Inside Innovation: UTA’s Vision for North Texas Biotech
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Exploring the people, ideas, and breakthroughs shaping the North Texas life sciences ecosystem.
The latest Inside Innovation episode features UTA, with Dr. Jon Weidanz, Associate Vice President for Research & Innovation, and Paul Corson, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology Development at UTA. Together, they explore UTA’s evolving commercialization vision, the role of universities in advancing biotech ecosystems, and how collaboration is fueling the future of life sciences in North Texas.
“This podcast is not just about breakthroughs in science,” says Eric B.Moore. “It is about the people and partnerships behind them—how research transforms into companies and how institutions become ecosystem builders.”
With new episodes launching in the coming months, Inside Innovation will spotlight leaders from across academia, industry, investment, and public sectors—including institutions like UTA, organizations like Alloy Therapeutics and BioLabs, and many more helping define what is next for North Texas and beyond.
Because in North Texas, innovation is not only happening—it is accelerating.
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TCU and UT Southwestern Lead Initiative to
Improve Maternal Health in North Texas
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An initiative led by the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University (TCU) and UT Southwestern Medical Center is working to reduce maternal complications across North Texas. The North Texas Maternal Health Accelerator (MHA) brings together academic medical centers, hospitals, and community partners to create a regional and national model for maternal care. With the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex delivering more babies than 30 U.S. states, the region offers a unique opportunity for scalable interventions.
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Building Tomorrow’s Workforce, Together: BioNTX, DISD,
Dallas College, and AstraZeneca Visit the Career Institute
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(from left to right) : Maximiliano Regalado, Dallas ISD; Christopher Edwards, Dallas College; Pedro Franco, AstraZeneca; Anindita Nayek, AstraZeneca; Lauren Adegoke, BioNTX; Eric Frahm, AstraZeneca; Debby Taw, AstraZeneca; Windy Flint, AstraZeneca; Sibusisiwe McNeal, Dallas ISD; Eric Moore, BioNTX
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BioNTX recently joined Dallas ISD, Dallas College, and a visiting team from AstraZeneca for a tour of the DISD Career Institute—The visit underscored our shared commitment to building tomorrow’s workforce together and highlighted the strength of our regional partnerships.
During the tour, AstraZeneca representatives saw how students are gaining real-world exposure, technical skills, and pathways aligned with high-growth industries. This collaboration reinforces what is becoming increasingly clear: North Texas has the structure, vision, workforce, and collaborative spirit needed for sustained investment from major pharma, biomanufacturing, and life science companies.
The visit also connected directly with BioNTX’s BHIANT partnership, which is expanding employer-informed pathways across the region. Programs like the Panthera DeSoto cGMP course—now being considered for replication—demonstrate the promise of this model.
As we move into 2026, BioNTX will continue working with DISD, Dallas College, and our industry partners to deepen engagement.
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TTU Celebrates Bold Ideas at the Fall Finale & Awards Social
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The Texas Tech Innovation Hub hosted its annual Fall Finale & Awards Social, bringing together mentors, alumni, students, founders, and community partners to celebrate innovation and high-energy pitch competitions.
The event featured finalists from the iLaunch Competition, Red Raider Idea Competition, Social Entrepreneurship Challenge, Pantex Innovation Showdown, and the Rawls Marketplace Hub Hype Award. Special thanks to the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) for supporting the iLaunch and Idea Competition awards.
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UTD Brings Regional Leaders Together at the
7th Annual Economic Development Summit
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(left photo) Aaron Demerson of Texas Economic Development Corporation, Kelvin Walker, MBA of Dallas Citizens Council,
Ray Perryman of The Perryman Group and Calvin Jamison, PhD of The University of Texas at Dallas
(right photo) Ray Perryman of The Perryman Group and Prabhas Moghe, PhD of The University of Texas at Dallas
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UT Dallas hosted its Seventh Annual Economic Development Summit, convening business, government, academic, and economic development leaders from across North Texas. This year’s program explored two critical themes shaping our region’s competitiveness: preparing the next generation for the impact of AI and accelerating the race for talent and innovation.
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet and hear from the University’s new president, Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe, during a fireside conversation moderated by W. Kelvin Walker, CEO of the Dallas Citizens Council. The summit closed with insights from Dr. Ray Perryman, founder and CEO of The Perryman Group, who offered a forward-looking perspective on current economic conditions and the challenges and opportunities ahead for the DFW region.
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Curve Biosciences Relocates HQ to Pegasus Park,
Expanding Chronic Disease Innovation
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Curve Biosciences, led by Plano-born founder Ritish Patnaik, has relocated its headquarters to Pegasus Park in Dallas. The company is advancing its Whole-Body Intelligence platform, using AI and molecular data to develop proactive chronic disease monitoring through blood tests.
The move marks Patnaik’s return to North Texas and highlights Pegasus Park’s growing role as a biotech hub. Curve’s leadership team includes experts from Genentech, GRAIL, Natera, and Stanford, positioning the company to transform chronic disease testing and management.
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Give Back This Season at Pegasus Park
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Pegasus Park is collecting nonperishable items including boxed, canned, and shelf stable foods to support local organizations and community members who dedicate their time and energy to others throughout the year.
- Donation bin: Lobby Level, behind the Security Desk
Collection runs until: December 19, 2025
Every can, box, and bag makes a difference. Your donations help nourish our neighbors and support those who keep our community thriving.
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Upcoming BIO BREAKs Across North Texas
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BIO BREAK is your chance to network across North Texas. From Dallas to Fort Worth to Frisco, connect with peers, share insights, and build relationships that strengthen the life science and healthcare community. Do not miss the opportunity to expand your network and spark new collaborations.
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DALLAS
December 4, 2025
Pegasus Park
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FRISCO
December 8, 2025
Sidecar Social
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FORT WORTH
December 10, 2025
The Holly
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Welcoming the Belgian Life Sciences Delegation to North Texas
December 11, 2025
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Join BioNTX, Health Wildcatters and the Belgian Trade Office and local partners in welcoming the Belgian Life Sciences Delegation to Texas. The program features presentations on the DFW life sciences ecosystem, a pitch session with 10 Belgian life science companies, and an evening reception with authentic Belgian beer and networking at the heart of the Dallas life sciences community.
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CFO Forum: Expert Tax & Accounting
Guidance for Life Sciences
January 22, 2026
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Earn CPE Credits and Strengthen Your Tax and Accounting Strategy
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Join us to learn key tax and accounting strategies to help you prepare for growth and maximize opportunities around qualified small business stock (QSBS), R&D credits, state nexus, and more.
Connect with Baker Tilly experts who can help you navigate the financial complexities of building and scaling your life science company.
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Thank you for your support
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Save the Date: The BioNTX Career Expo & HR Forum
February 11, 2026
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Presents
2026 Career Expo & HR Forum
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The Career Expo connects students and job seekers with industry professionals and recruiters shaping the future of life sciences and healthcare innovation. Explore valuable networking opportunities, receive expert career guidance, and access resources to enhance your resume, boost confidence, and navigate your career path.
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The HR Forum is designed for biotech and healthcare innovation employers seeking to navigate the complexities of workforce management. This forum also provides opportunities to explore emerging trends in human resources, share best practices, and connect with peers facing similar workforce challenges.
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Thank you for your support
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Save the Date: Women Driving Innovation
March 6, 2026
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Presents
2026 Women Driving Innovation
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In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women Driving Innovation honors women transforming the life sciences industry through leadership, creativity, and groundbreaking research.
The program promotes collaboration, mentorship, and visibility, empowering the next generation of women innovators shaping the future of North Texas life sciences.
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Exclusive Biotech Primer Training Discounts for BioNTX Members
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Did you know that BioNTX members receive a discount to Biotech Primer, a top training resource that simplifies the science and business of biotech for professionals across all roles? Their clear, well-structured courses enhance industry proficiency, foster collaboration, and help teams remain competitive, with several programs offering optional CPE credits.
This partnership is a strong example of why membership matters. By joining BioNTX, organizations gain high-quality educational tools that support workforce development and fuel innovation across North Texas’ growing life science community.
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Executive Search and Coaching for Life Science Growth
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Edgewater Talent & Executive Coaching is a specialized executive search and leadership advisory firm known for connecting organizations with high-performing, “transformational” leadership - individuals in the C-Suite and also in senior to mid-management roles - who will drive meaningful impact, and have the innate qualities to ‘transform, adapt and expand’ their role responsibilities as their company changes and grows. With deep expertise across Healthcare, Life Sciences, Technology, and Industrial sectors, the firm helps companies identify and recruit talent that aligns with their strategic goals and culture. Their team combines industry insight with a rigorous, relationship-driven approach to ensure clients hire candidates who are both highly qualified for long-term success. Their clients in life sciences and healthcare are from the full range of funded entities, from pre-Series A to post IPO, and clients also include investors (PE/VC) who have committed to the success of life sciences companies and seek extraordinary leadership. The Edgewater Talent & Executive coaching team has offices in Austin, Chicago, and West Palm Beach, and affiliated offices in major cities worldwide.
In addition to executive search, Edgewater Talent offers comprehensive coaching, and human capital strategy consulting services that support organizations beyond the hiring process. Edgewater believes that key to every hire or promotion is an on-boarding/coaching period. Executive Coaching for placements is included in the firm’s search fees. Edgewater’s Advisory Board is comprised of 4 leading executive coaches in the US today. Recent studies have shown that 50-70% of new hires & promotions from within fail in their roles within the first 18 months in their new role. Edgewater’s executive coaching from Day 1 in the role,is designed to accelerate assimilation, include a 360-role review with key stakeholders in the company, and working over 3-6 months with the successful placement along with his/her hiring manager to ensure optimum performance success and strengthen organizational effectiveness. By integrating search and executive coaching, Edgewater Talent provides a seamless, high-touch experience that helps companies attract, retain, and empower exceptional talent.
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Exploring LP-184 with Lantern Pharma:
Clinical and Preclinical Highlights
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Panna Sharma of Lantern Pharma and Dr. Igor Astsaturov of Fox Chase Cancer Center discuss LP-184, a synthetic lethal therapy for advanced solid tumors.
The webinar covers its targeted DNA-damaging mechanism, early Phase 1a results, biomarker insights, and durable responses in heavily pre-treated patients, with preclinical data and upcoming Phase 1b/2 studies guiding next-phase development.
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Clearsight Therapeutics and Cartwheel Sign LOI
to Deliver Next-Generation OTC Pink Eye Treatment
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Cartwheel, a mission-driven company providing innovative first aid solutions for families, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to license Clearsight Therapeutics’ over-the-counter pink eye treatment, with commercialization planned for 2027. The agreement marks a strategic addition to Cartwheel’s growing portfolio of accessible, family-friendly health products.
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The Colossal Foundation Announces Multi-Year Commitment
to Advance Bolson Tortoise Recovery and Rewilding
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The Colossal Foundation is supporting the Turner Endangered Species Fund in rewilding the Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus), North America’s largest and rarest tortoise. Once widespread in the U.S., it now survives only in Mexico. TESF has grown the population from 23 to over 800 and released juveniles with high survival rates. The Foundation’s support will expand releases, monitoring, and help establish self-sustaining populations in its historic U.S. range.
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Island Pharmaceuticals to Share FDA
Pathway Insights for Galidesivir
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Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd, an Australian antiviral drug developer, announced an upcoming webinar to discuss the FDA’s response regarding Galidesivir’s development and approval pathway, including its eligibility for a Priority Review Voucher and pending clinical initiatives. The session underscores the company’s efforts to advance Galidesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral targeting over 20 RNA viruses, including Ebola, Marburg, and Zika, and highlights its potential impact on addressing critical unmet medical needs.
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Lantern Pharma Highlights AI-Driven
Cancer Pipeline in National Media Campaign
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Lantern Pharma Inc., an AI-driven cancer therapy company, has partnered with New to The Street, a leading business media brand, for a comprehensive media campaign. The collaboration includes national TV interviews, digital and social coverage, billboards in New York City, and non-deal roadshow exposure to institutional and accredited investors, bringing Lantern Pharma’s AI-driven oncology pipeline to a wide investor and public audience.
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McDermott Will & Schulte Earns Top Honors
in 2026 Best Law Firms® Rankings
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International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has once again been recognized for excellence in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings, including being named Law Firm of the Year in Tax Law. The firm earned 189 total rankings, with 29 national Tier 1 and 107 regional Tier 1 recognitions, including 23 new and 22 improved listings, reflecting its continued growth and legal expertise. These achievements place McDermott among the top 15 U.S. firms with the most national Tier 1 recognitions, underscoring its depth of talent, breadth of practice, and sustained leadership across key areas of law.
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Polsinelli Achieves Top National Rankings in 2026 Best Law Firms®
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Polsinelli has once again earned top national recognition in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings by Best Lawyers®, receiving 140 Tier 1 rankings, including 19 National Tier 1 distinctions. The firm earned 255 practice recognitions across the U.S., with 214 regional recognitions in 22 metro areas and 121 Metro Tier 1 listings. Overall, Polsinelli was nationally recognized in 41 practice areas and regionally in 61.
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Dallas College Honored with EAB Technology Pioneer Award
for Student Success Innovation
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Dallas College has been recognized as a national leader in student success innovation, receiving the Technology Pioneer Award at EAB’s Connected25 conference in Orlando, Florida. The award highlights the college’s bold use of technology and data to remove barriers, support students, and drive record outcomes.
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Baylor Study Finds Self-Guided Hypnosis Significantly
Reduces Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women
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A new Baylor University study finds that daily self-guided hypnosis can significantly reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, including those with a history of breast cancer. In a six-week trial, participants practicing hypnosis reported a 53% reduction in hot flash frequency and intensity, rising to 61% at the 12-week follow-up, outperforming a control group using white-noise recordings. Beyond easing hot flashes, the program improved sleep, mood, concentration, and overall quality of life.
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UTA Study Explores Zinc’s Potential to
Protect and Regenerate Muscle After Trauma
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UT Arlington researchers, led by Zui Pan, professor of graduate nursing, are conducting a 20-month study on how zinc may protect and regenerate muscle tissue damaged by trauma. The multidisciplinary team, including bioengineering professors Jun Liao and Yi Hong and researcher Yingjie Liu, is focusing on reducing secondary damage, the tissue loss that occurs after the initial injury from reduced blood flow, swelling, and infection. The study uses a zinc-infused gel, gelatin methacryloyl, to test its ability to promote muscle repair following blast injuries.
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UT Dallas Scientist Leads 2025 AHA Emergency Care Guidelines
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Dr. Jane Wigginton, a UT Dallas medical scientist and board-certified emergency physician, is the lead author of the adult Advanced Life Support section of the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, published in Circulation.
The guidelines, updated every five years, provide global standards for managing cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, pediatric resuscitation, and emergency responder training.
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UTSW Develops Nanovaccine
That Eliminates HPV-Related Tumors in Mice
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UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers, led by Jinming Gao, Ph.D., have developed a nanoparticle vaccine that eradicated HPV-related tumors in a mouse model of metastatic cancer. The vaccine combines a polymer, a STING-activating drug, and an HPV protein to stimulate the immune system, eliminating both primary and metastatic tumors without toxicity.
Outperforming current checkpoint therapies, this approach offers a promising path toward therapeutic vaccines for HPV-related and other hard-to-treat cancers.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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CPRIT High-Impact/ High-Risk Research Awards
Application closes December 2, 2025
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The High-Impact/High-Risk Research Award (HIHRA) supports research that explore the feasibility of high-risk projects that, if successful, would contribute to major new insights into the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cancers.
Using this mechanism, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) intends to support innovative, developmental projects that focus on exceptionally promising topics that are not yet sufficiently mature to compete successfully for more conventional funding.
The HIHRA is expected to provide the foundation and preliminary data for individual or multiple investigator peer-reviewed awards.
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Center for Global Business Global Development Initiative Program
Application closes December 31, 2025
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The Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas GDI Program is currently a FREE program for qualified and selected foreign companies planning to enter the USA market, is a practicum (50% of an undergraduate class focused on Market Entry Strategies) offered by the school. The 13-week Market Research project is focused on providing market research for foreign-based companies interested in establishing operations in the USA to serve the USA and North American market. The class is held in both the fall and spring semesters and is required for students to earn a B.S. in Global Business.
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Fueling the Next Generation of Health Innovators
Application closes March 6, 2026
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The One Health Incubator is a dynamic partnership between the Innovation Hub and the Health Sciences Center, created to support researchers and technology startups in the life sciences sector. This collaborative platform combines institutional expertise to offer an ecosystem of incubation, mentorship, and strategic connections—tailored specifically for life science innovators.
Startups and researchers benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialized resources, and guidance from industry experts. The incubator helps accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative healthcare solutions while fostering valuable relationships with potential partners, investors, and mentors.
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NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
Program ends January 8, 2027
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The purpose of this Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions is to support small scale research grants at institutions that do not receive substantial funding from the NIH, with an emphasis on providing biomedical research experiences primarily for undergraduate students, and enhancing the research environment at applicant institutions.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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2025 December BioConnect
Join BioHouston and the GCC for their monthly BioConnect. This event aims to promote collaboration among academic and industry innovators and key stakeholders within our growing biotech ecosystem.
December 2nd | Houston, TX
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BIO BREAK Dallas
Join BioNTX, Health Wildcatters, McDermott Will & Schulte and Delliote for a Happy Hour to celebrate the holiday season with the life science community!
December 4th | Dallas, TX
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BIO BREAK Frisco
Join BioNTX and Harness IP for a year-end happy hour with the life science community. Connect with peers, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the holiday season.
December 8th | Frisco, TX
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2025 SMU Cox Healthcare Conference:
The Economics of Healthcare
Join SMU for a 1 day event discussing
The Economics of Healthcare.
December 9th | Dallas, TX
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BIO BREAK Fort Worth
Join BioNTX, RSM, and UMB Bank for the last BIO BREAK
of the season as we kick off the year celebrating the
life science community.
December 10th | Fort Worth, TX
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Bridging Belgian Life Science Expertise and
Dallas-Driven Innovation
Join BioNTX, Health Wildcatters, Pegasus Park, and the Dallas Regional Chamber to connect Belgian life science expertise with Dallas innovation.
December 11th | Dallas, TX
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Thank you for your Support!
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less"
- Dr. Marie Cure
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