The BioHealth Capital Region continued its tradition of fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the life sciences sector with its series of events in 2023. The highlights included the 9th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum, the 8th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap, and the 6th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference, bringing together industry, academic, government, entrepreneurs, and investors.
9th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum Celebrated Becoming a Top 3 BioPharma Cluster in 2023
Held at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, the Forum was a testament to the region’s dedication to propelling the BioHealth industry forward. Among the notable sessions, Rachel King, CEO of BIO, delivered a compelling keynote on “Biotechnology: What We’ve Accomplished and the Challenges Before Us.” Her insights into the accomplishments of the biotech sector and the hurdles that lie ahead were both enlightening and thought-provoking.
Lance Liotta, Co-Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) at George Mason University, presented on “Hijacking Cellular Communications using AI Tools: A New Frontier in BioHealth,” offering a glimpse into the future of BioHealth.
Theresa Podrebarac, M.D., M.Sc., Senior Vice President of Clinical Development, Research and Development with Horizon Therapeutics, not only delivered a mini-keynote but also led a panel titled “Underscoring the Patient Perspective: How Patients Can Help Guide Scientific Innovation.” The session emphasized the crucial role patients play in shaping scientific advancements.
8th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap
The Crab Trap competition was a testament to the region’s innovative spirit and showcased a range of promising startups. Luminoah, of Charlottesville, VA, led by Neal Piper, Founder & CEO, clinched the top spot with their pioneering wearable system designed to revolutionize enteral feeding and was awarded a $10,000 prize from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and $10,000 in Preclinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) services from Noble Life Sciences Inc., presented by CEO Srujana Cherukuri, Ph.D.. Mobius Scientific, Inc., of Washington, D.C., with Nehal Nehta as its Founder and CEO, secured a significant win by earning a one-year residency at JLABS @ Washington, DC. Solaxa, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and represented by Christian Walker, Founder and CEO, was recognized for its innovative contributions and was awarded $25,000 from the Montgomery County Government. KaloCyte, Inc., based in Baltimore, Maryland, was presented by Elaine Haynes, President and CEO, and showcased their groundbreaking solutions in biotech. Lastly, EyeControl from Tel Aviv, Israel, introduced by Uzi Ron, Vice President of Sales, brought a unique international BoHealth technology to the competition.
The distinguished panel of judges for the Crab Trap Competition included:
- Sally Allain, Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovation JLABS @ Washington, D.C.
- Charles Andres, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Conley Jones, Principal- Science & Technology, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc./ Alexandria Venture Investments
- Daniel Keating, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
- John Newby, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association
- Katherine Hill Ritchie, Senior Director, Venture Funds, TEDCO
- Brett Shealy, Executive Director, Life Sciences Banking, J.P. Morgan
6th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference
The Investment Conference at the US Pharmacopeia was a hub of activity, with over 60 companies and 30 investors converging to explore potential collaborations. The day was packed with over 100 meetings, underscoring the region’s position as a nexus for BioHealth investment and innovation. The auditorium presentations featured a diverse range of companies, from Sequella, Inc. and Theradaptive to international names like Soapy and Youth Bio Global. Notable investors who presented during the conference included NIH, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Alexandria, TEDCO, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and JP Morgan, showcasing their commitment and interest in the burgeoning BioHealth sector of the region. Stay tuned, as all decks from these presentations will be made available on the BHI website.
Acknowledgments
A special thank you to the Forum and Investment Conference planning committees for their tireless efforts in organizing these events. We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors of all events, who played a pivotal role in ensuring their success. A shoutout to TME for being a steadfast events partner, consistently delivering excellence over the years. Lastly, our deepest appreciation goes to USP for generously providing the space for the second consecutive year, where around 500 attendees gathered to share insights, forge partnerships, and envision the future of BioHealth.
The BioHealth Capital Region’s events of 2023 have set the stage for a promising future in the life sciences sector. The insights shared, partnerships formed, and innovations showcased are indicative of the region’s potential and its unwavering commitment to advancing the BioHealth industry.
Please join us next year for the 10th Anniversary BioHealth Capital Region Forum in 2024.