http://www.bioworksbusiness.com/ Connecting businesses in BioScience http://www.bioworksbusiness.com/newsDet.cfm?newsID=136 The opening of the new Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at the UT-Baptist Research Park on Union last Monday marked a banner day for Memphis.It's the first building of the planned $450 million, 1.2 million-square-foot research park at the site of the former landmark Baptist Memorial Hospital -- a project that has been in the planning stages for years and is now materializing before our eyes.The 30,315-square-foot lab will focus on the fight against naturally occurring infectious diseases as well as bioterrorist attacks.What does it mean for Memphis? Highly skilled jobs.The park will be a Mecca for researchers, technicians, lab assistants and other highly skilled employees.Which means more job opportunities for Memphians skilled in biomedical research and technology.And University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center Chancellor Hershel P. Wall said now is the time to prepare."Science and technology courses at college and graduate school levels can prepare individuals for solid careers in biomedical research and technology," Wall said. "Now is the time for high school students to plan ahead by taking as many classes as possible in biology, chemistry and computer technology."We are actively informing local students that career opportunities will be available for those who are ready for the new biomedical and biotechnology era."For information, visit utmem.edu. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bioworksbusiness.com/newsDet.cfm?newsID=85 MEMPHIS, Tennessee, November 10, 2008 - The Memphis Bioworks Foundation has launched the Memphis Bioworks Business Association, a professional organization dedicated to advancing the bioscience industry in Memphis.The Memphis Bioworks Business Association will take up where the former Bioworks Development Council, led by the Memphis Regional Chamber, let off. The association aims to strategically advance the bioscience industry in Memphis and create programs that address the issues and needs of the industry in the region. The goal is to strengthen the area's bioscience businesses through three core areas: education, professional networking and advocacy."Memphis Bioworks Business Association will advance the bioscience industry by coordinating communication, collaboration and professionalism within the bioscience business community," said Dr. Steven J. Bares, executive director, Memphis Bioworks Foundation. "It will provide networking, education, advocacy and opportunities for business growth and development." The Memphis Bioworks Business Association will host monthly Lunch and Learn lectures focusing on topics that are important to the area's bioscience companies. Topics will include: Early Stage Drug Development, Bioscience Market Trends, Reimbursements and a C-Level roundtable featuring local business executives speaking on the industry and outlook for success. The association will also hold bioscience mixers aimed at providing professional networking and highlighting the value and benefits of the organization. Memphis Bioworks Business Association will host its inaugural Lunch and Learn program on November 18 at the Fogelman Executive Center on the University of Memphis campus. Kamaal Anas, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, Meridian Life Sciences will be the guest speaker on "Early Stage Drug Development and Contract Manufacturing Organizations." Anas has more than a decade of experience with pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and medical devices companies. At Meridian Life Science, Anas is responsible for regulatory affairs, quality systems, validations and calibrations. He also is the owner of Praxis Medica", a consulting firm specializing in regulatory affairs and quality systems. Praxis Medica" provides consulting services to both domestic and international pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. The Lunch and Learn program is designed to bring together bioscience professionals and industry service providers. Darryl Jackson, Vice President of Sales and Development for the Memphis Bioworks Foundation will lead the efforts of the business association. "I'm confident that MBBA will be the catalyst for the development of a cohesive bioscience business community in Memphis," stated Jackson. "We're excited to provide a forum that facilitates networking and collaboration on business problems and issues that are pertinent to the advancement and growth of businesses in Memphis' bioscience community." The November 18 luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. Registration can be completed on-line by going to the Memphis Bioworks Business Association Web site: www.bioworksbusiness.com. The cost of the luncheon is $25 and includes parking at the campus. Early registration is recommended since space is limited. About Memphis Bioworks Business The Memphis Bioworks Business Association is focused strategically on advancing the business of biosciences in the Memphis region. The organization strives to create and implement programs that address the needs, issues and concerns of the bioscience industry and the companies that provide services. Through education, professional development and bioscience advocacy, the association brings together industry professionals into a unique collaborative organization centered on the bioscience community. The Memphis Bioworks Business Association was created by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation to promote the biosciences and move toward making Memphis a global bioscience center of excellence. Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bioworksbusiness.com/newsDet.cfm?newsID=79 MEMPHIS, Tennessee, October 27, 2008 - Investors and entrepreneurs from around the world will be in Memphis October 28-29, 2008 to attend the Sixth Annual Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference which is taking place at the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis.The Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference exposes venture capitalists (VC) to new ideas, new companies and new opportunities. This year's event is expected to be attended by more than 50 VCs, representing billions of dollars in venture capital. "Memphis is one of the worldwide leaders in the medical devices industry," said Dr. Steven J. Bares, executive director, Memphis Bioworks' Foundation. "Holding a conference of this magnitude not only showcases the research and intellectual property coming out of Memphis, it showcases the city as a potential place to relocate or start-up a company. This conference provides a forum for exchanging ideas between surgeons, venture capitalists, industry leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs which will promote industry growth to the benefit of everyone suffering from musculoskeletal conditions." At the conference, participants will be able to attend a variety of different sessions, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities. Sessions start at 8:30 a.m. both days. There will be a Musculoskeletal Mixer at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 27 at the Westin Memphis Beale Street and a Rockin' Reception at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28 at the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. The cost to attend as an academic / non-profit is $295. For a business attendee the cost is $850.The Sixth Annual Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference is hosted by Memphis Bioworks Foundation and MB Venture Partners. For more information on the conference or to register, visit www.mnvc.org.Memphis Bioworks FoundationThe Memphis Bioworks Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, formed to lead the collaboration between public, private, academic and government entities to accelerate the growth of the bioscience industry in the region. Memphis Bioworks strives to leverage and expand the regional strengths in the biosciences through education, research, job training, and commercialization. Memphis Bioworks is leading the development of the UT-Baptist Research Park, which serves as the focal point of the city's biomedical economic development. For more information, visit www.memphisbioworks.org. MB Venture PartnersMB Venture Partners is a Memphis, Tennessee venture capital firm that provides equity capital and strategic direction to life sciences companies. The firm invests in medical devices and biotechnology companies at all stages of development. Our firm is especially interested in product solutions for musculoskeletal diseases and our partners benefit from our deep experience and relationships in this area of investment. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bioworksbusiness.com/newsDet.cfm?newsID=55 As a key component of the Memphis Fast Forward initiative, the Memphis Bioworks Foundation has announced the formation of a dedicated AgBio division and initiative. The AgBio focus expands the Foundations core biosciences mission into the rapidly expanding field commonly called greentech, cleantech or industrial biotechnology.AgBio refers to the development of alternative energy and biobased products from living sources. The products that can be derived replace petroleum and other extracted minerals with renewable sources. Biobased products include biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel; biobased plastics; and many other chemicals, including cleaning products, automotive components, and even thousands of consumer products ranging from high fashion clothing to industrial plastics.Creating a vision for AgBio leadership and excellence, and developing the business, education and research initiatives necessary to expand our presence in AgBio is a key part of the Foundations execution of the community-wide Fast Forward initiatives, said Dr. Steven J. Bares, president and executive director of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. In the biomedical field, the Foundation has successfully created and implemented a similar strategic plan to align industry, academic research, infrastructure, funding and entrepreneurial enterprises for success. Our AgBio activities will build upon the competitive advantages already in place in Memphis and associated with the Mississippi Delta inbound/outbound logistics and distribution expertise, superior agricultural land, a diverse crop base, quality raw material sources, research infrastructure, experienced farmers, manufacturing capacity and an abundant forestry base.To provide strategic leadership and oversee execution of the various AgBio initiatives, Memphis Bioworks Foundation has partnered with BioDimensions (www.biodimensions.net).BioDimensions brings a wealth of expertise in critical areas of AgBio that will jump start the Foundation in this critical area. BioDimensions and its principals offer experience and key contacts in areas such as new crops and crop science, agricultural biobased technology, federal and state program management, AgBio business planning, overall farm science and industrial biotechnology, said Bares.The BioDimensions team will be led by Randall Powell, Ph.D. Dr. Powell is an organic chemist with extensive experience in upper level management in Europe and the United States with Eastman Chemical Company. Most recently, he led the development of a biobased product initiative at Eastmans Batesville, Arkansas, facility.The AgBio division seeks to apply industrial biotechnology to the regions abundant crop and forest biomass resources, leveraging our superior distribution and logistics infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. There is not an area of the country with a better combination of these capabilities than the Mississippi Delta, with its Memphis hub location, said Powell. With a focused initiative bringing all of the players together, we can establish a leadership position for the country and, perhaps, the world. AgBio is about much more that renewable fuels. It is about using renewable agricultural and forestry raw materials as the basis for new industrial processes that generate less waste, are sustainable, and provide ecofriendly alternatives to the use of petrochemical feedstocks, added Powell.Bioworks AgBio will focus on businesses, research, agricultural initiatives and entrepreneurial efforts. Critical in that will be the implementation of new technologies and development of new supply chains linking existing regional industries and new biobased product companies with farmers in the Mississippi Delta to enable the following:"New, sustainable, value-added opportunities for farmers;"Bio-diversity and application of novel plant properties in new technology platforms;"Growth of the regional biobased products processing industry. A recent McKinsey & Co. study projected the world market for industrial biotechnology would reach $125 billion by 2010. Venture capital investment in cleantech for 2007 hit new highs as deals in North America and Europe totaled $5.18 billion. Several studies, including a recent major European Union report, have shown the biobased product industry creates jobs, saves energy and water during manufacturing, and provides healthy products for consumers. The Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was formed in 2001 to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for biomedical technology through education, research, job training, and commercialization. Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bioworksbusiness.com/newsDet.cfm?newsID=42 Dr. Preston H. Dorsett, has joined Innova, the recently launched entrepreneurial business accelerator, as an Executive in Residence. Dr. Dorsett will be responsible for helping evaluate companies seeking Innovas assistance, providing guidance to accelerate companies progress along the road to commercialization, and ultimately in providing business advice for companies when they eventually go public or get bought by a larger company.Innova is a subsidiary of Memphis Bioworks Foundation. As an Executive in Resident for Innova, Dr. Dorset will also work closely with Memphis Bioworks. His experience makes Dorsett a natural fit for both Innova and Memphis Bioworks. Dr. Dorsett is an example of someone with a wealth of bioscience career experience who is looking to start a second career after retirement.Through Preston, Innova is harnessing a talented second career professional, said Dr. Steven J. Bares, president and executive director of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. Although retired, Preston discovered he was not ready to give up working. He chose to be involved in Memphis Bioworks because his own career experience allows him to give back to the community by helping develop Memphis as a center for successful bioscience start-ups. As an Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Dorsett developed a method to attach virus proteins to latex, which in turn is used as a component of viral diagnostic test kits. The technology was licensed to Becton Dickinson after BD had assisted The University of Tennessee Research Corporation in acquiring patent approval. When Becton Dickinson could not produce the technology themselves, Dr. Dorsett, with the help of his wife Karen, decided to start a company which could produce the critical reagent. This was the start of Viral Antigens, Inc. in 1982. Under Dr. Dorsetts leadership, as president and CEO, Viral Antigens, Inc. became one of the countrys leading manufacturers of custom and specialty viral reagents for human infectious diseases. In 2000, Viral Antigens, Inc. was purchased by Meridian Bioscience and eventually was renamed Meridian Life Sciences. Dr. Dorsett remained with the company until his retirement in 2007.Prestons own personal experience in starting his own company and guiding it through patents, commercialization and ultimately liquidation, makes him a wonderful addition to both Innova and Memphis Bioworks, said Ken Woody, president, Innova. It can be confusing and overwhelming to take a piece of intellectual property from the lab through patenting and commercialization. Many start-ups struggle to make meaningful industry contacts and the process can take a very long time. With Prestons guidance, executives can speed up the commercialization process, gain valuable contacts with industry players and accelerate the growth and success of their companies.Innova invests in young, rapidly growing companies that have the potential to grow into significant economic contributors. Innova is developing a portfolio of companies in a single venture fund. Innovas goal is to nurture the growth of high technology and entrepreneurial efforts in the Mid South that will result in significant job creation, economic growth and competitiveness.The Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was formed in 2001 to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for biomedical technology through education, research, job training, and commercialization. Baptist Memorial Health Care donated its property in the Memphis Medical Center to the Foundation for the site of the UT-Baptist Research Park, which serves as the focal point of the citys biomedical economic development. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT