3 Reasons You Can’t Miss This Year’s BioHealth Capital Region’s 2023 Events This September

The BioHealth Capital Region is gearing up for a series of highly anticipated events this September. The region’s 9th Annual Forum, 8th Annual Crab Trap Competition, and 6th Annual Investment Forum are set to take place at the US Pharmacopeia (USP) in Rockville, MD. The events feature distinguished speakers, including industry leaders and experts, addressing topics such as growing the bio-ecosystem, international partnerships, and biomanufacturing.

By Cat Thoreson 

August 1, 2023

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What’s coming soon and can’t be missed?! The BioHealth Capital Region’s 9th Annual Forum, 8th Annual Crab Trap Competition, and 6th Annual Investment Forum this September. 

Held at US Pharmacopeia (USP) in Rockville, MD, this free conference has brought together an average of over 1,000 registrants annually. 

Why attend? Or better yet, why participate? 

1. It brings together the best of the best. 

But don’t just take our word for it. 

“Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. have great research universities, great workforce talent, great proximity to government decision makers and fantastic innovative companies,” said John Newby, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association. “The BioHealth Capital Region Forum is the region’s premier event showcasing all of these assets and affording participants and investors the opportunity to network and learn more about what we have to offer.”

This year’s event is entirely in person. Topics of interest will include growing the bio-ecosystem in the region, international partnerships, biomanufacturing, and much more. Confirmed speakers include: 

• Henry Ahn, Program Director, SBIR/STTR
• Ross Dunlap, CEO, Ceres Nanosciences, Inc. 
• Doug Kelly, M.D., Deputy Center Director for Science, FDA
• Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News 
• Courtney Silverthorn, Associate Vice President, Science Partnerships, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health 

“PQE Group opened its first office in the US in Rockville, Maryland in 2015. Since then, we have developed some great partnerships, one of which is with BioHealth Innovation. We recognize the great job BHI does in supporting, educating and connecting life science organizations in the region, and we are proud to participate in its upcoming BioHealth Capital Region Forum by sponsoring this important event,” said Debbie Kaufmann, Senior Manager, PR & Communications, US/Canada, PQE Group. 

2. It’s buzzing with innovation. 

Want a glimpse at what’s ahead in innovation?! Look no further than the Crab Trap Competition on Wednesday, September 20. 

Now in its eighth year, the BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap Competition continues to grow, attracting applicants from around the region, country, and globe. 

“The level of innovation displayed at the BHCR Forum’s Crab Trap event not only inspires and captivates those in attendance but also sparks a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future of BioHealth,” said Srujana Cherukuri, Chief Executive Officer, Noble Life Sciences. 

“The companies’ forward-thinking approaches and cutting-edge technologies create a buzz and generate curiosity about the possibilities that lie ahead. We are proud to be a sponsor of the event as it acts as a catalyst for collaboration and brings together like-minded individuals who are passionate about revolutionizing healthcare and improving people’s lives”

The competition highlights entrepreneurs with commercially relevant diagnostics, medical devices, therapeutics, and other transformative health solutions. 

This year’s distinguished judges include: 

• Richard Bendis, President & CEO, BioHealth Innovation, Inc. 
• Sally Allain, Head, JLABS @Washington, DC 
• Charles Andres, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP 
• Conley Jones, Principal, Alexandria Venture Investments 
• Jack Miner, Chief Investment Officer, TEDCO 
• John Newby, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association 
• Derrick Rose, Of Counsel, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
• Brett Shealy, Executive Director, Life Sciences Banking, J.P. Morgan 

“As part of Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, I am thrilled to be judging the Crab Trap pitch competition,” said Jack Miner, TEDCO’s chief investment officer. “This competition is just one of the many, important ways we support our ecosystem, helping entrepreneurs learn and continue to grow.”

Click here to learn more about the Crab Trap Competition and apply if your startup would like a shot at participating.

3. Opportunities are plentiful for investment and partnerships.

Following the Forum, the 6th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference will take place on Thursday, September 21. This conference offers an exclusive platform for investment and partnership opportunities within the vibrant biohealth industry. This could be a great opportunity for attendees to explore potential investment opportunities and partnerships in the industry.

The Investment Conference brings together ambitious entrepreneurs and BioHealth companies with a diverse group of influential investors. It offers funding opportunities ranging from pre-seed to Series A, catering to companies at various stages of growth.

For investors, this conference provides an opportunity to invest in cutting-edge BioHealth ventures and discover the next breakthrough innovation. It’s an exclusive gathering of visionary entrepreneurs, allowing investors to connect with high-potential companies and be part of the dynamic BioHealth ecosystem.

The 6th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference is an excellent platform for both companies seeking investment and investors looking for promising ventures in the region.

Click here to register your company to meet with investors. Click here to register as an investor looking to invest in companies.