CFB Client Envisagenics Secures $25 Million Series B Funding to Advance RNA Splicing Therapeutics

Envisagenics, an AI-enabled biotechnology firm specializing in RNA splicing therapeutics, has announced the completion of its Series B funding round. This round included investments from existing supporters Third Kind Venture Capital, Empire State Development, and Red Cell Partners, as well as new strategic investor Bristol Myers Squibb, which has been collaborating with Envisagenics on oncology research since 2022.

Read more about Envisagenics Series B award here.

Dr. Carol A. Carter Elected to U.S. National Academy of Sciences

Congratulations to Dr. Carol A. Carter, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM), who was recently elected aa a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS.

The NAS is made up of the country’s leading researchers, who are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Election is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.

Dr. Carter is best known as an early pioneer in HIV research. At the onset of the AIDS pandemic, she advanced understanding of the viral-encoded protease and purified the viral capsid protein for structural and biochemical studies. She has also conducted research on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Virus-2 (SARS CoV-2), pathogens causing organ transplant rejection and COVID-19, respectively.

The Center for Biotechnology has had supported Dr. Carter’s interests in exploring the potential commercial applications of her research through our NIH-REACH program and Long Island Bioscience Hub (LIBH).

Read more about Dr. Carter’s work and her recent nomination here.

Fueling BioEntrepreneurship at Stony Brook University 

The Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship (LiSIE) program at Stony Brook is looking to give students a jump-start in the bioscience industry. The program is a joint effort between the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Business and the Center for Biotechnology. “From the lab to leadership”, the program aims to teach key business principles to life sciences students so they’re equipped to work in the business side of science.

Read the recent SBU News feature on the program and the CFB Appointed Director Director of the Program in Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Louis A. Peña.

NY Governor Launches $6 Million Innovation Matching Grant Program to Support Small Businesses Participating in SBIR/STTR Programs 

Governor Hochul has launched ESD’s $6 million Innovation Matching Grants Program, which was first proposed in her 2023 State of the State address. This program provides application support and technical assistance to New York companies applying for the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs, which incentivize small businesses to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization.

Under the program, ESD will match up to $100,000 for a successful concept development, or Phase I award, and up to $200,000 for a prototype development, or Phase II award. The Division will also provide technical assistance resources for Phase II and Phase III awardees. Applications and guidelines can be found here: https://esd.ny.gov/innovation-matching-grants-program