Ameica21 Project and BioEnterprise will host the country’s first Minority Biomedical Entrepreneurship Conference May 21-22 at the Cleveland Marriott to increase minority competitiveness in the biomedical industry, as well as provide a forum for networking and education. Minorities currently represent less than five percent of the biomedical workforce.

“America21 Project has paired with BioEnterprise to help connect the disconnected,” says Johnathan Holified, co-founder and chief evangelist for America21 Project, a minority innovation and competitiveness initiative. “We believe the initial conference will be the first step in connecting minorities, particularly African Americans and Latinos. We want to establish Cleveland hospitals as a community that welcomes these inspirations.”

The event will offer panel discussions and workshops on the key issues and practical advice on starting and growing a biomedical company. The conference will also allow for entrepreneurial pitch sessions with investors and mentors. “The pitch sessions will allow entrepreneurs to showcase their companies to potential investors and get feedback,” says Holified.

Frank Douglas, president of the Austen BioInnovation Institute and former executive vice president and chief scientific officer of Aventis will be the keynote speaker. A national steering committee of Hispanic and African American leaders in the biomedical industry will also attend.

Holified expects about 150 people to attend the event, and hopes it will gain popularity at future conferences. “Our intent is to grow the conference and make it an annual destination,” he says.

Source: Johnathan Holified
Writer: Karin Connelly