In response to a 2014 joint study revealing major challenges for the life sciences industry, Life Science Tennessee’s Mentor Network was formed to provide Tennessee’s life science companies with access to capital, workforce development and, of course mentorship. The goals of this mentorship program have extended into this year’s Life Science Tennessee Annual Conference as selected members of the Statewide Mentor Network will pitch ideas as part of the Venture Forum within the conference. The event is being held on Tuesday, September 29, in downtown Nashville; all four companies will present to a panel of judges to compete for $5,000.
The companies selected to present include:
FIRST Diagnostics, which has made a fluorescent dye called Corafix that enables healthcare providers to improve early detection of colorectal cancer during an endoscopy.
VenoStent, which is working with promising technology to create a new type of stent that can improve treatment for patients suffering from renal failure.
SeqTech, which has developed a novel technology for detecting biomarkers.
Stony Creek Colors, which is developing the complete agricultural supply chain to replace synthetic dyes with cleaner and safer bio-based dyes, allowing fashion brands to meet their goals of reducing hazardous chemical use.
Members of the Life Science TN Statewide Mentor Network participate to not only increase awareness of their innovative ideas, but also to introduce attendees to the concept of the mentor program and build upon its current membership.
“Life Science Tennessee’s new Statewide Mentor Network is well on its way toward bridging the gap between new entrepreneurs in the field and the expertise of Tennessee’s life science business leaders, while complementing the work of our state’s accelerator programs,” said Steve Bares, PhD, Chairman of the Life Science Tennessee Board of Directors. “The goal of the program is to build a strong statewide mentor pool that includes life science experts across a broad spectrum of industry sectors. As of now, about 30 mentors are actively participating in the program, which connects them to up-and-coming life science entrepreneurs.”
Covering critical topics within life sciences including pharmaceutical and agricultural innovation, medical devices and diagnostics; the overall conference agenda features over 35 speakers and panelists who represent the professional life sciences community.
Highlighted conference speakers includes:
Katherine Donigan, Ph.D. from the FDA’s Office of In-Vitro Diagnostics at the Center for Device and Radiological Health. Dr. Donigan has been instrumental in the development the FDA’s new guidance document for laboratory-developed tests.
Karen Summar, M.D., M.S., A pediatrician by trade, Dr. Summar is the health care policy advisor for Congressman Martha Blackburn. In her role, Dr. Summar advices Congressman Blackburn in her position as vice-chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, the House committee that oversees the FDA and HHS.
Steve Hoey is the senior director of the Springboard program at CONNECT in San Diego. Springboard is the model program for Life Science TN’s new Statewide Mentor Network.
