Advancing Innovation Together:
BioNTX’s Vision for 2026
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As we begin a new year, BioNTX enters this moment with clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the ecosystem we serve. The momentum built over the past year has positioned us not simply as a connector, but as a platform for progress across North Texas’s life sciences and healthcare innovation community.
In the year ahead, we will continue to strengthen the assets that amplify our collective voice and impact. We believe that we need to continue sharpening our focus on workforce development, recognizing the talent that exists here in our region and strengthening that talent as the foundation of sustainable growth.
Through expanded programming, intentional partnerships, and ecosystem-informed events, BioNTX will continue to help align education, industry, and opportunity—ensuring our region is prepared for what is next.
We are proud to welcome new and returning sponsors, members and strategic partners to the BioNTX community this year. Your engagement reflects a shared belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in a connected, future-ready ecosystem.
All this builds toward the defining moment for our community: the iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit. This Annual Summit remains more than an event, it is a signal of where our ecosystem is headed and a catalyst for the relationships, insights, and actions that move us forward.
As we launch this year, our commitment is clear: to communicate with purpose, convene with intention, and ensure BioNTX continues to serve as a trusted steward of this growing and global ecosystem. We look forward to advancing this work—together.
- BioNTX Team
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How Alloy Futures is Shaping North Texas’
Next Generation of Biotech Leaders
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Exploring the people, ideas, and breakthroughs shaping the North Texas life sciences ecosystem.
BioNTX is proud to release a special two-episode edition of Inside Innovation, featuring Dr. Natalie Lundsteen, Director of Operations, Dallas at Alloy Therapeutics.
In this episode, we explore Alloy’s groundbreaking program designed to demystify the journey from university discovery to biotech venture creation. Dr. Lundsteen walks us through the origins of Alloy Futures, the training it provides, and its impact on early-stage founders across North Texas.
"These episodes highlight two essential sides of our ecosystem: developing the next generation of founders and preparing the scientific workforce to thrive,” said host Eric B. Moore, Chief Communications Officer at BioNTX. “Natalie’s perspective shows why North Texas continues to be a place where emerging talent can build, grow, and lead."
Because in North Texas, innovation is not only happening—it is accelerating.
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Welcoming the Belgian Life Sciences
Delegation to North Texas
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On December 11 – 12, 2025, a Belgian Life Sciences delegation visited Texas, including a stop in Dallas–Fort Worth—a region that reflects the scale, ambition, and momentum defining Texas’s life sciences and healthcare innovation ecosystem.
This visit would not have been possible without the leadership and engagement of our regional partners, including BioNTX, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Economic Development Corporation, Pegasus Park, BioLabs Pegasus Park, UT Southwestern Medical Center, UT Southwestern Education, and Health Wildcatters. Together, these organizations represent the connective infrastructure that enables North Texas to compete and collaborate on a global stage.
At BioNTX, international engagement like this delegation visit is a critical part of our broader effort to expand, strengthen, and globalize our ecosystem, ensuring North Texas remains visible, competitive, and connected within the evolving global life sciences landscape.
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BioNTX Members Take the Stage
at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
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BioNTX members Nanoscope Therapeutics, Avantor, Inc., and Secretome Therapeutics will be presenting at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Do not miss the opportunity to attend their sessions, hear the latest updates, and learn more about the exciting work their companies are doing.
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UT Southwestern to Operate First State Acute Care
Behavioral Health Hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth
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UT Southwestern Medical Center has been selected to operate the new Texas Behavioral Health Center, the first state acute care behavioral health hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The hospital plans to welcome its first patients this summer.
In partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), UT Southwestern led the planning, design, and construction of the nearly 505,000-square-foot facility, a central component of the state’s plan to expand inpatient psychiatric services.
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Caris Life Sciences Partners with Genentech
to Discover Novel Cancer Targets
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Caris Life Sciences, an AI TechBio company and leader in precision medicine, announced a multi-year collaboration with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to identify and validate novel oncology targets in solid tumors. Through this partnership, Caris Discovery will combine its extensive tumor tissue and molecular data with Genentech’s therapeutic development expertise to accelerate the discovery of new targets and advance next-generation cancer therapies.
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Taysha Gene Therapies Awards Stock Options to
Fuel Next-Generation Gene Therapy Development
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Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSHA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing AAV-based gene therapies for severe monogenic CNS diseases, announced that its Compensation Committee has granted stock options to two new employees totaling 212,000 shares under the 2023 Inducement Plan. The options are designed to attract and retain key talent and vest over four years, with an initial portion vesting after one year and the remainder vesting monthly thereafter, contingent on continued employment.
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Peer Career Connection Program:
Career Support & Networking for Job Seekers
January 14, 2026
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Presents
2026 Peer Career Connection Program
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BioNTX proudly introduces the 2026 Peer Career Connection Program (PCCP)—a supportive, community-driven initiative designed specifically for jobseekers navigating career transitions in the life sciences and beyond.
Held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday, PCCP provides a dedicated space to learn, share, and grow alongside peers who understand the realities of a changing career path. Together, we explore our journeys, the challenges we have faced, and the successes—big and small—that move us forward. In addition to individual career seekers, we invite BioNTX member companies to come and share information about what they are looking for in candidates.
Our BioNTX staff, partners, and member companies have all walked this road. We know the ups, downs, and uncertainties of the job search, and we’re committed to helping you build confidence, expand your network, and strengthen the skills that will lead you to your next opportunity.
PCCP welcomes jobseekers at every stage of transition—from early-career professionals to seasoned executives, and from industries as diverse as aerospace, biopharma, digital health, logistics, engineering, research, and manufacturing. Whether you are refining your résumé, exploring new sectors, or seeking meaningful community, you will find supportive peers and connections here.
Our members are people just like you—professionals seeking growth, community, and meaningful conversations.
Come network, learn, and take the next step toward your future.
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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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BIO BREAK Fort Worth Returns: Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate
February 10, 2026
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BioNTX, RSM, and UMB Bank invite you to BIO BREAK Fort Worth, a fun and engaging evening for the North Texas life science community. Connect with fellow professionals, industry leaders, and partners across biotech, healthcare, and research in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you are meeting new faces or reconnecting with colleagues, this is the perfect chance to share ideas, grow your network, and celebrate innovation in our region.
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The BioNTX Career Symposium & HR Forum
February 11, 2026
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Presents
2026 Career Symposium & HR Forum
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The Career Symposium connects job seekers with industry professionals and recruiters shaping the future of life sciences and healthcare innovation. Explore networking opportunities, receive expert career guidance, and access resources to enhance your resume, 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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Women Driving Innovation:
Celebrating Leadership in Life Sciences
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 recognizes and celebrates women who are transforming the life sciences industry through visionary leadership, creativity, and groundbreaking research.
The program highlights the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and visibility, providing opportunities for women to connect, share knowledge, and inspire one another. By empowering the next generation of life sciences leaders, Women Driving Innovation is helping to shape an inclusive future for North Texas and beyond.
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UMB Bank: Driving Growth and Innovation
Through Tailored Financial Solutions
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UMB is a financial services company that delivers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. Its streamlined structure and client-focused approach allow for quick responses, personalized guidance, and strong, lasting relationships. The company provides a full range of services, including commercial banking, personal banking and wealth management, investment solutions, corporate trust and asset servicing, investment banking, and specialized healthcare and institutional services.
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Lyda Hill Philanthropies Supports
North Texas Families Facing Hunger
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Lyda Hill Philanthropies has made a transformative contribution to the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and its partner agencies, helping the organization meet increased demand during the government shutdown and holiday season. The funding enabled NTFB and its partners to respond quickly to urgent community needs.
The government shutdown affected thousands of federal workers in North Texas and hundreds of thousands of residents who rely on SNAP benefits for access to nutritious food. The support helped partner agencies serve additional neighbors and host special distributions for those experiencing income loss or delayed benefits.
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The Colossal Foundation Marks First-Year
Milestones in Biodiversity Conservation
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The Colossal Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of Colossal Biosciences, the world’s first de extinction company, announced it has secured additional funding to support its mission. The Foundation also released its first Impact Report highlighting measurable conservation outcomes from its first year.
Founded to bring Colossal’s breakthrough de extinction technologies to the front lines of the biodiversity crisis, the Foundation accelerates partner led efforts to protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and build a resilient genetic safety net for species worldwide.
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Island Pharmaceuticals Partners with
Texas Biomed to Advance Galidesivir
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Island Pharmaceuticals has secured a Master Service Agreement with Texas Biomedical Research Institute, a leading BSL 4 facility in the US. The agreement provides optionality for non-human primate studies to support Galidesivir’s development under the FDA Animal Rule and aligns with Island’s focus on addressing high-consequence viral threats.
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Johnson & Johnson Completes Acquisition of
Halda Therapeutics to Expand Oncology Pipeline
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Johnson & Johnson has completed its acquisition of Halda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company with the proprietary RIPTAC™ platform for developing oral targeted therapies for solid tumors, including prostate cancer. The acquisition adds HLD-0915 and other early-stage candidates to J&J’s oncology pipeline, advancing the company’s mission to deliver innovative, precision cancer treatments.
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Leading Life Sciences: Insights from Deloitte on Innovation & AI
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In this episode of the Acuity + Acumen Leadership Podcast, host Deanna Armstrong talks with Deloitte leaders Bonnie Jarecke and Ernest Horany about the future of life sciences.
They share leadership lessons, career insights, and how innovation, including AI-enabled drug discovery is reshaping the industry for patients and professionals alike.
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Ecolab Finalizes Acquisition of Ovivo Electronics
to Boost Semiconductor Solutions
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Ecolab Inc. has finalized its acquisition of Ovivo’s electronics business, a leader in ultrapure water technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. The deal expands Ecolab’s reach across the AI value chain and combines Ovivo’s solutions with Ecolab’s expertise to deliver advanced circular water management, helping the semiconductor industry reduce water use and operate more sustainably.
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Harness IP Achieves SBTi Approval for
Science-Based Emissions Targets
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Harness IP is proud to announce that our science-based target and emissions commitments have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a leading global organization driving corporate climate action. With zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and exceptionally low Scope 3 emissions, our SBTi-approved greenhouse gas inventory reflects our dedication to reducing emissions across our value chain. This recognition underscores Harness IP’s ongoing commitment to align environmental practices with global climate science and the expectations of our clients.
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McMillan Expands Grapevine Operations to Support Growth
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McMillan, a custom HVAC and plumbing systems company, will expand its footprint in Grapevine Station to accommodate workforce growth. The company plans to convert warehouse space into offices, add windows, create additional parking, and increase its total space from 22,881 to 30,897 square feet.
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RSM US LLP’s Proprietary AI Platform Aurora
Wins 2025 NextWave Innovation Award
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RSM US LLP, a leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services for the middle market, announced that Aurora, its proprietary AI-powered advisory platform, has been named the 2025 NextWave Innovation Champion. Aurora, developed internally by RSM teams, was selected from more than 165 submissions across the U.S., Canada, El Salvador, and India for its bold approach to streamlining advisory work, enhancing accuracy, and boosting team collaboration.
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UNT Health and TechFW Renew Partnership
to Accelerate Health Innovation in North Texas
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UNT Health Fort Worth and TechFW have renewed their long-standing partnership to strengthen the region’s health innovation ecosystem. The collaboration supports early-stage researchers and startups by providing mentorship, funding, and commercialization resources, helping turn scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Over the years, the partnership has helped launch successful ventures including Ayuvis, Memsel, Cx Precision Medicine, and ZS Pharma.
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UTA Researcher Named 2025 Fellow of
the National Academy of Inventors
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Muthu B. J. Wijesundara, PhD
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The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named University of Texas at Arlington researcher Muthu B.J. Wijesundara as a 2025 fellow, one of the highest professional honors exclusively recognizing inventors.
Dr. Wijesundara, principal research scientist and head of the Biomedical Technologies Division at UT Arlington’s Research Institute (UTARI) in Fort Worth, has been recognized for his transformative contributions to healthcare technology.
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UT Dallas Students Earn International Recognition
for mRNA Vaccine Research
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(first row, from left) Aaliyah Sherfuddin, Maria Shaikh, (second row) Namyuktha Prakash, Amanda Le, Selina Wang, (top row) Dr. P.C. Dave Dingal and Dr. Xintong Dong.
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A team of University of Texas at Dallas students received international recognition for research that could help improve the stability of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. The students, known as the Comets, were awarded a gold medal at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Grand Jamboree in Paris.
The Comets’ work focused on tardigrades, microscopic invertebrates known for producing stress-protective proteins. By studying these proteins, the team aimed to develop strategies to prevent mRNA from breaking down, which could help address the ultra-cold storage requirements of current mRNA vaccines.
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UTSW’s Eric Olson Wins 2025 Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize
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Eric Olson, founding Chair of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been awarded the 2025 Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize for his groundbreaking research on muscle development and efforts to develop gene-editing treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
BioNTX is proud to have Dr. Olson as a member of the North Texas life sciences community. His dedication to advancing scientific discovery, improving patient outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of researchers exemplifies the innovation and excellence that make North Texas a leading hub for life sciences.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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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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JPM Healthcare Conference 2026
Join JPM for their 44th annual event. This premier conference is the largest and most informative healthcare investment symposium in the industry which connects global industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators and members of the investment community.
January 12th - 15th | San Francisco, CA
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Presents
Peer Career Connection Program (PCCP)
The Peer Career Connection Program (PCCP) is a community-driven initiative for jobseekers navigating career transitions in life sciences and beyond. PCCP provides a space to learn, share, and grow alongside peers, exploring challenges, successes, and career journeys.
January 14th | Dallas, TX
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Near Southside Happy Hour
Join Near Southside, Inc. for an opportunity to hang with business owners, build connections in the community, and hear news from the neighborhood!
January 15th | Fort Worth, TX
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What is Next for North Texas Healthcare 2026
Join Healthcare Think Tank for an an inside look at what is next for North Texas healthcare and predictions for 2026.
January 20th | Dallas, TX
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Presents
CFO Forum
Join us to learn key tax and accounting strategies to help you prepare for growth and maximize opportunities around R&D credits, state nexus, and more.
January 22nd | Dallas, TX
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Biotechnology Career Fair 2026
Join the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM) and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) student chapter at Texas A&M for the first annual Biotechnology Career Fair in Spring 2026.
January 23rd | College Station, TX
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Thank you for your Support!
"Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done"
- Robert A. Heinlein
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