Issue 70 - September 2018
Stay tuned for major announcements from the Institute for Commercialization of Florida Technology as we wrap up our 2017/18 Economic Impact Study, and continue to implement new programming changes to expand support of Florida’s innovation economy!
Gov. Scott Appoints Three to the Institute for Commercialization of Florida Technology Board of Directors
Governor Rick Scott recently announced one appointment and two reappointments to the Institute for the Commercialization of Florida Technology Board of Directors:
- Renee Finley of Jacksonville is the founder and former president of innovation for GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation. She is reappointed for a term beginning July 30, 2018, and ending November 3, 2019.
- Jim O’Connell of Gainesville is the assistant vice president of technology transfer at the University of Florida. He fills a vacancy and is appointed for a term beginning July 30, 2018, and ending November 3, 2018.
- Sherrick “Rick” Wassel of Orlando is the vice president of strategic innovation and partnership at Adventist Health System, Florida Division. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 28, 2018, and ending November 3, 2020.
Supernus Pharmaceuticals to Acquire
Biscayne Neurotherapeutics
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUPN), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, announced that it entered into a merger agreement to acquire Biscayne Neurotherapeutics (Biscayne), a privately-held company developing a novel treatment for epilepsy. The transaction is expected to close in the next few weeks, and more information may be viewed here.
Don’t Miss the 2018 BioFlorida Annual Conference, October 14-16
Registration is now open for Florida’s premier event for the life sciences community. The2018 BioFlorida Conference is taking place October 14-16, 2018 at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Additionally, seed and early stage life science companies will compete in the BioPitch Sessions where selected companies will receive mentoring to perfect their pitch and present to life science investors in closed-door sessions at the Conference. Hear from life science executives and industry thought leaders and connect with hundreds of professionals in your field. Meet potential investors and discuss your business plans and financing needs. More information may be viewed here.
Register Today for the SEBIO Conference, November 13-14
The Southeast BIO (SEBIO) Investor & Partnering Forum will be held November 13-14, 2018 at the Loews Hotel in Atlanta, GA. The conference provides opportunities to meet key decision makers in the regional and national life science and medical technology communities, connecting emerging companies with potential investors and corporate partners. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, SEBIO returns to Atlanta on November 13-14, 2018 with a new format, new networking opportunities, and new investment prospects. More than 300 biotech and medtech investors, corporate executives, university representatives, and entrepreneurs will attend the event this year. More information may be viewed here.
Registration Open for Florida Venture Forum Annual Conference
In celebration of the Florida Venture Forum's 35th Anniversary, the 28th annual conference will be held at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 31 – February 1, 2019. The Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference™ is Florida’s most prominent, “Go To”, capital investment-centric event and gathering each year.
The 2019 Florida Venture Capital Conference offers numerous networking opportunities, programming featuring top investors and deal makers active in the state, and showcases Florida’s most innovative and fast growing later stage, private companies before an audience of venture capitalists, investors, and other service providers. More information may be viewed here.
The 2019 Florida Venture Capital Conference offers numerous networking opportunities, programming featuring top investors and deal makers active in the state, and showcases Florida’s most innovative and fast growing later stage, private companies before an audience of venture capitalists, investors, and other service providers. More information may be viewed here.
About Us
Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Institute for Commercialization of Florida Technology a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with the technology licensing and commercialization offices of Florida’s state universities and private research institutions to leverage a $2.5B+ research base and form investable companies that create clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute provides company building services, and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, to promising Florida startups. Seventy-two companies have been funded to date, and the Institute’s economic impact through June 30, 2017 was $970 million, with an annual return on investment of 26 times to the State of Florida.