Your Voice Matters- Thank You from BioNTX
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Kathleen M. Otto-Rosenblum, CEO, BioNTX
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Dear Members and Friends,
As we share in another dynamic year of exciting growth, watching our industry expand in North Texas, it is our honor to work with you. You are the voice of our industry.
We invite you to renew your membership in BioNTX. Your steadfast commitment has been the backbone of our shared successes, and as we look to the future, your continued involvement is vital in propelling our industry toward even greater achievements.
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With your membership and support, we are fostering a landscape of innovation and connectivity in North Texas that strengthens us all. Together, we can pioneer new pathways from the frontiers of technology to the corridors of policy. We recognize that there is still much work to be done, many problems to solve and through collaboration, we can accomplish this and so much more. Please join us and forge deeper connections, exchange bolder ideas, and champion innovation at every turn.
Thank you, you are not just members of an organization; you are architects of change, collaborators, and champions of possibility.
With gratitude,
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Pharma.Aero Representatives Tour Pegasus Park
Ahead of Inaugural North American Masterclass
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Pharma.Aero and The University of Antwerp visited North Texas to prepare for their upcoming four-day Pharma Logistics Masterclass. BioNTX CEO, Kathleen Otto welcomed the visiting delegation ahead of the exceptional event, which will offer seasoned professionals and academics a deep dive into pharmaceutical logistics, exploring crucial supply chain organization and optimization methods tailored to the pharma and life sciences sectors. Masterclass attendees will also benefit from extensive networking opportunities. BioNTX is honored that North Texas was selected as the inaugural US location for this historic event and celebrates the international collaboration that has brought opportunity to our region.
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BioNTX Business Team Honored with Diversity Scholars Award
at ACRP Clinical Research Conference
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BioNTX's business development team travelled to sunny Southern California for the 2024 Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) annual Conference. As the organization's flagship event, the ACRP conference brings together research professionals and industry stakeholders from around the world to explore current trends, share best-practices, and engage in collaborative discussions.
Speakers and luminaries have expressed a renewed mandate across clinical trials, calling for talent development, and more accessible, diverse clinical trials. With fresh insights in hand, BioNTX is poised to effectively contribute to advancements in diversity in clinical research and better patient outcomes.
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Navigating Clinical Trials & Maximizing Innovation
in Drug Therapy Development
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Join BioNTX and Caidya for an engaging, in-depth exploration of the clinical trial landscape and the necessary steps to ensure successful outcomes.
Caidya's team of dedicated experts will discuss effective strategies to streamline early phase trial design and address CMC challenges head-on. Founders and innovators, come learn how to better optimize efficiency while fostering innovation in your pipelines.
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After the program, relax and unwind with peers, founders, and innovators at our May BIO BREAK Happy Hour sponsored by Caidya. Forge genuine connections for professional business growth, and experience the vibrant DFW Life Science ecosystem.
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Ignite Healthcare Network's Golden Ticket Pitch Competition Propels Women-Led Health Innovators Forward
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Ignite Healthcare Network recently hosted the Golden Ticket Pitch Competition in Dallas, TX, where women leading digital health and medical device startups vied for a chance to win a coveted spot in Ignite’s unique Accelerator Program. The competition crowned three winners: Dionysus Digital Health, Zeph Technologies, and Alva Health Inc.
These successful startups have now secured their places in this year's accelerator program, set to begin in August. Through this program, they will gain access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and guidance essential for further developing and scaling their ventures.
Thank you Ignite!
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BioMedSA Celebrates Emerging Technologies
in San Antonio Innovation Ecosystem
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The Biofest Invest startup conference and pitch competition brings together startups, investors, and experts to encourage connections that foster growth. With the largest group of applicants to date, a total of 14 companies were selected to participate in 2024. Pitch winner, Neurastasis, shared the plan for a medical device that seeks to improve healthcare outcomes for patients who had experienced a stroke. Biofest Invest is part of a larger event called Biofest Days.
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Biofest Days is an annual celebration of the Healthcare and Bioscience industry held in the spring. The event highlights the assets and support structure of the thriving San Antonio life science ecosystem. BioMedSA extends the invitation to local, regional, and national organizations to participate. Included in the line-up are multiple activities ranging from tours of industry assets and military health research facilities, thought leadership conferences, family friendly STEM experiences and the Biomed Career Fest for job seekers. Each event provides multiple opportunities for networking and support sessions for all areas of the ecosystem.
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BioNTX Joins UTSW, Southwestern Medical Foundation, Venture Dallas and LaunchBio for Healthcare Investor Forum
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Brad Phelan, MBA, UT Southwestern Medical Center
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(from left to right) Cullum Clark, PhD, George Bush Presidential Center, Marguerite Hoffman, Investor, Warren Huff, JD, Former Reata Pharmaceuticals and Jun II Kwun, MBA, Actium Group
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BioNTX joined local life science and healthcare stakeholders for an intimate discussion with seasoned investors and thought leaders on the future of industry in the region. Over breakfast, panelists delved into the dynamic realm of investing in healthcare and life sciences, highlighting its burgeoning presence in Dallas. The fireside event fostered camaraderie and collaboration among investors and life science start-ups who all share the vision of North Texas as a hub for innovation. Leaders and speakers facilitated knowledge-sharing through networking, creating a dialogue for future growth and opportunity.
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Spark Biomedical Founder Named Finalist for 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Southwest Award
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Daniel Powell, Founder & CEO of Spark Biomedical
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Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has announced Daniel Powell, CEO and Founder of Spark Biomedical, as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Southwest Award. This program, in its 38th year, recognizes leaders who disrupt markets and make transformative impacts. Powell joins 47 regional entrepreneurs selected for their entrepreneurial spirit, growth, and impact. He credits the nomination to Spark Biomedical's dedicated team working on life-saving therapy for opioid use disorder.
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Baylor Researcher Studies High Stakes Human Behavior
to Understand Effective Communication
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Dr. Brittany Perrine, with Baylor University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) embarks on an innovative research endeavor delving into the voice's influence on professional sales. The research aims to refine coaching strategies and provide enhanced support for prospective clients. Dr. Perrine's pioneering work not only sheds light on effective communication and vocal health but also enriches students' academic journeys with valuable insights and hands-on experience.
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Dr. Brittany Perrine, PhD
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UTA Bioengineering Professor Recognized as TAMEST Protégé
for Novel Probiotic Development
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Justyn Jaworski, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been honored as an emerging researcher by TAMEST, showcasing his notable contributions to the field of bioengineering. His designation as a TAMEST protégé underscores his impactful work in developing a probiotic for enhanced nutrient absorption and exploring novel applications of polymeric materials. This recognition not only acknowledges Jaworski's dedication and potential but also highlights his capacity to drive research and innovation within Texas.
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UTD Professor Recognized for Scientific Contributions
in Affective Signal Processing
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Dr. Carlos Busso, esteemed Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas' Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, has been honored with the distinguished title of Fellow by the International Speech Communication Association (ISCA).
This accolade commends his exceptional contributions to the fields of science and research, particularly in the areas of speech and multimodal affective signal processing, and their wide-ranging applications in technology. Affective computing aims to develop systems and devices that can recognize, interpret, process and simulate human emotional states.
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UNTHSC School of Public Health Climbs into Top 90 in Nation
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The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth's School of Public Health achieved notable progress in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of public health schools, ascending four places to 88th in the nation. This advancement underscores the institution's unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier education while addressing critical public health issues within the North Texas community and beyond.
Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, Dean of the School of Public Health, credits this success to the collective efforts of faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Looking ahead, the school is embarking on IMPACT 2030, a strategic initiative aimed at advancing health equity. IMPACT 2030 prioritizes offering students a transformative educational experience that seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for addressing real-world public health challenges.
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Tarleton State Researcher to Present Mental Health Research
at International Psychology Summit in Japan
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Tarleton State University graduate researcher Vladyslav Logos is set to present groundbreaking clinical research on mental health at the prestigious International Conference on Education and Psychology (ICEAP) in Fukuoka, Japan.
With a diverse background in music, Logos made a career shift to medicine and science with a profound desire to contribute meaningfully to society, previously serving as a clinical psychologist/therapist in Ukraine. His collaborative research with Dr. Nikki Hurless focuses on tackling prevalent mental health issues among refugees, with a primary objective of devising effective interventions to safeguard mental well-being amid forced migration from conflict-ridden regions.
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UT Southwestern Study Shows Promise in Heart Failure Treatment with FDA-Approved Drug Combination
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Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have unveiled a potential breakthrough in heart failure treatment. Their groundbreaking study, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, unveils the effectiveness of a combination of FDA-approved drugs, paromomycin (Paro) and neomycin (Neo), in rejuvenating the heart's regenerative capabilities. By targeting specific proteins that impede heart muscle regeneration, these medications demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac function and a reduction in scar formation in animal models.
Lead researcher Dr. Hesham Sadek underscores the immense promise of pharmacological interventions in stimulating heart muscle replication and fostering regeneration. Paro and Neo, conventionally utilized for treating infections, were identified through a meticulous screening process for repurposing existing drugs, offering a beacon of hope for the development of future heart failure therapies.
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UT Southwestern Raises Optimism Surrounding Phase 1 Trial
for Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma
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James Brugarolas, MD, PhD
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In a groundbreaking phase one clinical trial spearheaded by UT Southwestern Medical Center, a team of researchers, led by Dr. James Brugarolas, Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and founding Director of the Kidney Cancer Program at the Simmons Cancer Center, has unveiled the effectiveness of a novel short interfering RNA (siRNA) drug named ARO-HIF2.
This innovative drug is engineered to selectively target HIF2α mRNA, thereby impeding the production of the HIF2α protein, which plays a central role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a prevalent form of kidney cancer in adults.
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UTARI Researcher Awarded Judges’ Choice
for Advancements in Innovative Structural Design
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Twinkle Kothari, a Research Assistant at UT Arlington, was just honored for her project "Design and Analysis of Reinforced I-Beam Lattice with Enhanced Energy Absorption" at the College of Engineering Innovation Day.
Her findings provide invaluable insights into crafting innovative lightweight lattice structures with heightened durability and performance. These advancements hold vast potential across diverse applications, spanning from automotive chassis and wing ribs to sandwich cores.
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Twinkle Kothari, PhD student
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MentalHappy: An Accessible Bridge to Modern Mental Health
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MentalHappy is a telehealth platform that allows health professionals to facilitate online support groups. The company's mission is to provide the best tools and optimal experience in peer support therapy to facilitate your wellness journey. Founder and CEO, Tamar Blue has made a life helping others find their peace and happiness. The Y Combinator alumnus has been growing the company since its inception over 8 years ago at Florida State University.
The MentalHappy app allows health professionals to facilitate online support groups to help meet the rising demand for mental health services, create meaningful impact and earn extra revenue. Some groups are more intimate, while others have 100+ members, spanning different life events from grief support, healing from illness, life after divorce, black mental health, LGBTQIA+, stress management, emotional fertility support, coping with anxiety, and many other groups.
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Tamar Blue, Founder & CEO of MentalHappy
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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CPRIT Funding Programs Drive Cancer Research,
Product Development & Prevention
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Through these funding programs and opportunities, CPRIT grows the cancer-fighting ecosystem across Texas, providing life-extending results, and tangible economic benefits throughout the State.
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SEED Awards
This award funds early-stage development of oncology therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, or tools, aiming to advance promising technologies toward commercial viability. Applicants should have identified a novel technology, conducted preliminary safety testing, demonstrated manufacturing feasibility, assessed the business opportunity, and established a company.
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Texas Diagnostic and Devices Company Awards
This award covers areas such as cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring, including companion diagnostics. Applicants should have developed commercial prototypes or assays validated for human samples. Funding supports preclinical proof of concept, product validation, manufacturing, and clinical studies to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
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Texas New Technologies
Company Awards
This award supports ongoing research and development of new cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, or treatment technologies. Created by CPRIT, it funds projects that don't fit into other CPRIT Product Development Research RFAs. Proposals may include bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, radionuclide production, cell-based therapy manufacture, sample quality improvement processes, and therapeutic biomanufacturing. Companies may use CPRIT funds for preclinical proof of concept, product validation, design, manufacturing, development, and clinical studies with appropriate justification.
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Texas Therapeutics Company Awards
This award funds ongoing research and development of innovative products, services, and infrastructure with significant potential for patient care. Typically, companies at this stage have identified lead compounds, demonstrated efficacy in animal models, completed pilot toxicology studies, established scalable manufacturing processes, and identified prototype formulations. Funding supports preclinical proof of concept studies, manufacturing development, GLP safety studies for INDs, Phase 1 trials for safety and dose determination, and Phase 2 studies for safety and efficacy evaluation in initial patient populations.
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PRO-FORMA Pitch Competition Offers Chance at Grand Prize
Applications due May 23, 2024
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Pro-FORMA has opened applications for their virtual pitch competition. All startups are welcome to apply. Applicants receive a Capital raise forecast, Investability score, and more. Companies that selected to the final round will win a cash prize and the opportunity to pitch to Eagle Venture Fund.
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The Hill Prizes
Recognizing Life Science Innovators & High-Impact Research
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Generously funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the Hill Prizes aim to accelerate groundbreaking research ideas with high potential for real-world impact. These prizes celebrate the achievements of top innovators and researchers in Texas, spanning six categories: Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology. Each recipient of the prize will be awarded $500,000 in funding to further their work and drive innovation.
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PLMC 2024 Introduces Poster Presentations to Highlight Innovative Pharma Logistics Research
Abstracts due June 1, 2024
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PLMC 2024 is thrilled to unveil Poster Presentations as a new highlight of the event, providing a platform for researchers to showcase innovative studies in Pharma Logistics. Led by Prof. Roel Gevaers from the University of Antwerp, this addition aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry professionals and academics. Researchers from academia and industry are encouraged to submit abstracts covering topics such as pharmaceutical supply chain optimization, economic implications, innovative engineering solutions, regulatory challenges, sustainability considerations, technological advancements, risk management, patient-centric approaches, and data analytics in pharmaceutical distribution. This initiative promises to enrich dialogue and contribute to advancements in the field of pharmaceutical logistics.
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National Science Foundation Expands Funding Opportunity
to Bolster Regional Innovation Engines
LOI due June 18, 2024
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The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a funding opportunity to invest in a new set of NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) across the U.S. In January, NSF announced the 10 inaugural NSF Engines, and the latest opportunity looks to build upon that investment, pending congressional appropriations.
The initial NSF Engines announcement represented one of the single largest broad investments in place-based research and development in the nation's history — uniquely placing science and technology leadership as the central driver for regional economic competitiveness. This latest funding opportunity advances the bipartisan priorities outlined in the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," which authorized the NSF Engines program.
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Chiesi Rare Disease Golden Ticket Competition
Applications due June 30, 2024
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The Chiesi Golden Ticket Competition awards startups and companies 2 (two) Golden Tickets to a US BioLabs site. Each Golden Ticket provides one year of fully paid individual bench space and membership at a fully equipped laboratory designed to accelerate early-stage startup working on research and development in the gene editing and/or relevant viral and non-viral delivery technologies, for treating rare hematology, immunology, ophthalmology, dermatology, inborn errors of metabolism or metabolic diseases.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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Health Wildcatters Info Session
Join Health Wildcatters to learn more about their Fall Accelerator Program and get your questions answered.
May 7, 2024 | Online
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Nucleate Texas Activator Program
Join Nucleate Texas to hear students talk about their novel and innovative solutions to today’s most challenging issues in life sciences for a chance to win a Golden Ticket at Biolabs!
May 7, 2024 | Dallas, TX
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BIO BREAK
Join McDermott, Deloitte, and BioNTX for cocktails at May's BIO BREAK. Relax, engage with the life science community, and cultivate genuine connections that open doors to professional growth.
May 9, 2024 | Dallas, TX
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Fort Worth Business Plan Competition 2024 Finale
Join the City of Fort Worth to celebrate the Top 8 finalists in this year's Fort Worth Business Plan Competition! The competitors will take the stage to make their final pitch to the judges, with a $10,000 grand prize on the line.
May 9, 2024 | Fort Worth, TX
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Finding Your Ecosystem
Join Richardson IQ to delve into the prevalent challenges that entrepreneurs often encounter on their business journeys. From issues like financial constraints to marketing struggles, the overview will identify these pain points and provide insights into leveraging the various tools at entrepreneurs' disposal.
May 9, 2024 | Richardson, TX
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AI Act: What Impact for
Life Sciences?
Join MyData-TRUST to learn how does the AI Act affects the Life Sciences Industry.
May 16, 2024 | Online
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Bridging Bodies and Bytes: The Future of Healthcare through Engineering Innovation
Join Gwen Lily Foundation for an overview of how engineering is revolutionizing healthcare through advancements in technology, and improving patient outcomes.
May 16, 2024 | Online
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2024 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition
Join Texas A&M University to listen to Texas-based companies discuss their technology in a competition for a chance to win funds to help them effectively execute their ideas and advance produce development.
May 21, 2024 | College Station, TX
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The iC³ Life Science Summit: 10 Years of Innovation
October 3, 2024 - October 4, 2024
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This year's 10th annual BioNTX iC³ Life Science Summit will provide dynamic platform and a gorgeous setting for the North Texas bioscience community to share insightful discussion, cutting-edge research, and emerging technologies set to revolutionize the future of healthcare and biomedicine. With a new, international focus; the 2024 iC³ Life Science Summit is proud to welcome the global life science community to North Texas.
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Tech Transfer Showcase Applications Open!
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Applications for the BioNTX University Tech Transfer Showcase opening soon!
The Tech Transfer Showcase at the iC³ Life Science Summit provides founders with an opportunity to present innovative intellectual property to a select audience of investors and industry leaders, opening doors to potential collaborations and funding opportunities. Become part of the growing legacy of North Texas Life Sciences and apply to present your company!
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Thank you for your Membership
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