The 26th BioFlorida Annual Conference began its three-day long conference at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach today.
The event aims to serve as a platform for the life sciences community to spotlight recent advancements in science, business and public policy, highlighting Florida's achievements and fostering collaboration to expedite the growth of the life sciences sector in the state.
The conference will also host forums that aim to unite colleagues across the state to share best practices, build partnerships and drive industry growth: CEO Forum, Research Forum and a forum dedicated to ecosystem building to attract and support entrepreneurs.
The Business Journal talked to Nancy K. Bryan, President & CEO of BioFlorida, ahead of the event about the significance to the region and what attendees should expect this year.
Can you tell me a little about the goals of this year's event and why it is important?
The Conference provides an opportunity for the life sciences community to highlight the latest in science, business and public policy, showcase Florida’s successes and collaborate to accelerate Florida’s life sciences growth. This is an opportunity to build on the momentum that we are seeing in the industry throughout Florida. Our growth not only supports the economic development of the state but benefits patients and support products that improve health.
How important to the First Coast is it that it is hosting this year's conference?
This regional ecosystem, like the other life science hubs across the state, is strong. Just looking at the Jacksonville area, all sectors are represented including world renowned academic centers and health systems like Mayo Clinic, Nemours, and Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center; established companies like J&J Vision, Medtronic, KLS Martin, and Zimmer Biomet; and small startups like Next Science, Pretzel Therapeutics, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Cadrenal Therapeutics to name a few. At the Conference, we showcase the regional ecosystem as well as the rest of the state's life sciences ecosystem. Many of the organizations I just mentioned are speaking throughout the conference, highlighting their innovation and growth.
What is your assessment the biosciences ecosystem in Florida?
The life sciences industry throughout the state is strong. Data in Florida shows the industry now consists of 8,600 establishments collectively employing 107,000 direct jobs with double-digit growth in biopharma, medtech and research.
Can you tell me a little bit about some of the keynote speakers?
Our program is jam-packed with world-renowned speakers and innovative companies. Industry titan W. Gregory Sawyer, will draw on his years of research and experience working on the original Mars Rover design team at the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and his own fight with cancer. Cancer transformed his life mission and led to the establishment of his own Cancer Engineering Center at the University of Florida, the creation of a startup company as chief science officer of Aurita Biosciences, a company connecting the lab to the clinical setting through a platform for 3D bioscience and today serves at the chief bioengineering officer and BioEngineering Department chair of Moffitt Cancer Center. Sawyer will discuss strategies for success in today’s environment during his keynote.
Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD, known as Dr. Q, will also provide a keynote on "Driving Global Excellence: Journey from Migrant Worker to World Renown Neurosurgeon." Dr. Q is an internationally renowned neuroscientist and neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, whose remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing in Mexico to becoming a world-famous medical professional is a testament to his unwavering drive and passion. Dr. Q's dedication to his patients, innovative research in brain cancer treatment and commitment to education and mentorship make him a distinguished figure in the field of neurosurgery and a source of inspiration for all.
Additionally, seed and early-stage life sciences companies will compete during BioPitch, providing a platform for some of Florida’s most innovative companies to pitch to investors in closed-door sessions. Over 35 investors will participate in the process to choose finalists who will present during the general session. Winners will receive cash prize totaling $50,000. A new award, “Moonshot,” will be introduced this year recognizing promising, very early-stage companies.
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