Beacon Therapeutics Raises $170 Million in Series B Funding to Advance Development of Ophthalmic Gene Therapies
Beacon Therapeutics, a leading ophthalmic gene therapy company that acquired UF startup AGTC to save and restore the vision of patients with blinding retinal diseases, announced it has raised $170 million in Series B funding.
Solid Biosciences Joins the Russell 3000® Index
Solid Biosciences Inc., a life sciences company developing precision genetic medicines for neuromuscular and cardiac diseases that acquired UF startup AavantiBio, announced it has been added to the broad-market Russell 3000® Index as part of the annual reconstitution, effective July 1st, 2024.
Oragenics Develops Automated Intranasal Device for Treating Concussed Patients
Oragenics, Inc., a UF Innovate | Accelerate alumnus company focused on developing unique, intranasal pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological disorders, announced it has completed a prototype of its automated intranasal device for use in concussed patients who are initially confused, dazed or unconscious in the acute phase of injury.
Tech Tuesday: Fire Neural Network
In this week’s Tech Tuesday, UF Innovate host Bethany Gaffey speaks with the CEO of Fire Neural Network about how artificial intelligence is helping to prevent the spread of wildfire.
Gainesville Tech Company Builds International Recognition
Slice Engineering, named the 2023 Tech Company of the Year by the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, serves tens of thousands of people across the world. Slice is a go-to source for 3D printer parts for NASA, Honda, the U.S. military and many other household names.
Cordelia Biosciences Wins 2024 Big Idea Competition
UF Innovate | Accelerate client Cordelia Biosciences won first place in this year’s Big Idea Competition. Founded by ecological scientists Jessica Tittl Nielsen (PhD ’24) and Monica Schul (PhD ’25), Cordelia Biosciences is a biotechnical startup that uses natural, microscopic organisms from the ocean to create a sustainable chemical portfolio. The company seeks to safeguard the planet’s ecosystems while revolutionizing the chemical industry.
Florida Venture Forum Announces Record Number of Companies Selected to Present at 2024 Florida Early Stage Venture Conference
Florida Venture Forum, Florida’s largest statewide support organization for investors and entrepreneurs, has announced the companies selected to present at its 2024 Florida Early Stage Venture Conference, being held at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, June 4 – 5. Two UF Innovate | Accelerate clients — Silicon Assurance (early stage) and Cordelia Biosciences (collegiate) — will present.
Satlantis Is Part of the Consortium Selected by ESA for the Spanish Component of the Atlantic Constellation
The consortium led by Elecnor Deimos has successfully secured one of the two parallel contracts awarded by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the definition of the Spanish Component of the Atlantic Constellation. The core team of the consortium, comprised solely of Spanish entities, includes Alen Space, Satlantis, and DHV Technology.
The Tale of Two Companies: One Viral Vector Partner for Every Stage of Gene Therapy Development
Gene therapies can correct diseases at their genetic core, but their success hinges on viral vector manufacturing. As gene therapy technology becomes more advanced, producing viral vectors becomes more challenging, requiring a manufacturing partner that is not only versed in viral vector production but also agile enough to adapt to the shifting tides of innovation.
A closer look at the experiences of two companies — NysnoBio, a client of UF Innovate | Accelerate, and bluebird bio — offers insight into what sponsors at different stages of the development and manufacturing cycle need in a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) partner.
UF Innovate Startups Transition into 35 Mules Program for Continued Growth
Three companies created by University of Florida students with vastly different ideas find their journeys intertwined through their foundational education at UF, participation in the Big Idea Competition, and subsequent incubation at the 35 Mules Innovation Hub.