SPARK Capstone & Pitch Day 2025
Join us for SPARK Capstone and Pitch Day 2025, a flagship event spotlighting breakthrough innovations and technologies from the SPARK portfolio at the intersection of pediatrics and health security.
Hosted by SPARK Hub and Children’s National, this event brings together the BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN) team, SPARK portfolio companies, mentors, and a dynamic mix of stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 SPARK cohort, foster collaborations, and spark momentum for the next generation of pediatric health security solutions.
Event Agenda
12:30 PM – Registration Opens
1:00 – 1:10 PM – Welcome
Julia Finkel, Principal Investigator, SPARK
Kolaleh Eskandanian, Program Director, SPARK
1:10 – 1:20 PM – Opening Remarks
Representative from BARDA
1:20 – 1:40 PM – Keynote Address
Kurt Newman, President Emeritus, Children’s National Hospital
1:40 – 2:10 PM – Panel Discussion: Advocating for Children
2:10 – 2:25 PM – Break
2:25 – 3:50 PM – SPARK Portfolio Presentations
Moderated by Ioannis Koutroulis, Co-Investigator, SPARK
3:50 – 4:05 PM – Break
4:05 – 4:25 PM – Fireside Chat: From SPARK to Market
Moderated by Richard Bendis, BioHealth Innovation
4:25 – 4:30 PM – Closing Remarks
4:30 – 6:00 PM – Networking Reception (Hosted bar courtesy of Key Tech)
Please note: Attendance is reserved for approved guests, and confirmation will be required for entry.
About SPARK
The Special Populations Acceleration Research and Knowledge (SPARK) for Innovations in Pediatrics, a BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN) Hub for Special Populations, led by Children's National Hospital, supports the development of innovations that address challenges around the advancement and availability of medical countermeasures for pediatric populations.
Questions? Visit www.mcm4kids.org or email us at [email protected]