​EPISODE 43 [LIVE]
What's the Buzz?! Following the Money in Life Sciences

​Kick off 2026 with the first episode of What’s the Buzz?! and the perfect prelude to JPM Healthcare Week. We're thrilled to have Tien Wong join us. He is Founder and Host of The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Community Community, a global community of 30,000+ investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and service professionals. He is also CEO of Opus8, Inc., an investment and advisory firm which helps tech companies and investment fund managers raise capital.

Tien will share actionable insights on funding trends, capital allocation, and strategic opportunities — giving you the core perspectives you need to head into JPM Healthcare Week informed and ready.

​About the Host

​Chris Frew

​Chris is the Founder of BioBuzz Networks, Inc, a life science talent community and hiring platform, and CEO of Workforce Genetics, LLC (WGx), a prominent life science recruitment firm. He has been supporting companies in the regional life sciences industry with recruiting and marketing solutions for 20+ years.

​Previously serving as the Vice President of Sales at Breezio, a leading innovator in cloud-based online communities, and the Vice President of Tech USA’s Scientific Division, which he founded and grew into a national practice. Chris has almost two decades of experience successfully leading teams, projects and fostering engaged communities within the Life Science industry.

​He is a Maryland native and a graduate of Towson University.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Program

​What's the Buzz?!

​This weekly podcast, broadcast live, features life sciences leaders and regional ecosystem builders who share bold ideas, real stories, and what’s ahead for our industry.

Hosted by our CEO, Chris Frew, and powered by QNova LifeSciences and MTEC | Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium this January, this 30-minute virtual series is streamed across LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook — reaching thousands of professionals every episode.

The show highlights one-on-one conversations with founders, executives, strategists, and ecosystem builders. While focusing on the biohubs where we are most active, What’s the Buzz?! also explores emerging regions, trends, and innovations shaping the future of life sciences.

Topics include:
➡️ Biotech growth & investment trends
➡️ Workforce development & talent strategies
➡️ Emerging tools & technologies
➡️ Policy & ecosystem influence
➡️ Public-private collaboration

​Website | Contact

​About the Sponsors

​QNova Life Sciences

​QNova LifeSciences is a global, innovative regulatory consulting group. They specialize in advancing therapeutics and medical devices through development and regulatory approval offering customized solutions that mitigate risk, time, and expense to support the U.S. market goals of your company.

​LinkedIn | Website

​Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC)

​MTEC is a biomedical technology consortium collaborating with multiple government agencies under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC).

​MTEC fosters integrated research partnerships and speeds the availability of solutions to the military, veterans the civilian population. With more than 700 members, we are always seeking to grow our membership that includes representatives from the following:

• ​Small and Large Businesses

• ​'Non-Traditional'​ Government Contractors

• ​Not-For-Profit Organizations

• ​Academic Research Organizations

​Membership Benefits include:

• ​Networking opportunities with other industry and academic MTEC members in addition to opportunities with government stakeholders through annual membership meetings, conferences and forums.

• ​Greater visibility into government needs and priorities as well as an increased ability to leverage IR&D investments to meet those needs.

• ​MTEC operates through a flexible contracting vehicle that minimizes cash flow challenges for small businesses that receive research project awards.

​LinkedIn | Website