DC Startup & Tech Week

In the latest rankings from Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, the Biohealth Capital Region (BHCR) had moved up to No. 3 on its list of the top biopharma clusters in the United States. In considering public and private funding, lab space, and life science jobs, our region trails on Boston and the Bay area. Rachel Rath, the newly appointed head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS @ Washington, discuss how this growth and higher profile for the DMV creates both opportunities and challenges for early-stage life science startups and where they can turn to take their next key steps to grow and develop.

Join us for an engaging fireside chat as we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping life sciences and healthcare. Monica Lopez, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Cognitive Insights for Artificial Intelligence, has spent over a decade at the forefront of innovation and working to build a responsible future with AI-enabled technologies, including in life sciences and healthcare. This conversation will delve into the transformative power of AI in reshaping the future of healthcare, from drug discovery to personalized medicine, clinical support and hospital operations. Dr. Lopez will share insights into AI-driven advancements, ethical considerations, and provide thought provoking perspectives for entrepreneurs and innovators working to develop new technologies applying AI in the healthcare landscape.

For early-stage innovators in life sciences, securing resources can be a game-changer. And if you're a start-up co-located in the Nation’s Capital, you're sitting on a goldmine of opportunities right in the DMV! What does it mean to have direct access to these unique opportunities, and how can you leverage them to fuel your company’s growth? Funding from local and national sources offers a critical pathway to extend your runway and hit key milestones. In this dynamic panel discussion, experts from the U.S. Government and industry veterans share practical insights on navigating the complexities of these opportunities. Learn how to identify the best local and national funding sources, craft compelling applications, and position your company to tap into available resources—all while accelerating innovation in healthcare and beyond. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking your next big break or an industry professional looking to understand how to make the most of available resources, this session promises actionable strategies and real-world examples that could reshape your approach to funding – DMV style.

Launching a business can be rewarding but can also be complex and difficult. Launching a life science startup has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Join us at DC Start Up Week as four executives of four burgeoning life science companies share the lessons from their journeys and what fellow innovators can do to prepare to launch their own biotech or MedTech companies.