Kick Off 2025 at Advanced Therapies Week: Shaping the
Future of Cell & Gene Therapy, January 20-23 in Dallas!
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Join us in Dallas this January for Advanced Therapies Week, the premier event where the latest breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy take center stage. As North Texas emerges as a rapidly growing life science hub, this gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with leading local research centers, drug developers, and CDMOs.
Attendees will have the chance to expand their networks, form impactful partnerships, and explore cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of drug development in cell and gene therapy. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to be part of the exciting transformation in the industry.
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A New Vision for Eye Disease:
Gene Therapy’s Transformative Potential
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Gene therapy is offering new hope for treating retinal diseases by delivering therapeutic genes directly to the eye. With the retina being easily accessible and having immune barriers, it's an ideal target for gene therapy. Advances in viral vectors, like adeno-associated viruses, have shown promising results in treating both inherited and acquired eye conditions.
Though challenges remain, gene therapy is poised to revolutionize vision restoration and offer life-changing treatments for those with retinal diseases. Here in North Texas Nanoscope Therapeutics is doing just that with an exciting gene therapy making headway in clinical trials.
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Charting a New Course in Gene Therapy: Nanoscope CEO
to Present at JP Morgan 2025 Healthcare Conference
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Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc. will share key updates at the 43rd Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. PT in San Francisco. CEO Sulagna Bhattacharya will discuss the company’s progress toward the BLA submission for its lead gene therapy, MCO-010, advancements in its Stargardt program, and upcoming trials for geographic atrophy.
To arrange a meeting during the conference, email nanoscope@argotpartners.com.
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Good luck to all Texans attending JPM25
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NexPoint to Build Texas Research Quarter:
A Cell and Gene Therapy Hub Creating 1,000 Jobs in Plano
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NexPoint is set to begin construction on the Texas Research Quarter, a major life sciences development in Plano's Legacy corridor. Approved by the city, the 91-acre campus will focus on biomedical research, providing lab and manufacturing spaces for gene and cell therapy research.
Located on the former headquarters of Ross Perot's Electronic Data Systems, the campus is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. Construction is slated to start in the first quarter of 2025, with phase one delivering a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing building by mid-2026. The development will be completed in phases to support the growing life sciences sector.
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Transforming CNS Medicine: Alloy Therapeutics and Sanofi’s
Partnership to Advance RNA Therapies
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Alloy Therapeutics has announced a collaboration with Sanofi to utilize its AntiClastic Antisense platform for developing CNS-targeted therapies. Launched in 2023, the platform addresses key challenges in antisense therapeutics by enabling precise RNA targeting with innovative technology. This partnership combines Sanofi's expertise in neuroscience with Alloy's advanced platform to develop genetic medicines capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, paving the way for groundbreaking treatments in the CNS space.
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UTA’s Alicia Rogers Leads Pioneering
RNAi Research for Advancing Gene Therapy
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(from left to right) Members of the Rogers Lab: Ha Meem, Saima Akhter, Alicia Rogers, PhD, Trilotma Sen, Favour Nwose, and Rhiannon Maddock.
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Assistant Professor Alicia Rogers at The University of Texas at Arlington is leading a project focused on understanding RNA interference (RNAi) and its potential role in gene therapy.
RNAi is crucial for regulating gene expression, and when these pathways malfunction, it can contribute to diseases like cancer, infertility, and neurodegenerative disorders. By studying how RNAi homeostasis is maintained and impacted by stress, Rogers aims to unlock new insights that could lead to the development of synthetic gene therapies to treat or prevent these diseases.
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UT Southwestern’s Discovery of Gene Mutation Offers Promise
for Next-Generation Cancer Immunotherapy
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Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a genetic mutation that could slow melanoma growth by enhancing the immune system's response.
Led by Dr. Hexin Shi, this breakthrough in gene therapy could lead to new treatments improving the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. The team identified the H2-Aa gene mutation, which helps the immune system recognize and combat cancer cells, offering a promising target for future therapies.
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DFW's Biotech Surge: Key Developments Powering
the Region’s Innovation Renaissance
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Key developments such as Bridge Labs at Pegasus Park, the TCU Burnett School of Medicine, and many more developments are fueling the Dallas-Fort Worth expansion as a leading biotech hub. The region boasts a 17% growth in workforce from 2019 to 2023.
BioNTX plays a crucial role in supporting the region’s biotech ecosystem through collaborations, workforce development initiatives, and networking events. The region’s strong cross-sector reach, along with DFW Airport's certifications in excellence for their biopharmaceuticals shipping capabilities, further positions it for continued growth. With increased funding and support for cancer and brain research, DFW is a major player in the biotech industry.
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BHIANT’s Role in Shaping North Texas’ Future:
Innovating Health, Empowering Communities Through Biotech and Healthcare Workforce Development
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The Biotechnology and Healthcare Industry Alliance of North Texas (BHIANT) is making significant strides in workforce development and industry collaboration, setting the stage for continued growth in 2025. Through initiatives like the BioWorks program, which has successfully trained over 225 participants in biotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and healthcare roles, BHIANT is addressing the region’s talent needs.
The alliance has also launched efforts to raise career awareness among young students, partnering with Dallas College to introduce biotech career pathways to 7th through 12th graders. By working with local educational institutions, biotech firms, and community stakeholders, BHIANT is strengthening the region’s talent pipeline and fostering innovation in the biotech and healthcare sectors, positioning North Texas for continued success in the industry.
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DFW's Life Sciences Growth: Bridging the Gap
for Lab Spaces to Fuel Innovation
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D Magazine reports that Dallas-Fort Worth’s life sciences sector is growing rapidly, but there's a critical gap in lab space for mid-sized companies — those too large for incubators but not yet ready for their own campus. These companies need flexible, adaptable facilities with specific infrastructure, such as high-power density and specialized ventilation. While early-stage companies are supported by incubators and larger ones by build-to-suit campuses, the "missing middle" is underserved.
Bridge Labs at Pegasus Park is an example of a facility that meets these needs, offering flexible lab spaces with essential amenities. Converting office buildings into labs could also address immediate demand, but it requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes. Addressing the needs of mid-stage companies is essential for DFW to become a competitive life sciences hub.
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82VS Launches Biotech Startup Academy in Dallas and
Seeks Director to Shape Future Leaders
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82VS is launching the Biotech Startup Academy (BSA) in Dallas, a first-of-its-kind program training biotech startup executives. The academy offers a hybrid seven-week course, blending immersive in-person sessions, online engagement, and exclusive content from industry leaders, with its inaugural class recruiting in February 2025.
The Director will oversee all aspects of the BSA, including event management for two annual cohorts, communication with candidates, alumni, and sponsors, and operational coordination with Alloy Therapeutics in Boston. They will also lead the Pegasus Fellows Program, selecting top alumni for a 10-month fellowship supporting biotech company launches.
This role is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of biotech entrepreneurship in Dallas and support the growth of the industry.
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The Innovators of Cleanroom Solutions
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G-CON specializes in delivering state-of-the-art cleanroom solutions, called PODS, revolutionizing modular construction for biopharma, cell and gene therapy, and other industries requiring controlled environments. PODs are prefabricated, flexible cleanrooms designed to meet stringent regulatory standards while ensuring rapid deployment and scalability. These innovative cleanroom solutions reduce construction timelines, minimize risks, and provide clients with unparalleled certainty. Whether a client is establishing a new facility or expanding an existing one, G-CON offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your specifications.
G-CON and GCS will be exhibiting at the Advanced Therapies Week Conference in Dallas, Texas on January 21st-23rd! G-CON invites you to visit them at the event and look forward to meeting members of the North Texas community in person!
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Alpha Cognition Announces Exclusive
Licensing Agreement for ZUNVEYL in China
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Alpha Cognition, Inc. (ACI) has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with China Medical System Holdings (CMS) for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of ZUNVEYL (benzgalantamine) in Asia (excluding Japan), Australia, and New Zealand. The agreement, valued at $44 million, includes upfront payments and royalties on net sales. CMS will handle regulatory, development, and commercialization efforts in the licensed regions.
ACI will host an investor update call on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, at 3 PM CST to present its commercial launch strategy for ZUNVEYL, an FDA-approved treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on plans to address the growing patient needs in these regions.
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CAGE Bio Initiates Phase 2b Trial for CGB-500 in Atopic Dermatitis
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CAGE Bio has launched a Phase 2b dose-ranging trial for CGB-500, a topical JAK inhibitor developed with its proprietary ionic liquid technology. The trial aims to optimize dosing and assess the safety and efficacy of CGB-500 in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with minimal systemic exposure.
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Carter BloodCare Issues Critical Alert for
O Negative and B Negative Blood Donations
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Carter BloodCare, a Texas-based nonprofit blood center, has issued a critical-level alert for O negative and B negative blood types. O negative is the universal blood type, used in emergencies and for premature and unborn babies, while B negative is essential for patients with B or AB blood types. Eligible donors, ages 16 and up, are encouraged to donate, as the process takes under an hour and can save lives.
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Colossal Foundation Advances Genetic Research
to Save Amphibians
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The Colossal Foundation is partnering with the Pask & Frankenberg Lab at the University of Melbourne to develop genetic strategies to combat chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease devastating amphibian populations globally. The research will explore using genetic factors to engineer immunity in threatened species, starting with the cane toad as a model and progressing to frogs like the great spotted tree frog and corroboree frog.
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Brewing Innovation: Russell Hayward's Journey
from Coffee to Cancer Breakthroughs
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Russell Hayward, a dynamic entrepreneur, seamlessly blends visionary leadership across industries, from launching Ascension, a Dallas-based coffee hub, to spearheading Etira, a biotech company advancing therapies for therapy-resistant cancers. With a track record of building impactful ventures and a growing presence in Dallas's life sciences ecosystem, Hayward offers a unique perspective on innovation, team-building, and community-driven success. His story is a must-watch for biotech leaders seeking inspiration from transformative leadership and cross-industry ingenuity.
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Island Pharmaceuticals Launches Phase 2b Trial
for Dengue Fever Treatment ISLA-101
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Island Pharmaceuticals has officially launched its phase 2b clinical trial for ISLA-101, a drug aimed at treating dengue fever, following positive data from the phase 2a study, and the trial will assess the drug's ability to reduce virus load and symptoms in participants, with high-level results anticipated by April 2025.
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FDA Expands Approval of Johnson & Johnson's
Impella Heart Pumps for Pediatric Care
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The FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson's Impella 5.5 and Impella CP heart pumps for pediatric patients with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock. These devices, part of the world’s smallest heart pump platform, support heart recovery by unloading the left ventricle and maintaining blood flow. This milestone, achieved in collaboration with the ACTION Network, addresses a critical gap in pediatric cardiac care, providing new hope for vulnerable patients.
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Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Partners with
Penn Medicine to Lower Drug Costs
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Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company is transforming healthcare by partnering with Penn Medicine to deliver affordable access to the top 100 generic medications, including life-saving treatments for cancer, asthma, and blood disorders. Through the Cost Plus Marketplace, Penn Medicine's pharmacy network will adopt a transparent pricing model, reducing costs and improving access for patients. This partnership showcases Cost Plus’s mission to revolutionize how health systems nationwide secure essential medications.
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S&W Seed Company Secures New Credit Facility
to Fuel Growth and Enhance Operations
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S&W Seed Company has finalized a new revolving credit agreement with ABL OPCO LLC ("Mountain Ridge"), replacing its previous facility with CIBC Bank USA. As part of the agreement, MFP Partners L.P., S&W’s largest shareholder, provided a letter of credit to support the company's obligations under the new facility.
The agreement aligns with S&W’s strategic focus on its core U.S.-based operations, particularly its high-margin sorghum trait portfolio, and positions the company for near-term profitability. S&W also repurchased 200,000 shares of its common stock from MFP, which were retired and restored to authorized but unissued status.
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Deloitte’s Tech Trends: Navigating AI and
Emerging Technologies for Future Growth
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Deloitte's 16th annual "Tech Trends" report explores the growing role of AI and emerging technologies in business. With a focus on integrating both foundational and cutting-edge tech, Deloitte emphasizes the importance of interconnected systems over siloed solutions. The report highlights key trends poised to become foundational in the next 18-24 months, offering insights for businesses navigating the evolving tech landscape.
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CBRE Unveils Strategy to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2040
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CBRE has launched a Climate Transition Strategy aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040. The plan, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), focuses on increasing resource efficiency, renewable energy, electrifying operations, and decarbonizing the supply chain. Since 2019, the company has reduced its total GHG emissions by 18% and is targeting a 50% reduction in its own operations' emissions by 2030, along with a 55% reduction in emissions per square foot for managed properties. Given that 97% of CBRE's emissions stem from managing properties for clients, collaboration will be key to meeting these goals.
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Tarleton State University Launches AI and Machine Learning
Degree Programs Starting in 2025
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Starting in spring 2025, Tarleton State University’s Mayfield College of Engineering will accept applications for its new Bachelor and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) programs. These programs aim to equip students with critical skills for a rapidly growing field essential to Texas' economy. With courses covering neural networks, computer vision, robotics, and more, students will gain hands-on experience in advanced AI/ML concepts. The programs will support innovation across key sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and energy, driving progress in industries vital to Texas' economic growth.
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UTD Researchers Win NIH Award for Alzheimer’s Prediction Effort
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Dr. Gagan Wig and his team at The University of Texas at Dallas have been named winners of the NIH's PREPARE Challenge, aimed at advancing early Alzheimer's disease prediction. Their neuroimaging dataset, developed with the help of Micaela Chan and Ziwei Zhang, focuses on brain network patterns linked to Alzheimer’s severity and age.
By analyzing functional MRI data from 807 patients, the team hopes to identify brain connectivity patterns that can serve as biomarkers for early disease detection. Their work earned them a $20,000 fourth-place prize in the first phase of the competition.
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UNTHSC Professor Receives Researcher Award
for Excellence in Primary Care Research
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Kimberly Fulda, DrPH, Executive Director of NorTex at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, received the Mid-Career Researcher Award from the North American Primary Care Research Group.
She was recognized for her exceptional work in primary care research, including leading funded clinical and population health projects. Fulda’s success in securing major grant funding and her mentorship of students have significantly contributed to advancing primary care research, particularly in addressing health disparities for vulnerable populations.
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Unlock Exclusive BioNTX Member Discounts
on Biotech Primer’s On-Demand Courses
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BioNTX is excited to offer members exclusive discounts on Biotech Primer’s on-demand courses, covering essential topics in biopharmaceutical and medical device industries—from foundational science to commercialization and global regulatory processes.
Taught by industry veterans, these courses deliver practical insights and knowledge you can immediately apply. Select courses also offer NASBA-compliant CPE credits for added professional development. Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, from anywhere.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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2025 American Cancer Society Bright Edge Golden Ticket
Application Due January 17, 2025
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Each Golden ticket will provide one fully paid year of individual bench space and membership at the coveted, fully equipped laboratory at Pegasus Park - Biolabs designed to accelerate early-stage oncology companies with new therapies.
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TMCi BioDesign Program
Application Due January 31, 2025
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Are you an entrepreneur, innovator, clinician, engineer, or academic looking to shape the future of healthcare and create a solution for unmet healthcare needs? The TMCi BioDesign program is an intensive, full-time experience that operates similarly to a startup foundry. We provide the resources and clinical access necessary for you to build innovative companies.
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NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
Program ends May 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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BIO BREAK: Dallas' Life Sciences Happy Hour
Join BioNTX in celebrating the thriving Life Sciences community of Dallas with McDermott, Deloitte, and BioNTX at BIO BREAK, a monthly happy hour designed for networking and collaboration. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to engage with fellow industry professionals, exchange ideas, and foster new connections at the innovative setting of Pegasus Park.
January 16th | Dallas, TX
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Dallas Cup of Capital
Join Capital Factory for their signature coffee networking event with Silicon Valley Bank! Meet entrepreneurs and investors who are new to Dallas or diving into the tech scene. It's the perfect opportunity to grow your network over great coffee!
January 17th | Dallas, TX
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Advanced Therapies Week
Join Phacilitate for their Advanced Therapies Week. This event has been the epicenter of the cell & gene therapy revolution. In this dynamic and must-attend forum, breakthrough technologies and impactful partnerships come to life to transform drug development.
January 20th - 23rd | Dallas, TX
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MassChallenge 2025 Kick-Off Happy Hour
Join MassChallenge to connect with entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and community members passionate about innovation and impact. Come celebrate the launch of their 2025 MassChallenge application season and the expansion of their Residency Program, designed to support groundbreaking startups.
January 23rd | Dallas, TX
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Plano Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
Join the Plano Chamber of Commerce for their Annual Meeting, which includes board introductions, year-in-review synopsis, and a look ahead to 2025.
January 23rd | Plano, TX
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BIO BREAK: Fort Worth's Life Sciences Happy Hour
Join BioNTX, RSM and Haynes Boone this Valentine’s Day to celebrate the love for innovation and the connections that make breakthroughs possible. Join us for a special happy hour dedicated to the life science community—where ideas flourish, partnerships grow, and collaboration thrives.
February 11th | Fort Worth, TX
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The DEC Network 10th Annual State of Entrepreneurship
Join The DEC for their 10th Annual State of Entrepreneurship presented by Bank of America. This event has become a tradition for celebrating the people, places, and passions that keep the North Texas startup ecosystem thriving. The entire community comes out to cheer on the launches, fundings, exits, and overall wins of the entrepreneurial community from the past year.
February 13th | Fort Worth, TX
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Dallas Aging and Cognition Conference
Join UT Dallas as they share the latest scientific findings on aging and cognition through a series of talks and poster presentations. Since the first conference in 2010, the DACC has continued to play a critical role in maintaining the CVL’s international leadership in the field of cognitive neuroscience of aging.
February 20th - 22nd | Dallas, TX
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Life Science Oklahoma Summit
Join Life Science Oklahoma at their summit to connect with top experts, explore groundbreaking research, and showcase Oklahoma’s leadership in life sciences and innovation. The summit features leading scientific experts from Oklahoma's research institutions, leaders in rural and indigenous health, and leaders from biotech companies.
February 24th-25th | Dallas, TX
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Women Driving Innovation
Join BioNTX in celebrating International Women’s Day as we honor the women shaping innovation. The Women Driving Innovation program highlights these trailblazers and offers a chance to connect with the leaders shaping the future of North Texas life sciences.
March 7th | Dallas, TX
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Thank you for your Membership & Support!
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