One Year Later: Catching Up with the 2025 BioNTX Rising Stars
Part 1
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What happens after the recognition?
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In this special reunion episode of BioNTX Presents: Inside Innovation, host Eric B. Moore reconnects with four companies recognized as the 2025 Rising Stars—Presented by The Davis Yost Group at Morgan Stanley to learn how their businesses have evolved over the past year.
Featuring Alex Pertsemlidis (SyntaxisBio), Craig Shimasaki (Moleculera Biosciences), Chelsea Luxen (ParaNano Wound Care), and Mohammad Sayed (Telos Biotech), the discussion explores founder lessons, company milestones, the value of the Rising Stars program, and what's next for these innovative healthcare companies.
Thank you to our Rising Stars sponsor
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Introducing CEO360 to North Texas: Investability + CEO Durability
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BioNTX recently introduced CEO360 to North Texas at Deloitte’s new offices on Cedar Springs, bringing together more than 20 CEOs and founders with experienced advisors and strategic resources for a candid conversation about two things that matter enormously in building a life science company: investability and CEO durability.
Great science may attract attention, but investors ultimately have to believe in the company’s ability to execute and in the CEO’s ability to lead through the long journey from discovery to patients. CEO360 created a trusted environment for these leaders to better understand how investors make decisions, work through real business challenges, and strengthen both their leadership and their companies.
The inaugural session also gave BioNTX and our partners an opportunity to explore a broader platform with CEO360. Bringing resources like this to North Texas is central to BioNTX’s role — connecting our community to the expertise, relationships, and tools that strengthen individual companies while collectively increasing the visibility, credibility, and investability of North Texas as a life sciences destination.
Thank you for your support
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BioNTX Expands Workforce Presence at North Texas Job Fair
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BioNTX recently participated for the first time in Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne’s North Texas Job Fair, creating an opportunity to bring greater visibility to the region’s growing life sciences and healthcare innovation sector.
Through the engagement, BioNTX shared career opportunities from across its membership while connecting job seekers with organizations building the future of healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences in North Texas.
Workforce development is an essential part of building a sustainable life sciences ecosystem. As BioNTX continues to expand its presence across the region, we are intentionally creating more opportunities to connect talent, companies, institutions, and community, helping ensure that the growth of North Texas life sciences is matched by a workforce prepared to contribute to it.
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BioNTX Highlights Innovation, Logistics and Partnerships at Multi-Industry Summit
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BioNTX had the opportunity to moderate a panel at the Multi-Industry Summit hosted by the Women’s Business Council Southwest, featuring perspectives from DFW Airport, MassChallenge, and Johnson & Johnson on the trends transforming the healthcare, biotechnology, and medical technology sectors.
The discussion explored the forces shaping the future of the life sciences industry, from innovation and partnerships to supply chain and logistics. Panelists shared insights on emerging opportunities and challenges for small businesses and suppliers, emphasizing the importance of efficient logistics, strong industry connections, and strategic partnerships in moving products, technologies, and ideas from development to market.
The conversation also highlighted strategies for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving healthcare, biotechnology, and medtech landscape.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event and to support conversations that strengthen and advance the North Texas life sciences community.
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Texas A&M University System Opens New Fort Worth Campus, Expanding North Texas Innovation Ecosystem
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The Texas A&M University System has opened its new downtown Fort Worth campus, bringing together education, research and industry collaboration. With programs in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, healthcare and engineering, the campus represents a significant investment in North Texas’s growing bioscience and innovation ecosystem.
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Join Us This September at the 2026 iC³ Summit
September 24 - 25, 2026
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The BioNTX iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit is North Texas’s premier convening for the region’s bioscience and healthcare community. Each year, we bring together industry leaders, pioneering researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share insights, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on the next breakthroughs in life sciences and healthcare.
At iC³ 2026, you will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, connect with peers, and participate in conversations that are shaping the future of healthcare innovation in North Texas and beyond. Whether you are looking to gain knowledge, showcase your work, or build meaningful partnerships, iC³ provides the platform to make an impact.
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Thank you for your support
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iC³ Hotel Room Block
BioNTX has secured a discounted room block at the Drury Plaza for the iC³ Summit,
please feel free to take advantage of this hotel during your stay.
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Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington
101 West Road to Six Flags Street
Arlington TX 76011
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BIO BREAK: Connect, Collaborate, Innovate
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BIO BREAK brings the life sciences community together for an evening of connection and conversation. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, share insights on emerging trends, and explore ideas driving collaboration and innovation across the ecosystem. The event is designed to strengthen professional relationships and support a more connected life sciences community in the region.
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FORT WORTH
October 13, 2026
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AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s Datroway Approved in Europe for Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer
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AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo announced that the European Commission has approved Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) as a first line treatment for adults with unresectable or metastatic triple negative breast cancer who are not candidates for PD 1 or PD L1 inhibitor therapy. The approval is supported by results from the Phase III TROPION Breast02 trial, which demonstrated a five month improvement in median overall survival compared with chemotherapy.
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Colossal Foundation Expands Species Reintroduction Fund
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The Colossal Foundation, the charitable organization of Colossal Biosciences, announced seven new conservation projects through its Species Reintroduction Fund. In partnership with Re, the $250,000 annual fund will support efforts to restore threatened species across four continents, providing funding, genetic tools and conservation expertise to advance wildlife reintroduction and rewilding.
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Island Pharmaceuticals Secures Approval
for Galidesivir Use in Ebola Outbreak
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Island Pharmaceuticals has secured regulatory and ethics approvals for the compassionate use of its investigational antiviral Galidesivir during the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The approval will allow Galidesivir to be administered under the WHO’s emergency-use framework while generating clinical data on its safety and potential efficacy against Ebola.
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Johnson & Johnson Receives FDA Priority Review for Amivantamab in Head and Neck Cancer
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Johnson & Johnson announced that the FDA has granted Priority Review to subcutaneous amivantamab for adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. The application is supported by Phase 1b/2 results showing a 42% response rate, potentially offering a new treatment option for patients with limited alternatives.
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Lantern Pharma Launches Open Medicine AI Platform
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Lantern Pharma announced the formal creation of Open Medicine AI (OMAI), a new company focused on advancing its multi agentic AI co scientist platform for drug discovery and development. OMAI will build on technology developed for oncology and rare disease research, with plans to expand into additional disease areas. The company will operate through AI centers in Dallas and Bengaluru, India.
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CBRE Identifies Six Key Life Sciences Real Estate Trends for 2026
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The U.S. life sciences industry is showing signs of renewed growth, with hiring, venture capital investment and talent development reshaping the sector’s real estate landscape. According to CBRE, key trends include rising employment, stronger secondary markets, increased workplace efficiency, growing venture capital activity, evolving talent pipelines and continued strength in leading markets such as Boston, San Francisco and Dallas Fort Worth.
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TCU Medical School Puts Patient Connection
at the Heart of Medical Education
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The Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University is preparing its newest class of medical students with a curriculum centered on empathy, communication and patient care. Through its Introduction to Medicine program, students gain hands on experience in clinical skills, simulation, technology and physician communication, including working with standardized patients and using virtual reality and ultrasound technology.
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Texas Woman’s University Nursing PhD Program
Earns National Excellence Recognition
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Texas Woman’s University’s PhD in Nursing Science program has been named one of just five programs nationwide to receive the National League for Nursing’s inaugural Program of Excellence designation. The recognition honors doctoral programs demonstrating excellence in research, innovation and student success while preparing nurse scientists to advance healthcare.
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UNT Health Fort Worth Expands
Hands On Healthcare Leadership Training
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UNT Health Fort Worth is preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders through its Master of Health Administration summer internship program. The program gives students hands on experience in healthcare operations, technology and administration while working alongside experienced healthcare professionals. This summer, MHA student Thomas Hallaron is working with the Health Information Management team on projects designed to improve workflows and support patient care.
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UTA Researchers Win Award
for Faster Stem Cell Simulations
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Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have earned the 2025 Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics Best Paper Award for developing a new method that dramatically reduces the time needed to simulate stem cell development. The team’s approach cuts computational time from months or years to just over an hour, allowing researchers to more efficiently predict how stem cells may develop into specific cell types.
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UT Southwestern Launches North Texas
Alzheimer’s Research Center
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The North Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center has launched a major regional effort to advance research into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Center, a collaboration with UT Dallas and UT Arlington, is one of only two Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in Texas and has received a five year, $23 million award from the National Institute on Aging.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Global Development Initiative (GDI) Program
The GDI Program helps foreign companies successfully enter the U.S. market by providing valuable market research, industry insights, and strategic recommendations. Companies gain a better understanding of customers, competitors, opportunities, and potential challenges to make informed market entry decisions.
Applications closes on August 22, 2026
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Alloy Futures Biotech Startup Academy
This immersive seven-week hybrid program, offered both in person at BioLabs and online, is designed for emerging biotech founders and aspiring life science entrepreneurs. Participants will gain the knowledge, practical tools, and industry connections needed to advance their ideas and navigate the challenges of building a life science startup.
Applications closes on August 23, 2026
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UTDesign Capstone Corporate Project Proposal
UTDesign, the senior engineering capstone program at UT Dallas, connects companies with student teams to tackle real-world engineering challenges through design, prototyping, and testing, all at no cost. Organizations seeking engineering support, fresh perspectives, or assistance with product development and process improvement are encouraged to apply.
Applications closes on August 30, 2026
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UT Dallas Biotech Club Seeking Project Partners
The UT Dallas Biotech Club is seeking biotech companies, startups, and research labs interested in partnering with teams of talented engineering and computer science students for semester-long projects. This no-cost program provides organizations with additional technical support while giving students valuable hands-on industry experience.
Applications closes on August 30, 2026
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The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine
The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, presented by the American Society for Clinical Investigation and Harrington Discovery Institute, honors a physician-scientist who has moved science forward with achievements notable for innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application.
Applications closes on September 14, 2026
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FDA READI-Home Innovation Challenge
The FDA’s READI-Home Innovation Challenge supports innovators developing medical device technologies that can be used in the home setting to help reduce hospital readmissions. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with the FDA, gain early regulatory insights, and advance solutions that improve patient care after hospital discharge.
Applications closes on September 30, 2026
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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Nucleate Global Summit 2026
This Nucleate Global Summit is an environment where founders, scientists, and investors from around the world can engage in conversations, share real challenges, and build relationships that extend far beyond Summit.
August 16th - 18th | Parker, TX
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The Future Biotech Expo is the United States' dedicated international exhibition and conference for red biotechnology, the science at the intersection of biology and human health.
August 19th - 20th | Houston, TX
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Cell & Gene Therapy Symposium 2026
Join Sino Biological at the Houston Cell & Gene Therapy Symposium 2026, a premier gathering of leading scientists, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of cell and gene therapy.
August 21st | Houston, TX
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Texas Cardiovascular Innovations Conference
The Texas Cardiovascular Innovations Conference is a premier event delivering the latest advancements and education in cardiovascular care. .
August 21st - 22nd | Houston, TX
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How Philanthropy Drives Innovation
Join Women in Bio to learn how mission-driven capital, research investment, and collaborative ecosystems are accelerating breakthroughs in oncology, neurodegeneration, and innovation.
August 25th | Farmers Branch, TX
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Join Health Wildcatters to hear from Kris Klein, CEO and Co-Founder of Pollen Sense, meet like-minded individuals, and learn more about the WISH network.
August 26th | Virtual
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Nucleate Dallas Dojo Brunch and Learn
Join Nucleate to learn more about their Dojo and how to get involved, including providing real-world problem statements, leading workshops, and mentoring student teams.
August 27th | Dallas, TX
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Texas A&M TAMIDS Fall 2026 Networking Social
Join Texas A&M to connect industry partners with top students in Data Science, AI, and Cybersecurity. The event offers a relaxed setting for meaningful conversations, networking, and learning more about emerging talent beyond the resume.
September 9th | College Station, TX
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Thank you for your support!
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