The 11th Annual BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) Week, held from September 23 to 25 at the US Pharmacopeia (USP) in Rockville, MD, brought together over 750 attendees, showcasing the strength, resilience, and innovation of the region’s biohealth ecosystem. The Forum, coupled with the 8th Annual BHCR Investment Conference and the 10th Annual Crab Trap Competition, made BHCR Week 2025 once again highlight the leadership of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. in advancing life sciences.
Day 1 Highlights
Rich Bendis, President & CEO of BHI, Welcomes Attendees to BHCR Week
The Forum opened with welcome remarks from Rich Bendis, President & CEO of BioHealth Innovation, joined by Tony Lakavage of USP, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade JuanPablo Segura, Stefanie Trop, PhD, of Maryland Commerce, and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.
Alex Philippidis of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News returned with the annual GEN Top 10 BioClusters update, where the BioHealth Capital Region proudly retained its Top 3 ranking. Pete Briskman of JLL followed with his regional update, offering insights into growth, challenges, and the future trajectory of the BHCR.
Day 1 also featured panels addressing federal funding challenges, the role of national science and technology associations, and new university-driven initiatives bridging academia and industry. FDA leaders joined to provide regulatory insights on the impact of artificial intelligence.
Whurley, Founder and CEO of Strangeworks
The keynote address by William Hurley, widely known as Whurley, Founder and CEO of Strangeworks, captivated the audience with “Decoding the Quantum Revolution – Unlocking the Future of Technology.” Whurley shared his vision for quantum’s transformative potential across industries and how it can grow in the biohealth space, inspiring attendees with his expertise as a global leader in quantum innovation.
Additional sessions included a discussion on AI applications across the drug discovery and manufacturing pipeline, as well as a Fireside Chat with USP CEO Ronald Piervincenzi and Rich Bendis on USP’s leadership role in advancing science both locally and globally.
Day 2 Highlights
Matthew Keesan, Vice President and General Manager of the Quantum Platform at IonQ
The second day began with a keynote from Matthew Keesan, Vice President and General Manager of the Quantum Platform at IonQ, who outlined the emerging opportunities for quantum technologies to address some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. IonQ was created in Maryland and is the first pure Quantum IPO in the industry.
Brian Stamper, Rebecca Janny of AZ, and Brad Sibbald of Kelly
Panels throughout the day explored philanthropy as a driver of research, supply chain vulnerabilities and domestic manufacturing opportunities for critical medicines, and the role of AI in improving patient care. A spotlight session highlighted AstraZeneca’s new state-of-the-art cell and gene therapy facility in Rockville, underscoring the region’s momentum in advanced therapies, moderated by Brad Sibbald, Senior Vice President, Science Domain Leader, Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom. Panelists were Brian Stamper, Executive Director and GM, Cell Therapy Operations with AstraZeneca, and Rebecca Janney, US Talent Acquisition Lead, Focused on R&D, IT, and Operations Recruitment with AstraZeneca.
Rich Bendis & Perfusion CEO Gerard Eldering
One of the week’s most anticipated events, the Annual Crab Trap Competition, showcased innovative start-ups competing for cash and in-kind prizes. Perfusion Medical of Reston, VA, led by CEO Gerard Eldering, took home the $10,000 BHI cash prize along with $25,000 in IT services. Chariot Biosciences of Baltimore, MD, presented by Executive Director Greg Merril, was awarded CRO services from Acceliver and Noble. MYoroface AB, represented by CEO Ylvali Gerling from Hudiksvall, Sweden, received a special recognition for traveling the farthest to compete.
(Read more about the Crab Trap finalists and winners here: https://biohealthinnovation.org/perfusion-medical-wins-2025-crab-trap-competition/)
The 8th Annual Investment Conference capped the week with over 250 registrants, including more than 60 companies and 40 investors. The partnering platform powered more than 200 one-on-one meetings, while 30+ emerging companies delivered Quick Pitches to an audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The event once again served as a premier venue for connecting capital and innovation.
BioHealth Innovation extends deep gratitude to US Pharmacopeia for generously hosting this year’s Forum, and to the sponsors whose support made it possible for the entire week to be free for attendees. Thanks also go to the moderators, judges, speakers, and committee members who made BHCR Week 2025 a success.
USP House Band “The Impurities” playing the Day 2 Reception
“The success of this year’s BioHealth Capital Region Week is a testament to the power of collaboration across our ecosystem. I want to thank our generous sponsors, dynamic speakers, keynote presenters, and the more than 1,000 attendees who made this year’s Forum, Investment Conference, and Crab Trap possible. Your energy and engagement help keep the BioHealth Capital Region at the forefront of innovation. We have already begun planning for 2026, and I look forward to building on this incredible momentum together.” – Rich Bendis, President & CEO, BioHealth Innovation
With strong momentum, record participation, and global engagement, the BioHealth Capital Region has once again demonstrated why it remains a Top 3 U.S. Biopharma Cluster. Planning is already underway for BHCR Week 2026, and we look forward to building on this year’s success.
