SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit 2026
Organized by the SPARK Hub at Children's National, in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and co-hosted at Johns Hopkins University, the SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit will bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, healthcare, and the biotech innovation ecosystem. Focus will be on advancing medical countermeasures, strengthening preparedness, and improving health security for pediatric populations. This summit provides a unique opportunity to connect with innovators, decision-makers, investors, and funders who are shaping the future of pediatric preparedness.
The program will feature panel discussion on key challenges and opportunities in pediatric medical countermeasure development, pitches from finalists competing in the SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit Prize Competition for up to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, a report highlighting priority unmet needs identified by leading pediatric and health security experts, and a networking reception designed to foster new partnerships and collaborations.
Event Agenda:
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Registration & Networking
1:30 PM - 1:40 PM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
SPARK and BARDA Representatives
1:40 PM - 2:10 PM: Panel Discussion, "Ready for Children: Advancing Pediatric Indications in Medical Countermeasure Development"
Panelists: Bill Kapogiannis (BARDA), Steven Kreuzer (Exponent), Daniela Drago (NDA Partners), and Ana Loloei (AdvaMed)
Moderator: Kolaleh Eskandanian (SPARK)
2:10 PM - 2:58 PM: SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Prize Competition Finalist Pitches
1. Entropic Biosciences
2. GenAssist
3. InSilicoTrials
4. Kintla Research Technology
5. Stealth Startup
6. Omphalos Lifesciences
2:58 PM - 3:00 PM: Next steps, Adjourn and Transition to Reception Venue
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Networking Reception and Prize Competition Winner(s) Announcements
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About SPARK
The Special Populations Acceleration Research and Knowledge (SPARK) for Innovations in Pediatrics, a BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN) Hub, 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.
About BARDA Accelerator Network
Established by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the BARDA Accelerator Network fosters the growth of health security innovation ecosystems globally and accelerates the development and commercialization of next-generation health security solutions.
Questions? Visit www.mcm4kids.org or email us at sparkhub@childrensnational.org