Bridging Innovation Between Bourgeoning Biotech Hubs
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In a historic visit that involved several regional ecosystem tours, BioNexusKC met with stakeholders and research institutions in North Texas to discuss capabilities, best practices, and connect resources between bourgeoning life science hot spots of DFW and Kansas City. Covering Pegasus Park in Dallas to the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth, the visiting KC delegation experienced the complete life science inventory of developmental assets in the region and learned capabilities for sustaining growth into the foreseeable future. Partner organizations across the nation have steadily gained interest in North Texas, presumably due to the meteoric rise in popularity the area has experienced in the past 16 months.
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(above): Representatives from BioNexus KC, UNT Health Science Center, HSC Next Labs, the Dallas Regional Chamber, BioLabs at Pegasus Park, and BioNTX touring facilities in Fort Worth.
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Texas' Record-Breaking Job Growth & Economic Milestones
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Texas celebrates another milestone in its economic journey, with job growth exceeding national rates over the past year. The state achieved record-breaking highs in total jobs, employed Texans, and overall labor force, demonstrating its resilience and economic strength. With a labor force reaching 15,262,600 and 41,800 non-farm jobs added in May alone, Texas maintains its position as a beacon of opportunity and innovation marking a 2.3% increase and outpacing the nation by 0.5%.
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Empowering North Texas Women: A Conversation
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Women have been instrumental in shaping North Texas's economy. Despite limited female leadership among corporate giants, North Texas supports women-owned businesses, ranking as the nation's second-best metro area for female entrepreneurs. The pandemic sparked a surge in female entrepreneurship, buoyed by a collaborative environment and mentorship programs. This trend, especially notable among Hispanic women, is driving innovation and economic growth in the region.
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Tarrant County College Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Grows Healthcare Workforce and Brings Opportunity
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At Tarrant County College, the nuclear medicine technology program is a beacon of education and opportunity, providing students with a pathway to promising job prospects and substantial financial reward. Other Tarrant County educational institutions, like Tarleton State University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center, are all actively addressing broader healthcare workforce needs, ensuring the region remains well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the industry.
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NIIMBL Collaborates to Advance Biomanufacturing Resources
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The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) has contributed its biopharmaceutical manufacturing ontologies to The Open Applications Group (OAG) for further development as an open-source initiative.
By transitioning NIIMBL’s ontology efforts to an open-source framework, there is expected to be broader participation and adoption of standardized processes, thereby enhancing the overall advantages for the biopharmaceutical industry.
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Good Days to Address Chronic Disease & Patient Care
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The Chronic Disease Day Leadership Luncheon and Symposium in Dallas, Texas, aims to gather regional leaders from government, healthcare, biotech, and patient advocacy sectors. Chronic Disease Day serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the impact of chronic illnesses, which account for seven of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. This significant event will take place at Pegasus Park, home to the nation’s new ARPA-H Customer Experience hub. The symposium will underscore the area's dedication to addressing chronic diseases, spotlighting the region's comprehensive expertise and resources in tackling these health challenges.
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Clinical Trial Infrastructure: A Blueprint for Future Breakthroughs
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New BioNTX Member Center Portal Now Open!
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BioNTX is grateful for our members! We have just unveiled our newest Member Benefit, an online Member Center where members can track events, search for grants and funding, browse other members, and post job openings which directly go on the main BioNTX website! There are many other amazing features for all our members to explore.
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Form Bio and PacBio Launch AAV Design Resource Platform
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Form Bio and PacBio have announced a collaboration to advance the AAV industry with new initiatives, including an AAV data dictionary and open-source tools. These efforts are spearheaded by a newly formed AAV Working Group composed of leading experts from industry and academia. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) are small viruses that infect humans and some primates, commonly used for creating gene therapies. The initiative aims to address the lack of standardized definitions and practices in AAV-based gene therapy, which currently hinders collaboration and regulatory submissions.
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Deloitte Dives into Industry-Specific AI Solutions with HP & NVIDIA
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Deloitte's recent collaboration with HPE and NVIDIA represents a focused initiative to harness advanced AI technology for industry-specific solutions. Deloitte aims to combine its extensive industry expertise with HPE's Private Cloud AI and NVIDIA's accelerated computing capabilities to expedite digital transformation across diverse sectors. By jointly developing Generative AI applications and use cases, Deloitte endeavors to equip its clients with actionable insights and tailored solutions to address their distinct challenges.
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BioNTX Tips for Staying Local and Navigating Success with CDMOs
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Scorpius Biomanufacturing knows that creating a meaningful partnership with a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) is a high-stakes, complex process. An ideal partner offers technical expertise and regulatory guidance while acting as a consultant throughout the manufacturing process. Proximity is beneficial for facilitating face-to-face interactions and building rapport.
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UNTHSC Leads Effort to Improve Healthcare for Aging Inmates
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HSC’s Correctional Medicine Program through the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth announces it has partnered with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The strategic initiative will offer comprehensive guidance to correctional facilities nationwide and address the complex needs of elderly inmates.
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The Protectors: UTA Develops Software Shield Against AI Phishing
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A research team at the University of Texas at Arlington has developed pioneering software to combat the growing threat of AI chatbots being exploited for phishing scams. The team is collaborating with the likes of Google and OpenAI to integrate their findings into broader AI security frameworks.
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UTD Researchers Develop AI Model for Self-Healing Electrical Grids
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Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas and the University at Buffalo have devised an AI model, featured in Nature Communications, with the potential to swiftly reroute electricity within milliseconds. Spearheaded by Dr. Jie Zhang, the grid autonomously detects and rectifies issues such as storm-induced damage to power lines without human intervention, representing a significant advancement in outage management and resilience across complex systems.
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Poised for Growth with Bolstered Leadership: Phronetik Will Acquire Assets to Fuel AI Genomics Platform
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To suggest that local, Dallas AI-Genomics company Phronetik, has stayed busy in 2024 would be an understatement. The company has been structuring leadership as it prepares for an injection of private capital and the forthcoming acquisition of laboratory assets. Founded in 2013, Phronetik integrates data science and genomics into research and patient care using OMICS, AI, bioinformatics, and health IT support to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. The company collaborates with universities and labs, focusing on precision medicine and inclusive research- both growing verticals in the future of personalized care.
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UTSW Research Reveals Gut Role in Body Weight Regulation
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(above): Enteroendocrine cells (EECs, shown in red) in the lining of the intestines.
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A enlightening study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center has uncovered the crucial role of enigmatic hormone-secreting cells in the large intestine in regulating body weight through intricate interactions with intestinal bacteria. Published in Nature Metabolism, the research offers new insight into the mechanisms governing appetite and body weight control, obesity and extreme weight loss disorders.
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Sparking a Conversation with Spark Biomedical: a Web Series
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In this episode, "The Vision for Sparrow," Spark explores the journey of developing a revolutionary medical device to combat opioid withdrawal. From initial challenges and design iterations to overcoming fears associated with withdrawal and ensuring accessibility, Spark unpacks the full origin story behind their transformative technology, Sparrow Ascent.
Whether you are curious about the inner workings of medical device development or just passionate about solutions to the opioid crisis, this episode offers a treasure trove of information and inspiration.
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Barton Creative Work Featured in Women's Health Issue
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Barton Creative and Consulting, a Dallas-based storytelling and design agency focused on Life Sciences and Healthcare, recently had their work featured on the cover of Trends in Molecular Medicine by Cell Press, June 2024 Issue. The article featured, (Hyperemesis gravidarum theories dispelled by recent research) was written by their client Harmonia Healthcare's Chief Scientific Officer and 2024 Time Woman of the Year, Marlena Fejzo, who has identified the gene associated with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and severe morning sickness. She is also pioneering the research, solutions, and diagnostic testing needed to improve patient and child outcomes.
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A Mission to Cancer Free: Etira Life
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Etira Life, led by CEO Russell Hayward, is revolutionizing cancer treatment. Tackling tumor heterogeneity—a mix of diverse cancer cell types within a tumor that often leads to drug resistance and treatment failure, Etira's innovative approach uses next-generation therapeutics that disrupt the core protein machinery of cancer cells, inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) while sparing healthy cells. The company is currently preparing for Phase 1 clinical trials in Australia.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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2024 iC³ Tech Transfer Showcase Application Portal is now OPEN
Applications due on August 12, 2024
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The Tech Transfer Showcase at the iC³ Life Science Summit provides a prime opportunity to present your most promising intellectual property to a select audience of industry leaders and investors, opening doors to potential collaborations and funding opportunities.
Submission Guidelines
- Application deadline August 12, 2024 at 11:59 pm
- Open to all university technology transfer offices in Texas
- Two submissions per university campus
- Applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts
- The top six applicants will advance to podium pitch at the annual iC3 Summit
- Winning applicants will be paired with an industry mentor to help craft and polish your presentation
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“The Tech Transfer Showcase is an excellent example of how BioNTX is serving Texas universities and creating a strong life science ecosystem across the State of Texas,” said Jennifer Souter, Senior Licensing Associate, Texas Tech Office of Research Commercialization.
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Ignite Health's Accelerator Program
Applications due on July 22, 2024
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Ignite Health's Accelerator Program offers an unparalleled, immersive experience for startups. Through our Mentoring Program, entrepreneurs are paired with potential customers and investors for personalized advice and guidance. With a nationwide network of Advisors, Ignite Health brings extensive expertise and connections to support healthcare startups. Participants will engage in interactive virtual learning sessions led by industry leaders, connecting with personal advisors, investors, and healthcare experts. This program ensures startups establish long-lasting relationships within Ignite's expansive national network.
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Texas Tech Presidents' Innovative Startup Award
Applications due on July 31, 2024
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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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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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The Keys to Unlocking Capital
Join The DEC Network to identify the necessary documents for funding applications and plan for a financially sustainable future.
July 8, 2024 | Remote
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Chronic Disease Day Leadership Summit
Join Good Days and Bio North Texas for a luncheon symposium with leaders in patient-centric care at the home of the new ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub.
July 8, 2024 | Dallas, TX
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TRIBEC Summer Summit
Join National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing for a biomanufacturing certification program designed to harmonize workforce development efforts across the state. It is a collaborative effort bringing together the existing biotech/biomanufacturing programs in Texas.
July 11, 2024 | College Station, TX
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Building a Robust Life Science Ecosystem: The Bridge Between Research, Clinical Trials, & Manufacturing
Join BioNTX for a discussion around how clinical scale manufacturing, clinical research organizations, and patient-engaging clinicians are working together to create more opportunities for life saving cures.
July 17, 2024 | Plano, TX
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Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Excellence in North Texas
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BioNTX is thrilled to announce our 10th Annual iC³ Life Science and Healthcare Innovation Summit, taking place on October 3rd and October 4th at the Arlington Convention Center at the Loews Hotel.
Join us for a two-day event where the most innovative minds from North Texas, the broader Southwest region and across the United States converge. Our Summit offers a vibrant platform for the bioscience and healthcare innovation to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share groundbreaking research, and delve into emerging technologies shaping the future of healthcare and biomedicine.
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Thank You for Your Membership & Support!
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