News Archives - BioHealth Innovation

Nov 24 2025

Health Security for Children: Inside the SPARK Accelerator with AcQumen Medical and Vesynta

By Andy BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

This episode brings together three leaders working at the intersection of pediatric innovation, health security, and early-stage commercialization. Kolaleh Eskandanian, Program Director of SPARK, is joined by founders Dori Jones of AcQumen Medical and Jugal Suthar of Vesynta for a conversation about advancing breakthrough solutions for children. They discuss the mission behind the BARDA-funded SPARK for Innovations in Pediatrics Hub at Children’s National Hospital, the challenges of developing technologies for pediatric populations, and the impact of public-private partnerships in moving lifesaving tools to market. Dori and Jugal share what their companies are building, the inflection points that shaped their journeys, and how BioHealth Innovation’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program supported their progress. The group reflects on lessons learned, the value of mentorship, and how collaborative accelerator ecosystems help drive breakthroughs in pediatric care, preparedness, and health equity.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/48vNLoj
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4riG5wW
iHeart Podcasts: https://ihr.fm/4i35UNB
Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/4ih5F1e
YouTube Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4ptuIAS
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4ptw26O

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Dr. Kolaleh Eskandanian is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric health innovation with more than twenty years of experience across academia, government, and industry. She previously served as Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s National Hospital, where she founded Innovation Ventures and secured significant federal funding, patents, and licensed technologies. She now leads the BARDA-funded SPARK Accelerator Hub for Pediatrics and serves as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Compremium AG, while also supporting early-stage innovators as an angel investor with Citrine Angels.

Dori Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of AcQumen Medical, a medtech company developing UltraTrac, the first ultrasound-guided impedance technology designed for rapid assessment of hemodynamics in critically ill infants and children. She brings nearly two decades of experience across R&D, clinical education, and commercialization roles supporting cardiac and critical care devices at organizations ranging from early startups to Abbott and Medtronic. Her commitment to pediatric innovation is shaped in part by her experience as the mother of a NICU and PICU patient.

Dr. Jugal Suthar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vesynta, a precision medicine company developing the DosoLogic platform, the first marketplace-enabled precision prescribing software aimed at improving accuracy and safety for every patient. His background includes clinical work as a hospital pharmacist and roles in drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. His PhD in precision medicine fuels his focus on bringing personalized dosing insights to populations often underrepresented in clinical research.

Nov 20 2025

Love0

VIPC Signs MOU with AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Merck to Develop the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Train Workforce of the Future

By Andy News

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly (Lilly), and Merck to develop the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) was executed by Governor Glenn Youngkin at a statewide gathering with key leaders from Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem, higher-ed universities, and community colleges on October 31. This landmark public-private industry partnership commits $120 million of workforce investment from AstraZeneca, Lilly, and Merck, and builds directly on their recently announced $12.5 billion of capex expansion investment in Virginia, which will create thousands of new jobs over the next several years.

The Virginia Center for APM will span Virginia’s Richmond-Petersburg-Charlottesville corridor in central Virginia – a U.S. EDA-designated tech hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing – and create a neutral, industry-aligned workforce training and education center that offers opportunity for all Virginians. The Center will prepare students and workers for the next generation of high-quality, high-demand advanced manufacturing jobs in biopharma through hands-on GMP-simulated training, industry credentials and certifications, and employer apprenticeships and internships. Operating in close collaboration with Virginia’s leading universities and community colleges, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, and Hampton University, as well as Brightpoint Community College, Reynolds Community College, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and Blue Ridge Community College, the Center will enable workforce training pathways across technician levels as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

VIPC serves as Virginia’s designated statewide economic development authority for accelerating innovation ecosystem growth throughout the Commonwealth and across key strategic industries by fueling research, commercialization, entrepreneurship, talent, place-making infrastructure, access to capital, and public-private partnerships. VIPC has supported Virginia’s life sciences innovation ecosystem by catalyzing new statewide initiatives including Virginia’s Research Diamond for university research and science development, Virginia’s Lab-to-Launch for technology commercialization, the Virginia Accelerator Network for startup entrepreneur support, and Virginia Invest for access to investor capital. VIPC leads with collaboration, working closely with regional stakeholders and other state economic development agencies including VEDP, GO Virginia, Virginia Works, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.

“Talent and workforce are essential ingredients in cultivating a thriving innovation ecosystem. VIPC is thrilled to partner with life sciences industry leaders, regional ecosystem stakeholders, and our world-class universities and community colleges to grow talent, innovation, and opportunity in the Commonwealth,” said Joe Benevento, President and CEO of VIPC. “Together, we are accelerating growth in Virginia through the power of collaboration and innovation.”

“VCU was a pioneer and has long been committed to the nation’s pharmaceutical engineering and drug development pipeline. Our overall goal has always been simple yet profound: unite talent and spark innovation through thoughtful research to produce better public health outcomes. This partnership accelerates that mission and positions Virginia to improve, and save, countless lives,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.

“Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research, the University of Virginia is driving discoveries that shape the future and create real-world impact. We are proud to be part of this collaboration that will advance knowledge and strengthen Virginia’s innovation ecosystem, fueling economic growth and creating opportunities that benefit communities across the Commonwealth,” said Brie Gertler, UVA Interim Executive Vice President and Provost.

“I am thrilled at the opportunities the Center will provide for educators and workforce professionals to better work with industry to provide Virginia’s secondary and higher education students as well as our adult learners, transitioning military service members, and other job seekers and career switchers with industry-aligned instruction, credentials, assessments, and work-based learning,” said Elizabeth Creamer, Vice President, Community College Workforce Alliance, a division of Reynolds and Brightpoint Community Colleges.

“This moment reflects the power of partnership at its best: public and private sectors coming together to build better medicine, create meaningful careers, and strengthen the supply chain infrastructure that serves us all,” said Robby Demeria, founding Board Chair of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine. “This transformative investment embodies the mission that has guided the Alliance since its formation and represents the type of momentum we set out to create as a region just five years ago. Together, we are building better medicine.”

“The industry partnership with AstraZeneca, Lilly, and Merck – alongside – the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation – demonstrates – the power of collaboration to drive transformative growth in our life sciences ecosystem,” said John Newby, CEO of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. “Virginia is building a model that connects innovation, education, and industry like never before. This initiative will strengthen Virginia’s position as a national leader in biomanufacturing and ensure a robust talent pipeline to support the industry’s future, in Virginia and beyond.”

“Building a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing workforce demands true alignment between industry, academia, and community – and Virginia is stepping into that future with intention and boldness. This new center will create exactly the kind of on-ramps, training, and upward mobility our region needs, while strengthening the commercialization engine that drives Virginia’s biotech future,” said Nikki Hastings, PhD, Executive Director of CvilleBioHub.

About VIPC
Connecting innovators with opportunities . The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) is the designated state economic authority responsible for fueling Virginia’s innovation-driven economy by amplifying entrepreneurial startup ecosystems, accelerating technology commercialization pathways, and attracting early-stage investment capital. For more information, visit www.VIPC.org.

Contact
Jennifer Hiltwine
Senior Writer & Editor
jennifer.hiltwine@virginiaipc.org

Nov 18 2025

Love0

A new era of global growth: George Mason and Naugen launch international innovation accelerator

By Andy News

This month, a new Northern Virginia International Soft-Landing Accelerator (NISA) program, designed to help start-ups from around the globe find guidance, connections, and lab or office spaces at no cost, was launched to help develop new technologies in life sciences.

Applications are now open for the first NISA cohort. Participants in the six-month program will have access to George Mason University’s cutting-edge labs, research, and strong business and government network across the region, propelling ideas from lab to market quickly. Selected companies can work from lab or office space at Endeavor234 and Centerfuse while drawing on support from local legal, financial, real estate, and accounting partners to ease their move into the community.

The program is led by George Mason in partnership with Naugen, a global innovation accelerator recognized for helping ventures enter and grow in untapped markets, at its Science and Technology Campus, located in the heart of the new Innovation District, founded by Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and George Mason. Naugen and George Mason are collaborating with regional economic development groups and private-sector partners on the initiative.

Click here to continue reading.

Nov 18 2025

Love0

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. Welcomes Two New Members to Its Board of Directors, Matthew Keesan of IonQ and Prashant Panchal of AstraZeneca

By Andy News

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a leading public-private nonprofit organization supporting healthcare innovation in the BioHealth Capital Region, announces the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Matthew Keesan, Vice President and GM of Quantum Platform at IonQ, and Prashant Panchal, Director of Business Planning and Operations at AstraZeneca. Their backgrounds strengthen BHI’s commitment to advancing a region known for scientific leadership, emerging technologies, and next-generation workforce development.

Matth Keesan brings deep experience in software engineering, cloud infrastructure, and quantum computing. As Vice President and GM of Quantum Platform at IonQ, he leads the teams responsible for the APIs, tools, integrations, and services that make IonQ’s systems available around the clock to customers across the globe. His career began after studying computer science and literature at the University of Pennsylvania and helping build AddThis, which was later acquired by Oracle, where he played a key role in scaling products to more than 1 billion monthly users. Before joining IonQ, he served as CTO of Ando, later acquired by Uber, and advised several early-stage companies across manufacturing, ecommerce, video streaming, and identity-as-a-service.

Since joining IonQ in 2017, Mr. Keesan has led the development of IonQ’s Quantum OS, guided the launch of IonQ’s systems on Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google Cloud, and built the company’s security and global operations functions. His leadership has spanned product management, engineering, and distributed quantum computing as IonQ continues expanding its footprint in the United States and Europe.

Prashant Panchal offers more than 15 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, drawing from roles that combine scientific training with business strategy and operations. As Director of Business Planning and Operations at AstraZeneca, he oversees capacity planning, capital expenditure, contracts, portfolio management, and governance for a department of more than 1,100 employees supporting over 100 drug programs. His previous experience includes positions at Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Teva Biopharmaceuticals USA, and AGC Biologics, one of the largest contract manufacturers in the sector.

Mr. Panchal also serves on the board of the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology at Montgomery College (PIC MC), where he supports academic-industry collaboration and workforce development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a focus on Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland and earned both a Master of Science in Biotechnology Management and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

“We are pleased to welcome Matthew and Prashant to the BHI Board,” said Rich Bendis, Founder, President, and CEO of BioHealth Innovation. “Their experience in quantum technology, biopharmaceutical operations, and regional workforce development will strengthen our work and help guide BHI as we continue supporting entrepreneurs, researchers, and partners across the BioHealth Capital Region.”

BHI extends its appreciation to John A. Sackett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Adventist HealthCare, for his service as a member of the Board. Adventist Healthcare was one of the founding members of the BHI Board, and John has been a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Compensation Committee for several years. His leadership and commitment have supported BHI’s mission and contributed to the growth of the region’s life sciences ecosystem.

About BioHealth Innovation, Inc.
BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) is a public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating biohealth (therapeutic, diagnostic, medtech, and health IT) commercialization in the BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, DC, and Virginia). For more information, please visit www.BioHealthInnovation.org.

Nov 17 2025

Love0

Crab Trap Winner Spotlight: Perfusion Medical’s Mission Against Hemorrhagic Shock on BioTalk

By Andy BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

In this episode of BioTalk, CEO Gerard Eldering explains how Perfusion Medical is addressing a problem that trauma physicians and military medics have been struggling with for decades: capillary compression. Perfusion Medical is developing a drug aimed at treating hemorrhagic shock and other ischemic conditions. PM‑208 is a novel IV therapeutic designed to restore capillary blood flow, resolve ischemia, and protect vital organs. The team has advanced this work with $19 million in Department of Defense funding. He describes the scale of the unmet need, why PM‑208 is both organ- and disease‑agnostic, and how its simple formulation and strong safety profile position it for broad medical use.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/3LJfGZ5
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3X2YjF0
iHeart: https://ihr.fm/4i35UNB
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4i35WVJ
YouTube Music: https://bit.ly/3LOegMO
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/3LMCBmc

Eldering also reflects on the company’s path through the BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap Competition. After a second‑place finish a few years earlier, Perfusion Medical returned to the stage and won the 2025 competition. He shares what that experience has meant for the team and why building the company in the BioHealth Capital Region—particularly from a Virginia base—has been a strategic advantage.

The conversation moves through the role of early federal funding and programs like SBIR/STTR in de‑risking breakthrough therapies, and how university research partnerships have strengthened PM‑208’s development. Eldering highlights how public‑private collaboration has shaped the company’s progress and made it possible to push a complex medical solution toward patients more quickly.

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

About Gerard Eldering Gerard Eldering is the CEO of Perfusion Medical and a nationally recognized expert in technology transfer and venture formation. Since becoming an entrepreneur in 2007, he has helped launch more than a dozen startups, raised more than $15 million in seed funding, and led the turnaround and sale of a technology consulting firm. Before founding Perfusion Medical, he built and led The MITRE Corporation’s Technology Transfer Office. Eldering is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a helicopter pilot and instructor. He holds a B.A. in Physics, an M.B.A., and is a registered patent agent.

Oct 27 2025

Love0

BioTalk – Betting Big on Innovation in the Desert with BioHealth Las Vegas

By Andy BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis sits down with Councilman Brian Knudsen, Jamie Schwartz of UNLV, and Vance Farrow from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development to spotlight the rapid emergence of Southern Nevada as a rising force in the biohealth landscape. The conversation covers the launch of the $10 million BioHealth Innovation Challenge, the Desert Forge Venture Fund, and the revitalization of BioTech Vegas, all designed to attract industry anchors, fuel early-stage startups, and cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem. They also explore how strong collaboration between local and state government, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs is propelling Las Vegas into a new era of health innovation, with a focus on brain health, sports science, and workforce development.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/3J7ErgK
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3JtB3N4
iHeart: https://ihr.fm/3LvvnCQ
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ntAy3M
YouTube Music: https://bit.ly/496DEav
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/431mJ5f

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant: thepodcastconsultant.com

Councilman Brian Knudsen was elected to represent Ward 1 in 2019 and re-elected in 2024, continuing his long-standing commitment to public service and community-building in Las Vegas. On December 21, 2022, he was named Mayor Pro Tem. Brian has been instrumental in driving the transformation of the Las Vegas Medical District and expanding public health infrastructure throughout the city. He serves on several boards, including the Southern Nevada Health District and the Regional Transportation Commission, and is a vocal advocate for policies that strengthen healthcare, public safety, and inclusive economic development.

Jamie Schwartz, MBA, is Director of Industry Engagement at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Office of Economic Development and President of the Board for BioTech Vegas. With deep experience in public-private partnerships and academic-industry collaboration, she works at the intersection of research, innovation, and commercialization to strengthen Southern Nevada’s biotech and health innovation landscape.

Vance Farrow serves as the Healthcare Industry Specialist for the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. His work focuses on attracting and expanding healthcare businesses throughout the state, aligning talent development efforts, and building the infrastructure needed to support a robust biohealth sector. He plays a critical role in shaping state policy and investment strategies for the industry.

Aug 26 2025

Love0

Activation Capital Names Michael Steele as President and CEO

By Andy News

Accomplished life sciences executive to lead Virginia’s innovation ecosystem development organization into its next phase of growth.

Richmond, VA – August 26, 2025 – The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority (doing business as Activation Capital) announced today that it has appointed Michael Steele as president and chief executive officer. Steele succeeds Robert Ward, who has served as interim CEO since July 2024 during a period of rapid growth for the life sciences ecosystem development organization.

Steele comes to Activation Capital with more than two decades of leadership experience in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research verticals across global markets. He has built and led high-performing teams, driven corporate strategy, and delivered growth through business development, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, investor relations, and strategic partnerships. Over his career, he has held senior leadership positions at fast-paced organizations, including Biocartis, Chembio Diagnostics, SeraCare Life Sciences, and Serologicals. Steele served in general management, corporate development, commercial, and operational roles, where he executed transactions generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and investment. He has led global partnering initiatives to advance therapeutic, diagnostic and precision medicine innovations, negotiated agreements with top biopharma and life science companies, and directed strategies for large, growing organizations.

A Virginia native, Steele earned his MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and completed the Senior Leadership Program at Vlerick Business School in Brussels, Belgium.

“Activation Capital’s mission depends on exceptional leadership, and Michael brings the vision, expertise and collaborative spirit needed to position the organization for even greater impact. We are excited to bring him on board,” said Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University and chair of the Activation Capital Board. “I also thank Robert Ward for his dedicated service as interim CEO. Rob brought amazing energy, experience and leadership into his role; he streamlined infrastructure and processes, helped to achieve financial clarity and used his real estate expertise to guide the Board in understanding complex transactions.”

“Activation Capital’s continued success in advancing Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem depends on its ability to translate bold innovation into long-term, sustainable economic growth,” said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia. “Under Michael Steele’s leadership, Activation Capital is well positioned to catalyze new partnerships, attract investment, and expand our regional impact further. I look forward to working together to ensure Virginia remains at the forefront of biotech innovation.”

“Michael brings deep experience in life sciences, business development, and strategic vision that will be a tremendous asset to Activation Capital and to Virginia’s innovation economy as a whole,” said Garrison Coward, board member of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority and Deputy Chief Transformation Officer in the Office of the Governor. “He clearly knows how to build partnerships, drive growth, and move organizations forward. That combination will help strengthen our position in biotech innovation across Central Virginia and the Commonwealth.”

Steele joins Activation Capital during a period of expansion and national recognition. Over the past year, the organization launched the Frontier BioHealth accelerator and showcase, welcomed its inaugural cohort of 10 high-growth startups, created Pioneer Connect, and expanded Start-the-Journey, a pre-accelerator for emerging founders. Activation Capital also secured a multimillion-dollar GO Virginia grant to scale biohealth sector development and earned recognition for its role in building an inclusive, high-impact innovation economy.

“I am energized and honored to lead Activation Capital at this pivotal moment,” said Michael Steele. “We’re building on a strong foundation, growing our programs, supporting even more entrepreneurs, and expanding our impact across the Commonwealth. In our mission of elevating Virginia’s life science ecosystem, my goal is simple yet impactful: create meaningful jobs and attract investments to catalyze our researchers, entrepreneurs, and partners to bring innovation to life, right here in the Commonwealth.”

About Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority (“Authority”) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia created by Chapter 946 of the 1993 Virginia Acts of Assembly (the “Act”). The Authority disseminates knowledge pertaining to scientific and technological research and development among public and private entities, including but not limited to knowledge in biotechnology, and promotes industrial and economic development.

For more information, visit activation.capital.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Leslie Strickler
leslies@etrecommunications.com

Paul Spicer
pauls@etrecommunications.com

Aug 20 2025

Love0

Investigational Rosnilimab Emerges as a Novel, Differentiated Treatment Option for Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Jim Beury News

Rosnilimab, a selective depleter of pathogenic T cells, is a potential game changer for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

In a new Phase 2b clinical trial, rosnilimab demonstrated rapid symptomatic improvement driving patients into low disease activity (LDA) across diverse patient populations, including difficult-to-treat patients, by three months that continued to improve through six months. The data further indicated these responses were durable for at least three additional months off-drug. Rosnilimab also demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, particularly when compared to the safety profiles of standard of care biologics or JAK inhibitors.¹

“Witnessing rosnilimab, with its novel mode of action, dramatically reduce RA disease activity through six months in most patients, whether having failed biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD) therapies or b/tsDMARD-naïve, is truly exciting for patients living with this disease and the field of RA treatment,” said Jonathan Graf, M.D., professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology at the University of California, San Francisco, and a lead investigator for the trial.

The U.S. RA market is valued at more than $20 billion. Even after patients have progressed on first-line biologics (anti-TNFs), the second line+ RA market generates more than $10 billion in annual revenue. For instance, rituximab, a B cell depleter with a significant adverse event profile including an increased risk of infection, prior to going off patent in 2018 and the entrance of biosimilars, achieved nearly $2 billion in annual RA sales. And today, despite biosimilar competition, it still maintains a significant share of last-line therapy sales in RA. Since 2012, no new treatment classes have been approved, and many RA patients cycle through different treatment therapies², with up to a quarter not finding symptom relief.³

Aug 19 2025

Love0

TEDCO Invests in AGED Diagnostics

By Andy News

Biotechnology company developing early liver diseases detection technology

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 19, 2025) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $250,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in AGED Diagnostics. Housed under TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds, the Pre-Seed Builder Funds provide investment and support to Maryland-based technology companies led by founders from economically underserved backgrounds.

“TEDCO’s funding continues to support us in furthering our research and development for early liver disease detection,” said Rachel Zayas, CEO of AGED Diagnostics. “With this follow-on investment, we hope to move closer to our mission of providing access to early detection and intervention care for those with liver disease.”

AGED Diagnostics, based in Rockville, Md., is a biotechnology company developing an early detection and intervention solution for liver disease. Using genomic innovation, the company is working to create a more accurate blood test that could keep patients in a monitoring program, helping to reduce financial burdens and improve patient outcomes.

“AGED Diagnostics seeks to tackle both the health and financial aspects of liver disease through their detection technology,” said Jean-Luc Park, deputy chief investment officer & senior director of TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds. “At TEDCO, we work to support innovative companies like this who are working towards impactful solutions; through the Pre-Seed Builder Fund, we are honored to offer more than just funding in support for our portfolio companies.”

TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds are just one of the many investment opportunities available to qualifying technology-focused startups and small businesses across Maryland.

“As technologies continue to evolve, it is always promising to see innovation in biotechnology seek to support more efficient and affordable healthcare,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “Being ranked as a top state for health care, Maryland has a fertile ecosystem for entrepreneurs and companies looking to advance in the medical landscape.”

For more information, visit our page at www.tedcomd.com/funding.

About TEDCO

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

###

Media Contact

Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@tedcomd.com

Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, rkalinyak@tedcomd.com

Aug 18 2025

Love0

TEDCO’s Maryland Innovation Initiative Announces First Round of Baltimore Innovation Initiative Awardees

By Andy News

The Baltimore Innovation Initiative awards a total of more than $645,000 to 14 awardees

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 18, 2025) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the first round of the Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII) Pilot Program awardees, marking an important milestone for the organization. The BII Pilot Program falls under the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), fueling innovation and economic impact in the Baltimore region.

“The first round of BII awardees exemplify the innovation present throughout the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area,” said Abi Kulshreshtha, executive director, MII. “These awards will advance innovative technologies from seven colleges and universities, contributing to Maryland’s growing innovation ecosystem.”

The BII was created to support an equitable innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem within higher education institutions in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As part of Maryland’s matching contribution toward the Baltimore Tech Hub, the BII seeks to advance technology toward commercialization of a product or service and bolster support for entrepreneurs developing technology-based ventures.

“We received a number of excellent candidates – choosing the 14 awardees was a difficult process, but we feel these awardees are best positioned to utilize the funding provided to progress towards commercialization,” said Jalaycia Lewis, BII program manager.

The Technology Advancement Grant offers applicants support to commercialize a new or existing technology at an eligible institution while the Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Programming and Infrastructure Grant supports the creation or enhancement of entrepreneurship programs and commercialization infrastructure for technology-based ventures.

The eight Technology Advancement awardees include:

Selena Shirkin,Fetal Therapy Technologies: Designing a novel port system for microsurgery; Johns Hopkins University
Rebecca Greene,Semiautonomous Humanistic Algorithm for Reduced Effort and Enhanced Dexterity (SHARE2D) Control; Johns Hopkins University
Anika Mistry,DevMinds: adaptive social-emotional learning to support neurodiverse kids beyond therapy sessions; Johns Hopkins University
Oriol Cuxart,A breakthrough neuromodulation solution for Chronic Rhinosinusitis patients; Johns Hopkins University
Michael Tangrea, advancing precision medicine through commercialization of the micropurification technology; Loyola University Maryland
Kevin Tu, developing a secure and integrated fume hood management platform to reduce energy waste in research laboratories; University of Maryland, Baltimore
Andres Londoño,DegreeMap: A smart degree planning platform for Maryland higher education; Towson University
Debbie Sahlin, ACCESS-DP Advancing Coordinated Care and Emerging Smart Solutions for Disabled Populations; University of Maryland, Baltimore

The six Entrepreneurship Commercialization, Programming and Infrastructure Awardees include:

Ian Ryu,AI Venture Studio Pilot; Johns Hopkins University
Wendy Bolger, Support for the Baltipreneurs Accelerator; Loyola University Maryland
Ryan Hoover, Launching the MICA Biodesign Program to Support and Diversify the Regional Bioeconomy; Maryland Institute College of Art
Henry Mortimer,UBalt AI-Enabled Business Incubator; University of Baltimore
Kenneth Wong,Center for Climate and Health Entrepreneurship; University of Maryland, Baltimore
Jamie Gurganus,Embedding Entrepreneurial Mindset in Academia: Launching the Entrepreneurial Learning Lab at UMBC; University of Maryland, Baltimore County

“Innovative entrepreneurs thrive in Maryland with the support of programs like BII,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “As the number one state for minority-owned businesses, Maryland is moving the needle forward. By embracing diversity, we continue to see growth in a merit-based ecosystem that will not only bring the state to the forefront of innovation but will allow for sustainability.”

The MII was established as a collaboration between the State of Maryland and five academic research institutions, and leverages each institution’s strengths while promoting the commercialization of research conducted there. Since its inception, the program has invested more than $59 million in promising research commercialization, supported nearly 200 companies and generated almost 400 jobs. The success of the MII led to several pilot programs that expanded MII’s reach to two more comprehensive universities in addition to the creation of BII.

To learn more about the MII and BII programs, eligibility and application details, visit tedcomd.com/funding/maryland-innovation-initiative.

About TEDCO

###

Media Contact

Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@tedcomd.com

Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, rkalinyak@tedcomd.com

News

About BioHealth Innovation

Contact

Connect

Search