Commercializing Bioscience Innovation conference set for Oct. 13, 14

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- Upstate Medical University and the CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC) will host a conference titled Commercializing Bioscience Innovation conference Oct. 13 and 14.

The conference is set to coincide with the opening of Upstate MIND, a medical innovation and novel discovery center based at CNYBAC.  The agenda features innovation ecosystem experts Zubin Damania, MD, founder of Turntable Health, and Sean Ammirati of Birchmere Ventures as keynote speakers, and includes panel discussions and presentations on legal matters, business practices and programs for tech sector entrepreneurs.

“This event was developed not only to showcase Upstate MIND, but more importantly to bring ecosystem partners and innovators together to support and stimulate biotech discovery,” said Kathi Durdon, director of operations for the CNY Biotech Accelerator. “Through panel discussions, presentations and interactions generated at the conference, we will be better able to understand and promote proactive entrepreneurial culture.”

A reception on the evening of Oct. 13 will kick off the conference. Damania will speak about his experiences with Turntable Health, the healthcare startup he leads. Turntable Health is a component of a larger urban revitalization movement being spearheaded by Zappos.com CEO, Tony Hseih. Ammirati will also be on hand, signing copies of his business book The Science of Growth.

During the full conference Oct. 14, attendees will hear from a range of speakers including leaders from the collaboration between Motion Intelligence and Upstate Medical University. This panel will include Richard Uhlig, CEO, Motion Intelligence; Brian Rieger, PhD, director, Upstate Concussion Center; Christopher Neville, PhD, PT, associate professor, Upstate College of Health Professions, Physical Therapy; and Frank Middleton, PhD, associate professor, Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University.

The conference is anticipated to grow into an annual event held in collaboration with CNYBAC partners including SUNY Environmental Sciences and Forestry, Syracuse University, The Tech Garden, Upstate Venture Connect and Centerstate CEO and others. 150 seats are available for the conference, which will be held in the Theater-in-the- MIND.

Caption: The CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC), above, and Upstate Medical University, will host the Commercializing Bioscience Innovation conference on Oct. 13 and 14.