Connect with BioNTX at BIO 2026
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Visit BioNTX at the BioTexas Pavilion during the BIO International Convention 2026, taking place June 22–25 in San Diego, California. Meet CEO Gina Ford and learn how North Texas is continuing to grow as a hub for life sciences innovation, investment, and talent. Hear about the opportunities shaping the region’s expanding biotechnology and healthcare ecosystem and the commercialization of groundbreaking research.
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Lyda Hill Philanthropies Brings IF/THEN STEM Exhibit
to FIFA Fan Festival Dallas
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Lyda Hill Philanthropies is launching a new public art installation featuring 26 life-sized statues of women in STEM at the FIFA Fan Festival Dallas at Fair Park. The exhibit highlights women working across sports-related fields such as data analytics, biomechanics, AI, and sports medicine, with the goal of inspiring young people to explore careers at the intersection of STEM and sports.
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Building an Ecosystem Beyond the Lab:
The Southwestern Medical District Transformation
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Recently, BioNTX attended the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Briefing on the Southwestern Medical District Transformation Project, a discussion that highlighted the importance of intentional collaboration in building strong innovation ecosystems.
The Southwestern Medical District, already a major healthcare and economic hub, is undergoing an ambitious transformation aimed at improving connectivity, safety, mobility, and green space. The project is expected to generate an estimated $2 billion in economic impact and reflects the power of public, private, and philanthropic partnership.
A key theme of the discussion, supported by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, emphasized that healthier environments contribute to better outcomes, reinforcing the idea that healthcare innovation extends beyond hospitals and research facilities into the surrounding community infrastructure.
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For BioNTX, the initiative highlights that strong innovation ecosystems are built not only on institutions and companies, but also on the environments and connections that enable collaboration and ultimately advance better health outcomes across the region.
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Building the Future of Life Sciences in Fort Worth
July 16, 2026
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Join the BioNTX Facilities Committee for a dynamic gathering of industry, academic, and facilities leaders exploring the next chapter of life sciences growth in Fort Worth. From recent developments to the realities of building and scaling, this event highlights the collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure driving the region forward.
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Thank you for your support
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BIO BREAK: Connect, Collaborate, Innovate
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BIO BREAK brings the life sciences community together for an evening of connection and conversation. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, share insights on emerging trends, and explore ideas driving collaboration and innovation across the ecosystem. The event is designed to strengthen professional relationships and support a more connected life sciences community in the region.
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FORT WORTH
October 13, 2026
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Join Us This September at the 2026 iC³ Summit
September 24 - 25, 2026
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The BioNTX iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit is North Texas’s premier convening for the region’s bioscience and healthcare community. Each year, we bring together industry leaders, pioneering researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share insights, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on the next breakthroughs in life sciences and healthcare.
At iC³ 2026, you will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, connect with peers, and participate in conversations that are shaping the future of healthcare innovation in North Texas and beyond. Whether you are looking to gain knowledge, showcase your work, or build meaningful partnerships, iC³ provides the platform to make an impact.
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Do you know a life science company that is making an impact? The Rising Star program showcases emerging companies driving innovation for a chance to highlight their achievements to industry leaders, investors, and peers at iC³.
Applications closes on July 31, 2026
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Is your university research ready for the market? The Tech Transfer Showcase is a great opportunity to gain visibility, connect with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners, and showcase your innovation to the community.
Application closes on August 3, 2026
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Thank you for your support
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iC³ Hotel Room Block
BioNTX has secured discounted room blocks at nearby hotels for the iC³ Summit,
please feel free to take advantage of these options during your stay.
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Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington
101 West Road to Six Flags Street
Arlington TX 76011
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Live! By Loews
1600 E Randol Mill Road
Arlington, TX 76011
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Advancing Life Science Innovation Through the Power of Story
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At BioNTX, we often say that innovation needs more than breakthrough science, it needs compelling stories. That's one reason we are excited to spotlight DHD Films, one of our newest members and a company that understands the power of narrative in driving awareness, engagement, and impact.
Founded by CEO Hussein Keshvani, DHD Films has built a national reputation for helping organizations translate complex ideas into powerful visual stories that inspire action. As the life sciences and healthcare sectors continue to evolve, the ability to communicate scientific breakthroughs, organizational missions, and transformative innovations has become increasingly important.
Over the past year, BioNTX and DHD Films have developed a strong relationship grounded in a shared belief: great ecosystems are built not only through innovation, but through the stories that connect people, ideas, and opportunities. DHD's growing interest in the biotechnology and life sciences sector aligns perfectly with BioNTX's mission to strengthen North Texas as a leading hub for discovery, commercialization, and collaboration.
From supporting major national conferences to helping organizations elevate their brand and mission, DHD Films brings a unique capability to our community. Their expertise in content creation, strategic storytelling, and visual communications helps organizations engage investors, partners, employees, patients, and the broader public in meaningful ways.
We are proud to welcome DHD Films to the BioNTX community and look forward to exploring new opportunities to showcase the people, companies, and innovations that make our region one of the most dynamic life science ecosystems in the country.
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Inside Pegasus Park: Creating the Future of
Innovation in North Texas
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In the newest episode of Fort Worth Innovates, Cameron Cushman sits down with Dr. David Snow, Executive Director of Pegasus Park, to discuss how innovation hubs fuel entrepreneurship, attract top talent, create high-quality jobs, and generate billions of dollars in economic impact.
From biotech startups and research commercialization to workforce development and place-based innovation, the conversation explores how ecosystems like Pegasus Park are transforming the future of North Texas and what Fort Worth can learn as it continues to build its own innovation economy.
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AstraZeneca Advances Oral GLP-1 Candidate Elecoglipron
Into Phase III Development
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AstraZeneca announced that its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, elecoglipron, is moving into Phase III trials after positive Phase IIb results in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The studies showed meaningful weight loss in patients with obesity and improved blood sugar control in those with diabetes, with a safety profile consistent with the GLP-1 class.
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Colossal Biosciences Proposes Gene Editing Strategy to
Address New World Screwworm Detection in Texas
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Following the first confirmed case of New World screwworm larvae in Texas since 1966, Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences has proposed a genetic approach to help prevent a potential outbreak. The company’s concept leverages gene editing and gene drive technology to reduce female fertility in the screwworm population, aiming to suppress or collapse infestations over time as part of broader containment and eradication efforts.
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Island Pharmaceuticals Advances GMP Manufacturing
of Galidesivir for Pivotal Marburg Study
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Island Pharmaceuticals is progressing GMP manufacturing of its antiviral Galidesivir to support a pivotal Marburg virus study under the FDA Animal Rule pathway. The program, conducted with PI Health Sciences, includes scale-up and validation work to produce clinical-grade material expected in the coming months, supporting late-stage development and future regulatory submission.
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Johnson & Johnson Expands Oncology Pipeline
with Firefly Bio Acquisition
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Johnson & Johnson announced a definitive agreement to acquire Firefly Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company developing its Firelink™ degrader antibody conjugate platform. The platform is designed to deliver selective protein degraders directly to tumor cells, with a focus on KRAS-driven and other hard-to-treat solid tumors. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Johnson & Johnson’s oncology pipeline and expand its work in next-generation antibody-based cancer therapies.
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Solaris Endovascular Receives FDA Breakthrough Designation for Solaris DE Drug-Eluting Stent in Dialysis Access Stenosis
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Solaris Endovascular announced FDA Breakthrough Device designation for its Solaris DE drug-eluting covered stent, designed to treat stenosis in dialysis access grafts. The designation is supported by Phase 2 DEScover trial results showing strong 6-month patency outcomes, as the company advances the device toward a U.S. pivotal study and regulatory approval.
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CDD Vault Integrates Lilly TuneLab to Bring AI/ML
Drug Discovery Models into Biotech Workflows
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Collaborative Drug Discovery (CDD) has announced an agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to integrate Lilly’s TuneLab AI/ML platform into CDD Vault. The integration will allow biotech users to access Lilly’s predictive drug discovery models directly within their existing research workflows, supporting more data-driven decision-making in chemistry and biology.
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TechFW and TMAC Launch MADE Program to Accelerate
North Texas Manufacturing Growth
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TechFW and the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) have launched the Manufacturing Accelerator and Development Engine (MADE), a new program designed to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness across North Texas. Built on more than 25 years of collaboration, the initiative provides manufacturers with tailored training, resources, and networking opportunities to support growth at every stage of development.
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TCU Researcher Earns First CPRIT Award for
Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Innovation
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A Texas Christian University assistant professor has received the university’s first Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) award to advance a mobile 3D imaging tool designed to improve early breast cancer detection. The project, led by Austin Graybeal, Ph.D., focuses on developing a phone-based health tool that estimates breast cancer risk and breast density to help increase screening access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
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UNT Health Fort Worth MHA Program Strengthens
Health Care Leadership Pipeline
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The Master of Health Administration program at UNT Health Fort Worth is strengthening its role as a regional leader in health care leadership education through expanded alumni engagement, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Recent initiatives include the launch of an Alumni Advisory Board, a dedicated LinkedIn community, and the release of the program’s annual report highlighting student achievements and strong career placement outcomes.
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UT Dallas Study Shows Cognitive Ability
Can Improve Across the Lifespan
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A three-year study from The University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth suggests that cognitive performance does not inevitably decline with age and can improve throughout adulthood. Based on nearly 4,000 participants in The BrainHealth Project, researchers found that consistent daily cognitive training led to measurable gains in brain health across all age groups, with improvements driven more by engagement than demographics.
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UT Southwestern Study Links Uncontrolled Fat Burning
to Heart Failure Mechanism
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A UT Southwestern Medical Center study has identified a mechanism linking unregulated fat metabolism in heart cells to heart failure. Researchers found that excessive fatty acid oxidation can deplete cardiolipin, a key mitochondrial lipid, impairing energy production and leading to weakened heart function. The findings suggest that tightly regulated fat metabolism is critical for maintaining cardiac health.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Opportunities to Mentor, Teach,
and Inspire Future Biotech Leaders
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Nucleate Dojo is an undergraduate biotech program launching in September 2026 in partnership with SMU, UTD, and UTSW. The program helps undergrads break into the biotech industry through a faculty and industry seminar series, hands-on skills workshops, and mini-projects built around biotech industry problem statements, culminating in a final competition for cash prizes.
They are looking for professionals to get involved in any of the following roles (feel free to choose more than one):
- Speaker – Lead a topic-specific seminar (~1 hour, plus curriculum prep).
- Facilitator – Lead a hands-on workshop (~1 hour, plus activity prep).
- Mentor – Join project work time during workshops (1 hour/workshop, ~9 hours total) and stay accessible to student teams between sessions for questions and guidance.
This is a great way to support the next generation of biotech talent in Dallas. Programming will take place at the aforementioned institutions. Participation is in your own individual capacity.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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WIB-North Texas: Summer Sips Mixer
Join Women in Bio to connect with fellow chapter members and local professionals, expand your network, exchange insights, and unwind over great conversation as they kick off the summer season together.
June 25th | Plano, TX
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Youth Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
Join TechFW for the launch of their inaugural youth camp, a two-week intensive program aimed at helping students develop an app using AI while learning the fundamentals of starting a business.
June 26th | Fort Worth, TX
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National Chronic Disease Day
Luncheon Symposium at MassBio
Join Good Days to explore federal initiatives and partnerships advancing patient care, and connect on keeping patient voices central to innovation and policy.
July 10th | Cambridge, MA
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Presents
Partners in Progress: Fort Worth Biotech
Join the BioNTX Facilities Committee for a gathering of industry, academic, and facilities leaders focused on the collaboration and infrastructure driving Fort Worth’s life sciences growth and development.
July 16th | Fort Worth, TX
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BIO BREAK Frisco
Join BioNTX and Harness IP for a happy hour bringing together leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the life science community.
July 20th | Frisco, TX
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2026 STRAC Emergency Healthcare Systems Conference
The STRAC Emergency Healthcare Systems Conference is a two-day event featuring high-impact education for EMS, nursing, physician, and military professionals.
July 21st - 23rd | San Antonio, TX
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DFW Startup Week 2026
DFW Startup Week is The DEC Network’s largest, premiere event for DFW business owners & entrepreneurs. The program includes a 5 day celebration that builds momentum around entrepreneurship and innovation.
August 2nd - 6th | Dallas, TX
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Nucleate Global Summit 2026
This Nucleate Global Summit is an environment where founders, scientists, and investors from around the world can engage in conversations, share real challenges, and build relationships that extend far beyond Summit.
August 16th - 18th | Parker, TX
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Thank you for your support!
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