natsumi 200x200ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, May 10, 2021 BioHealth Innovation Inc. (BHI) announces the addition of Dr. Natsumi Takahashi-Vitiello, PhD in the role of Analyst. In her new position, Dr. Takahashi-Vitiello will assist the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) Program at BHI in the evaluation of early-stage technologies, strategic planning for start-up companies, and identification/developmental strategies of new venture opportunities.

 “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Natsumi Takahashi-Vitiello to the BHI family,” said Richard Bendis, BHI President, and CEO. “Her biohealth business experience and scientific background will support the BHI clients in their commercialization and fund-raising activities.”

Dr. Takahashi-Vitiello received her PhD in Developmental and Reproductive Biology from the University of Hawaii for her work on the potential role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 alpha (HIF1a) in multipotent germ cells and neural stem/progenitor cells.  After completing her degree program, Natsumi moved to Maryland and worked as a Research Scientist at Ocular Proteomics whose mission was to develop a predictive protein biomarker panel for treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.  She worked closely with and advised the CEO on scientific directions which helped to secure a collaboration project contract with a major pharmaceutical company.  She then took a position as an R&D/Product Development Scientist at BioIVT and contributed to the development of isolation and characterization methods for non-parenchymal hepatic cell products.  Natsumi then held the position of Senior Scientist at BioMarker Strategies and worked on assessing capabilities of and making improvements on the company’s patented molecular diagnostic platform. 

“I am thrilled to be joining the BHI team and am looking forward to assisting local entrepreneurs with their technology/product development and commercialization needs,” said Natsumi Takahashi-Vitiello. “I am also excited to have an opportunity to build relationships with wonderful partners in the BioHealth Capital Region ecosystem.”

About BioHealth Innovation, Inc.

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) is a public-private nonprofit organization focused on accelerating biohealth (therapeutic, diagnostic, medtech, and health IT) commercialization in the BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, DC, and Virginia). BHI’s team of expert Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, in-house venture analysts, and other professional staff work in the region to:

  • Facilitate technology commercialization,
  • Raise the profile of the industry cluster and individual organizations,
  • Increase access to capital for early-stage and growing companies, and
  • Expand the pool of talent with commercially relevant experience.

BHI’s early-stage company support includes market research and commercialization plan development, non-dilutive funding application assistance; a jobs board; event calendar; and introductions to investors, strategic partners, business advisors, and potential clients. BHI also manages wet lab space and provides referrals to other spaces for early-stage companies, offers soft-landing support for international companies, and works with partners to co-host the annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum and an annual BioHealth Capital Region investor partnering conference. For more information: www.BioHealthInnovation.org

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Media contacts:
Rich Bendis
Phone: 301-637-6439, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.