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BioHealth Capital Region Week Archives - BioHealth Innovation

Saving the Date for the 12th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week

By News

The BioHealth Capital Region continues to grow as one of the nation’s leading biohealth clusters, driven by research excellence, capital access, federal partnerships, and a deep bench of experienced operators. Each year, BioHealth Capital Region Week brings that momentum together under one roof.

The 12th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week will take place September 15th through 17th, 2026, once again hosted at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, Maryland. Over three days, leaders from industry, government, academia, and the investment community will convene to address the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of biohealth.

The BioHealth Capital Region Forum will anchor the first two days, September 15th and 16th, featuring national and regional voices addressing policy, capital markets, innovation strategy, workforce, and the technologies shaping the next phase of growth. The Forum remains the central gathering point for strategic discussion across the ecosystem.

Planning Committees are coming together to develop a forward-looking program of keynotes and panels that reflect where the market is headed. From capital strategy and commercialization pathways to emerging technologies and public-private collaboration, the 2026 agenda will focus on practical insight and real connections that move companies forward.

The Crab Trap Competition will return on September 16th, spotlighting emerging companies across therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health. Applications will open this spring, and qualifying companies will have the opportunity to present live before investors and industry leaders. Additional applicants may also be invited to participate in quick-pitch sessions during the week.

The Investment Conference will close out the week on September 17th, bringing together active investors and growth-stage companies seeking capital. The conference is designed to foster direct engagement between founders and funding sources, with curated company presentations, investor panels, and structured networking. It remains one of the most targeted opportunities in the region for companies to connect with venture capital, strategic investors, and other capital partners focused on life sciences.

BioHealth Capital Region Week is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, executives, policymakers, economic development leaders, and service providers who are actively engaged in advancing life sciences companies. Whether you are raising capital, scaling operations, building partnerships, or evaluating new technologies, this week is built to deliver meaningful engagement.

We are grateful to the sponsors who have already committed to supporting 2026, including George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Commerce, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, NIHFCU, the NIH Office of Technology Transfer, and others who continue to invest in the region’s continued growth.

Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities or deeper engagement are encouraged to reach out:

Rich Bendis – rbendis@biohealthinnovation.org
Andy Eckert – aeckert@biohealthinnovation.org

Please save the dates of September 15th through 17th, 2026, and plan to join us in Rockville as we continue to strengthen the BioHealth Capital Region’s position among the nation’s top biohealth hubs.

Building Maryland’s BioHealth Future: Maryland Commerce’s Stefanie Trop on Growing the Life Sciences Sector

By BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News


In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Stefanie Trop, Ph.D., Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce joins the conversation to discuss Maryland’s position as a leading life sciences hub. Stefanie shares how the Department of Commerce supports company attraction and growth through programs like Global Gateway, and how it’s amplifying the state’s recent #3 biopharma hub ranking. The discussion also explores Maryland’s unique ecosystem, including the work of the Governor’s Life Sciences Advisory Board, the state’s leadership in computational health, and the importance of industry collaboration during BioHealth Capital Region Week.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/4oHp9Po
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4fEIooK
iHeart: https://ihr.fm/4fGY3UL
Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/47Awvya
YouTube Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V7rJAI

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

Dr. Stefanie Trop brings a unique blend of hands-on scientific expertise and high-level strategic insight. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, she has worked at the ground level in immunology, clinical trials, and vaccine development, while also driving growth through scientific partnerships and business development. Her deep understanding of the science and passion for problem solving guides her ability to build effective collaborations that advance both innovation and commercial success.

At the Maryland Department of Commerce, Stefanie works to connect Maryland’s life sciences companies with national and global resources, expanding the industry’s impact at home and globally. In current and prior roles, she bridges communication gaps between scientific and business teams, ensuring that customer needs translate into innovative products and business wins.

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