified services. He also discusses the formation of the Emmes Group, which includes Veridix AI, and the latest partnership with Mimansa AI, highlighting the impact of AI in clinical research.

Listen now via your favorite podcasting platforms:

Apple:https://apple.co/2QwoEIl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4dJCNf6
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Zfhzl7
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/3Xbi3Gf

The conversation also covers the strategic importance of Rockville, Maryland, as Emmes' headquarters and why Montgomery County is an ideal location. Peter wraps up by outlining Emmes' future growth plans.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™ adjuvant, today announced the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula) (NVX-CoV2705) has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals aged 12 and older. Novavax's vaccine is included in the recommendations issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on June 27, 2024.

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Activation Capital, an innovation ecosystem development organization, has announced the selection of 10 fast-growing startups from across the country for the inaugural Frontier BioHealth program, which commenced with an in-person gathering on August 8-9, 2024. Each company will benefit from highly specialized training, targeted mentorship, and extensive relationship-building opportunities to accelerate its growth in the life sciences and healthtech sectors.

Frontier BioHealth by Activation Capital is an educational and support program designed to provide highly specialized training, targeted mentorship, and relationship building to help scale pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and health-focused consumer products companies. As an independent nonprofit corporation operating on behalf of the Virginia Research Biotechnology Partnership Authority, Activation Capital is committed to advancing life sciences and other cutting-edge technologies through scientific research, commercialization, and ecosystem development.

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OxiWear, a pioneering company in wearable health technology, is proud to announce that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its cutting-edge oxygen monitoring device. This certification marks a significant milestone in OxiWear's mission to revolutionize patient care and enhance the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases.

OxiWear is a cutting-edge ear pulse oximeter designed for continuous, real-time measurement of blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate. This device provides unmatched accuracy and convenience while still and during motion, across all skin types, within clinical and home environments. Unlike traditional methods, OxiWear ensures that patients and healthcare providers have constant access to important oxygen saturation data. The continuous data collection capability is vital for the early detection of hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), offering prompt haptic and emergency messaging alerts that can potentially save lives.

Rural Maryland-based biotechnology business seeks to develop new methods for image-based tissue diagnostics and assays

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 27, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $25,000 Pre-Seed Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) investment in NEOPATHOLOGY CORP. TEDCO’s RBII was designed to enhance technology commercialization and provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies based in rural Maryland.

“Our proprietary approach standardizes the tissue diagnostic process using contemporary spatial biology-enabling platforms,” said Paul Aiyetan, founder, CEO and director of NEOPATHOLOGY CORP. “Through this process, we are hoping to reduce diagnostic errors, improve diagnostic accuracy and expedite the time to treatment initiation. Thanks to TEDCO’s investment, we can continue progressing towards our goals.”

Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) has proudly released its FY24 Annual Report, marking ten years of exceptional growth in innovation and entrepreneurship. The report highlights JHTV's significant achievements, including a fourfold increase in venture investments and a tripling of annual licensing revenue. These accomplishments underscore JHTV's critical role in translating groundbreaking research into impactful technologies.

The report also celebrates the establishment of the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship, which continues to nurture student and community innovation at Johns Hopkins. In addition to these milestones, JHTV has spearheaded collaborations, secured substantial funding, and supported the growth of new startups, further solidifying its position as a leader in academic technology transfer.

HJF, Montgomery County, Maryland & BioBuzz

We are teaming up to bring the research community a new and exciting opportunity - the HJF Networking and Educational Series. Each quarter, a new topic will be presented in HJF's state-of-the-art Conference Facility located at HJF Headquarters, followed by complimentary food and drinks.

Join us at 4 p.m. on September 9, 2024

https://www.hjf.org/networking-educational-series

Questions? Send an Email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Want to Learn the Ins & Outs of the FDA Approval Process?

Join us for an informative FDA Panel, moderated by HJF's Scientific  Employee Resource Group, followed by networking with Montgomery County life science colleagues.

Date: September 9, 2024
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: HJF Conference Facility
6720A Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 26, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Simmbion, LLC. Businesses receiving an investment from TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund, housed under TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds, receive access to a variety of benefits designed to nurture business growth.

“The promise of biologic drugs has been hampered by the need for frequent injections and cold-chain logistics,” said Derese Getnet, CEO of Simmbion. “Through the assistance of TEDCO, Simmbion is working to eliminate the need for recurrent needle-based administration of these drugs (and all the associated cold-chain). In success, our approach will transform adherence to treatment for diabetes, obesity, rare genetic diseases and cancer.”

The next cycle of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is just around the corner, with a critical submission deadline set for January 5th, 2025. This highly competitive program offers early-stage funding opportunities for small businesses engaged in research and development that addresses significant biomedical challenges.

The NIH SBIR program provides a powerful vehicle for small businesses to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare IT. Through this program, businesses can secure non-dilutive funding to advance their innovative solutions while gaining access to NIH’s vast network of resources and expertise.

Now is the time for eligible companies to prepare their proposals. Securing funding through the NIH SBIR program requires a robust and well-articulated application that clearly demonstrates the proposed project’s scientific merit, innovation, and commercial potential. Companies should also ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and align their research with NIH’s priorities.

This September 19^th, the BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference will once again serve as a premier gathering for the biopharma sector, uniting a dynamic blend of participants, including industry executives, investors, and exciting early-stage companies. Known for fostering impactful collaborations and driving innovation, the free-to-attend conference on the third day of BioHealth Capital Region Week is an essential event for those invested in the continued growth of the BioHealth Capital Region.

As part of this event, BioHealth Innovation (BHI) invites you to connect with our expert Analyst Team, led by Jon Nelson. This team plays a pivotal role in advancing the biohealth ecosystem by offering strategic insights within the non-dilutive funding space that help drive success for startups and established companies.

Attendees registered will have the unique opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with Jon Nelson. These sessions offer a chance to discuss non-dilutive funding, gain valuable guidance from a team deeply embedded in the grant landscape, and explore potential options for grant assistance. The BHI Analyst Team is equipped to provide the support you need to achieve your goals.

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., welcomes Brad Sibbald, Vice President of Kelly Science and Clinical, and Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services. Together, they explore the critical trends and strategies shaping the biotech and government workforce landscapes, with a particular focus on the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR).

Kelly Services, a global leader in workforce solutions, plays a pivotal role in connecting talent with opportunities across various industries, including science, engineering, technology, and telecommunications. Brad and Sarah provide valuable insights into how Kelly Services is adapting to the evolving needs of the biotech sector, from commercial enterprises to government agencies.

Listen now via your favorite podcasting platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/4dSL8N6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4e1sl2t
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3zLNbUw
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2M60Wmx

The discussion covers various topics, including the current talent landscape in the BHCR, strategies for maintaining a robust pipeline, and the challenges of retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Additionally, we learn about Kelly’s upcoming virtual job fair in September (https://bit.ly/3yMuiRm), an event for those looking to connect with opportunities in the biotech sector and the 2024 Kelly Global Re:work Report (https://bit.ly/3SSVhBl), offering listeners valuable insights into the future of work and workforce trends globally.

This is your last chance to apply for this year’s Crab Trap Competition, taking place on September 18th, 2024, during BioHealth Capital Region Week at USP in Rockville, Maryland. This event is an incredible opportunity for startups in the biohealth sector to pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed industry leaders.

Pitch Your Innovation: Finalists will present their business models and technologies during day 2 of the BioHealth Capital Region Forum, gaining invaluable exposure and direct feedback from industry professionals. This platform is perfect for engaging with potential investors and accelerating your company’s visibility.

Prizes:

• Cash Awards: Winners will receive $10,000 from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR) and additional funding from the Montgomery County Government.
• CRO Services: A selected company will also benefit from $10,000 in CRO services from Noble Life Sciences and Accelevir, which can help advance product development.

Additional Opportunities: The winning team will be featured on the BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, further increasing their visibility within the biohealth community.

Wilson Sonsini's Entrepreneurs Report for the first half of 2024 is now available, offering critical insights into the current private company financing landscape. Valuations remain subdued across Seed to Series C stages, with many still below their recent peaks. However, later-stage companies are beginning to see larger fundraising amounts, suggesting a cautious but emerging confidence among investors.

A notable theme in the report is the decline in down rounds, indicating that investors are shifting their focus toward healthier, more sustainable startups. This trend, coupled with steady momentum in pre-seed notes and a dip in post-seed raise amounts, reflects a mixed yet cautiously optimistic venture capital environment.

The report also highlights significant changes in Delaware's corporate law, which could have substantial implications for governance rights among venture-backed startups. These legal developments, along with the financial trends observed, are shaping the venture landscape as we move into the latter half of 2024. Access the full report here.

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Techstars, Johns Hopkins University, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) announced today a collaboration to launch a new healthcare accelerator program designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs building pathways to better care through artificial intelligence.

By Sara Gilgore – Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal Aug 21, 2024 - Sally Allain, the inaugural head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s D.C. incubator, has left her position after more than four years — to grow Virginia Tech’s health sciences research enterprise.

Allain, a longtime J&J exec who built up and led the local JLabs hub that planted roots on Children’s National Hospital’s Walter Reed campus in spring 2019, stepped away this month, announcing her departure in a LinkedIn post. She’ll start with Virginia Tech next week as chief health sciences growth and innovation officer, a newly created position charged with spinning out technology companies and tapping big-name partners across sectors.

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Retension Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful closing of its Series A $10.4 million financing round to initiate a well-powered and controlled Phase 2 clinical study in patients with hypertension uncontrolled on two or more antihypertensives.

The Technology Transfer Society – Washington D.C. Chapter is excited to announce its Fall 2024 course, "Introduction to Technology Transfer and Commercialization," offered in collaboration with Montgomery College. This hybrid course, available both virtually and in-person, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the technology transfer process—transitioning innovations from the lab to the marketplace.

Whether you're interested in the inner workings of a technology transfer office or looking to commercialize your own invention, this course is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights. You'll learn from seasoned professionals, including experts from federal labs, who will share their knowledge and experiences to help you navigate the complexities of technology transfer.

A Whiting School-led interinstitutional research team will develop a novel photoacoustic endoscope and fluorescent contrast agent to ensure total tumor removal and preservation of healthy tissue

A Johns Hopkins Engineering-led team has won an award of up to $20.9 million over five years from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop novel technologies for precise tumor removal. ARPA-H is a federal funding agency established by the Biden-Harris administration to rapidly advance high-impact biomedical research centered around preventing, detecting, and treating cancer and other diseases.

Using its ARPA-H award, the team, led by Emad Boctor of the Whiting School of Engineering and including collaborators from Johns Hopkins’ schools of Engineering and Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, and industry will develop a novel, non-contact photoacoustic endoscope that promises to provide an information-enhanced view of the surgical field without altering surgeons’ workflows. When used with the team’s proposed multi-cancer fluorescent contrast agent, the endoscope will help surgeons identify and remove any remaining microscopic cancer remnants during tumor removal procedures.

The team will also use existing fluorescent dyes in combination with their novel photoacoustic endoscope to visualize critical anatomical structures, allowing surgeons to “see” deep into human tissue to reveal hidden blood vessels and nerves so that they are not accidentally damaged during such procedures.

This project is one of several nationwide chosen for funding of up to $150 million total from the ARPA-H Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program, which is part of the broader Biden-Harris administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.

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Women In Bio (WIB) will be well-represented at the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum on September 17th and 18th, 2024, at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD. WIB, a national organization dedicated to advancing women’s careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship in the life sciences, will host a table at this annual event as part of its in-kind partnership with BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) and the Forum planning committee. Attendees can learn more about WIB’s mission to empower women across the biohealth sector and explore opportunities to get involved in this dynamic community.

With 13 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, including the Capital Region chapter, WIB’s members include professionals from leading biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device companies, academia, government, and supporting industries like finance and law. WIB provides a robust platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development, fostering diversity and inclusion in life sciences.

AURP and its BIO Health Caucus have sponsored the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum (Sept 17-18) at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD.

Serving on the Forum planning committee are: Amy Adams, Executive Director of George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation; Kolaleh Eskandanian, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s National Hospital; and Brian Darmody, AURP Chief Strategy Officer.

The BioHealth Capital Region Forum gathers together the DC/MD/VA region’s biopharma sector, to highlight the region’s capabilities and achievements with insights into future trends. With over 2,300 life science companies, 78 federal labs, and numerous esteemed academic institutions, the BioHealth Capital Region stands as a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. Learn more.

In this special episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., hosts a compelling discussion with three groundbreaking guests from South Africa: Johann de Bruyn, CEO of TASK, Ethan Hunter, Chief Operations Officer at Immobazyme, and Dr. Carla Eksteen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University. Together, they share their journey of connecting South Africa's biotech scene with the BioHealth Capital Region, showcasing how innovation transcends borders.

Johann de Bruyn opens the conversation by introducing TASK Applied Science and its collaborative relationship with the U.S. He explains the genesis of Bio Centrifuge Africa, a business plan competition inspired by the BioHealth Capital Region's Crab Trap, designed to bridge the gap between South Africa’s emerging biotech sector and the established BHCR.

Ethan Hunter, co-founder of Immobazyme, discusses his company’s pioneering work in precision fermentation and the growing impact it has across various industries. He reflects on the significance of winning Bio Centrifuge Africa and the exciting opportunity to compete in the 9th Annual Crab Trap in Maryland this September.

Dr. Carla Eksteen shares her research journey in cancer immunotherapy and the vital role her work plays in advancing healthcare in South Africa. She talks about the opportunities provided by Bio Centrifuge Africa and her upcoming trip to Maryland as part of the competition winners.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/3SUCMwz
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XbF9wv
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Mbzph1
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/3MbzqBB