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Long Island Biomentoring Initiative Established

Program Established to Foster Vibrant Bioscience Cluster in the Region

On Friday, November 18th at the Long Island High Technology Incubator, the Long Island BioMentor Initiative (LIBMI) will be hosting its first full-day mentor training session for the founding mentors of the new initiative. Led by the Center for Biotechnology at Stony Brook University and Accelerate Long Island, the LIBMI has been established on behalf of the Long Island Bioscience Hub – an NIH-designated Research, Evaluation, and Commercialization Hub. The LIBMI is a platform to bring highly qualified, volunteer mentors together with motivated, early-stage bioentrepreneurs to provide guidance and support as they advance their business strategy.

The LIBMI is based on the successful mentoring model developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), and created in collaboration with Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Hofstra University, and the Feinstein Institute at Northwell Health Systems. Through MIT VMS’s team mentoring approach, the LIBMI aims to provide objective and unbiased advice that will help entrepreneurs navigate the challenging landscape that growing bioscience ventures face. Mentors participating in the November 18th training session led by a MIT VMS Co-Director will benefit from curriculum and interactive teachings along with a mentoring session with one of the first entrepreneurs chosen to serve as mentee.

“There is an abundance of innovation on Long Island as well as a growing pool of entrepreneurs looking to create ventures that will take root and grow in the region” said Mark Lesko, Board Member, Accelerate Long Island. Diane Fabel, Director of Operations for the Center for Biotechnology added “Establishing a formal mentoring program, specifically for the bioscience sector, is critical as these companies need diverse support in order for them to thrive.”

The initiative employs the team mentoring approach and brings together experts with great depth and a range of experiences. The members of the founding mentor team include Dr. Linda Amper, Chief People Officer of Clever Devices; Dr. Gian Luca Araldi, founder and principal of US Pharma Services; Kara Cannon, Global Head of Sales & Marketing of Enzo Life Sciences, Inc.; Dr. Anil Dhundale, former Executive Director of the Long Island High Technology Incubator; Dr. Wayne Koff, President and CEO of Human Vaccines Project; Ric Overton, President of Overton Operations Advisors; Jeff Peacock, VP Global Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at Henry Schein, Inc.; Dr. Saied Tousi, Managing Director for NW Advisors; and Edward Travaglianti, Market President of Long Island for TD Bank.

The entire process is guided by a statement of principles to ensure confidentiality and a conflict free environment. The initiative will build upon a suite of services and resources provided by the NIH-designated Research, Evaluation, and Commercialization Hub (LI Bioscience Hub), Accelerate Long Island and the Emerging Technology Fund, the New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Medical Biotechnology.

“It’s important to me to help support the entrepreneurial ecosystem on Long Island” founding mentor Ed Travaglianti stated, “and the team approach expands our capacity, allowing us to mentor more than one entrepreneur.”

Learn more about the Long Island BioMentor Initiative here.

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The Center for Biotechnology is pleased to announce a request for proposals for our Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program. Awards will be in two categories: Feasibility ($50k/12mo) and Proof of Concept ($100K/12 mo.) Details on the full funding program overview and proposal guidelines can be found here.

The development of promising innovations often stalls due to limited early-stage funding to address translational uncertainties. The Center for Biotechnology's Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program bridges the translation gap between biomedical discovery and their development toward commercial goals. Program funding is intended to determine feasibility, develop proof-of-concept, and ultimately lead to follow-on funding, a strategic partnership, or company formation.

The REACH program supports faculty and postdoctoral researchers in translating bio-based, bio-convergence, and bio-medical research discoveries by providing targeted funding and strategic guidance to bridge the translation gap between discovery and development for commercialization.

Learn more about the program, get information session details and access the full request for proposals here: https://centerforbiotechnology.org/what-we-do/technology-development/reach/

[post_title] => Funding Opportunity: Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH)Awards [post_excerpt] => The Center for Biotechnology is pleased to announce a request for proposals for our REACH award program. Awards will be in two categories: Feasibility ($50k/12mo) and Proof of Concept ($100K/12 mo.) [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => news-reach25 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-24 12:11:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-24 16:11:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=4804 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4488 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2024-10-24 10:45:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-10-24 14:45:00 [post_content] =>

Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled plans for New York BioGenesis Park, a groundbreaking $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Innovation Hub in Nassau County, Long Island. To be developed by The Albanese Organization, Inc., this state-of-the-art facility would catalyze CGT research, development, clinical manufacturing, and commercialization across New York State. With a historic $150 million state investment—the largest nationwide for a cell and gene therapy hub—NYBGP would accelerate the delivery of new therapies from lab to patient in New York's diverse communities. This transformative hub aims to establish New York as the leading global destination for CGT innovation, driving economic growth, attracting top talent, and revolutionizing patient care statewide and beyond.

The Center for Biotechnology is thrilled to be counted as a partner in this effort, and is looking forward to working with our colleagues in the initiative to help catalyze and accelerate life-changing therapies.

New York BioGenesis Park is envisioned as a cutting-edge, full-service campus dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapies and accelerating their commercialization. At full build-out, the 700,000-square-foot park would create an end-to-end Cell and Gene Therapy innovation and supply center, featuring interconnected areas for public engagement, research, manufacturing, and collaboration.

A cornerstone of New York BioGenesis Park is its incubator, supported by a $50 million investment from ESD's Long Island Investment Fund. This facility will empower early-stage therapeutic developers by offering state-of-the-art wet lab space, shared equipment, office space, and other essential resources. This nurturing environment will provide Cell and Gene Therapy companies with access to specialized equipment, mentoring, and stage-appropriate financial guidance. As a critical component of New York BioGenesis Park, the incubator is poised to catalyze the growth of promising Cell and Gene Therapy companies by providing them with resources and support, unlocking their potential for innovation and success.

New York BioGenesis Park would foster strong ties with academic and medical institutions throughout New York, creating a robust ecosystem for Cell and Gene Therapy innovation. Collaborating with the Empire State Cellular Therapy Consortium and world-class institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes, Northwell Health, Roswell Park, Stony Brook University, Weill Cornell, Columbia University and others around the state, New York BioGenesis Park would enhance research synergies and accelerate medical breakthroughs. This ecosystem would bring together experts in advanced Cell and Gene Therapy therapies, offering specialized facilities, services, and resources to both tenants and collaborating institutions. By facilitating cutting-edge science, innovative technology development and novel approaches to clinical trials, New York BioGenesis Park would ensure New York's institutions remain globally competitive in groundbreaking Cell and Gene Therapy research and commercialization.

Read the press release of Governor Hochul's announcement here:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-next-phase-long-islands-nation-leading-cell-and-gene-therapy

[post_title] => Long Island to be location for Nation-Leading Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub: New York BioGenesis Park. [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => long-island-to-be-location-for-nation-leading-cell-and-gene-therapy-innovation-hub-new-york-biogenesis-park [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-02-26 16:35:20 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-02-26 21:35:20 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=4488 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3433 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2020-01-31 19:46:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-31 19:46:34 [post_content] => BARDA is supporting US government market research to identify medical countermeasures with the potential to help address the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. The agency wants to hear from companies developing diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, or other products. They are asking for a very brief (500-word) description of the product or technology, accompanied by a quad chart slide and one other short slide deck of your choosing. Please note that while they will use any information you present as market research, submission is no guarantee of funding and your submission will be shared across U.S. Government agencies involved in nCoV countermeasure research and development. Learn More: https://medicalcountermeasures.gov/app/barda/coronavirus.aspx [post_title] => BARDA Seeking Info to Identify Countermeasure to 2019 Novel Coronovirus [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => barda-seeking-info-to-identify-countermeasure-to-2019-novel-coronovirus [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-01-31 19:46:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-01-31 19:46:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=3433 [menu_order] => 76 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2229 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-06-07 14:53:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-07 14:53:42 [post_content] => SBIR/STTR Grant Proposal Writing Clinic July 13th and 14th, 8:30am - 4:30am Small Business Development Center Stony Brook University R&D Park The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Stony Brook University is holding a free SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Writing Clinic July 13, 2016, followed by one-on-one counseling for in process SBIR/STTR proposals on July 14, 2016. Presented and instructed by Sharon Ballard of Enable Ventures, Inc. This clinic will hone your skills and help you to prepare proposals for Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR grants. In order to participate in the clinic you must become a SBDC client. The SBDC will examine your proposed idea to make sure it will qualify for this program. Space in the July clinic is limited. The deadline for submission is June 17, 2016. In order to start the process please click on the link below to get the proposal application questionnaire: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3Z_tmGrNoJ0Z01XSElZRFNLS3M/view?usp=sharing Please answer the questions and submit those answers via soft copy to the following email address: sbdc@stonybrook.edu. The submissions will be reviewed by committee. Those selected to participate will be notified after June 17th. To register or for more information call 631-632-9837 or email sbdc@stonybrook.edu New York-color with band_400 SBDC SBU-vert_2clr_rgb_72ppi [post_title] => SBIR/STTR Grant Proposal Writing Clinic [post_excerpt] => The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Stony Brook University is holding a free SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Writing Clinic on July 13, 2016, to help companies hone their skills and prepare proposals for Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR grants. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => sbirsttr-grant-proposal-writing-clinic [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-07 14:56:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-07 14:56:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=2229 [menu_order] => 178 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2045 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-02-10 19:43:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-02-10 19:43:41 [post_content] => Celmatix has announced a collaboration with 23andMe, the leading personal genetics company, with the goal of improving infertility outcomes. This collaboration will accelerate the launch of Celmatix’s tests, which will aim to provide physicians with a comprehensive genetic lens on infertility. 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The Center for Biotechnology is pleased to announce a request for proposals for our Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program. Awards will be in two categories: Feasibility ($50k/12mo) and Proof of Concept ($100K/12 mo.) Details on the full funding program overview and proposal guidelines can be found here.

The development of promising innovations often stalls due to limited early-stage funding to address translational uncertainties. The Center for Biotechnology's Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program bridges the translation gap between biomedical discovery and their development toward commercial goals. Program funding is intended to determine feasibility, develop proof-of-concept, and ultimately lead to follow-on funding, a strategic partnership, or company formation.

The REACH program supports faculty and postdoctoral researchers in translating bio-based, bio-convergence, and bio-medical research discoveries by providing targeted funding and strategic guidance to bridge the translation gap between discovery and development for commercialization.

Learn more about the program, get information session details and access the full request for proposals here: https://centerforbiotechnology.org/what-we-do/technology-development/reach/

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Funding Opportunity: Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH)Awards

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