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BARDA: Mask Innovation Challenge

To accelerate the development of the next generation of masks, BARDA and NIOSH have partnered to launch the Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask. The Mask Innovation Challenge aims to improve the comfort, utility, and protective capabilities of available community masks that are worn during day-to-day activities when physical distancing is not possible. This competition is designed to support the development of mask designs that meet predefined performance standards, while providing increased comfort and durability to the average consumer.

Can you help build a better mask – one that people are interested in wearing? You will have helped solved one of the biggest problems of the day! The mask design innovation challenge puts up a $500,000 prize purse for new mask designs that overcome the common reasons people don’t wear masks in the current pandemic. Phase 1 is design, due 5 p.m. April 21, 2021; phase 2 is testing of prototypes by NIOSH scientists and partner labs. Learn more at drive.hhs.gov/mask_challenge.html and then see Challenge.gov for the rules, criteria, timelines and how to submit.

Mask Innovation Challenge Event 4/15

Don’t miss the Mask Innovation Challenge event at the Venture Café at UCSC on Thursday, April 15, 2021: “Why we need to innovate on the non-medical grade face mask” from 3-4pm EDT. HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will discuss comfort, utility, and protective factor of current non-medical grade face masks as well as opportunities to innovate on these designs.

Event link*: https://venturecafephiladelphia.org/event/why-we-need-to-innovate-on-the-non-medical-grade-face-mask/

8this link can be used to access the event on the day of the talk, no registration required)

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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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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

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The BBCetc “From the Sources’ Mouth,” fall event is a free, virtual 3-day SBIR/STTR training with program managers from 11 federal agencies.

Each will present a 30-minute overview of their agency’s mission along with tips for creating a successful proposal. Everyone who attends will have time for Q&A as well as the opportunity to sign up for special one-on-one discussions with agency officers.

1 registration. 3 days. 11 SBIR/STTR agencies. One registration gives you access for all three days. Detailed agenda coming soon so you can choose which presenters you want to see.

Sept. 14, 2021
9:00 am - 5:00 pm (EST)
Granting Agencies
SBA, NIH, NSF, DOC-NOAA, DOE, USDA, NIAD

Sept. 15, 2021
9:00 am - 5:00 pm (EST)
Contracting Agencies
SBA, EPA, BARDA, NASA, DOT, DOEd, CDMRP

Sept. 16, 2021
9:00 am - 5:00 pm (EST)
DOD & Components
DOD, DHA, DARPA, SPARTN, NavSea, Air Force/AFWERX, DHS

Register Now

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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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