Arkansas Biotech Convergence
Arkansas Biotech Convergence 2026
Connecting Innovation | Transforming Tomorrow
The biotechnology revolution is creating unprecedented opportunities for the American Heartland. On January 22nd, the Arkansas Biotech Convergence brings together decision-makers across biomanufacturing, precision agriculture, precision medicine, bioinformatics and AI, and the human health sciences for one intensive day of strategic partnership-building.
This event was designed to facilitate meaningful collaborations between external biotech companies, investors, and the Heartland's research leaders. Through expert-led panels, structured networking, and direct access to Arkansas's research infrastructure, attendees will leave with actionable partnerships and clear next steps.
Program
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Check-In & Coffee Hour
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Building a Biotech Innovation Growth Engine in the Heartland
Craig Shimasaki, PhD
Co-Founder & CEO, Moleculera Biosciences
Chairman of Advisory Board, Life Sciences Oklahoma
Adjunct Professor and Sr. Entrepreneur in Residence, Price School of Business, Entrepreneurship Division, University of Oklahoma
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM | The Growing Role of Biotech in Precision Agriculture
Panelists:
Jason Osterstock, PhD, CSO, Vytelle
Caio Vieira, PhD, Assistant Professor, Soybean Breeding, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Danielle Graham, PhD, Interim Director, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Moderator:
Parker Cole, PhD, Associate Director of Technology, Commercialization, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | Precision Medicine and the Diagnostic Revolution
Panelists:
Craig Shimasaki, President & CEO, Moleculera Biosciences
Reny Aniline, Sr. Director, BioPharma, Business Development, Natera
Moderator:
Donald Catanzaro, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch & Mini-Talk Sessions
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM | The Heartland Model for Building the Biotech Workforce
Panelists:
Angela Consani, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, Biosciences Core Skills Institute
Ranil Wickramsinghe, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Ralph E. Martin Dept. Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas
Moderator:
Tobias Teeter, JD, MBA, Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development, Executive Director, The Collaborative - Bentonville, University of Arkansas System
1:50 PM - 2:35 PM | From Data to Discovery: Bioinformatics Strategies for the Multiomics Era
Panelists:
Jared Churko, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Arizona
Rani Powers, PhD, Founder & CEO, PlutoBio
Brian Koss, PhD, Co-Founder & COO, OncoRock Therapeutics
Moderator:
Richard Adams, PhD, Assistant Professor, Data Analytics, University of Arkansas
2:40 PM - 3:25 PM | Networking & Mini-Talk Sessions
Mini-Talk 3: 2:45-3:00 PM
Bryan Barnhouse, President & CEO, Arkansas Research Alliance
Mini-Talk 4: 3:05-3:20 PM
Improving Drug Development Efficiencies With Single-Cell and Spatial Multiomics
Ashley Benham-Duret, PhD, Sr. Account Executive, 10x Genomics
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM | Avoiding Silos & Maintaining Synergy: A Collaborative Path Forward
Panelists:
Ranu Jung, PhD, Associate Vice Chancellor; Executive Director, I³R, University of Arkansas
Jeffrey Osborn, PhD, VP of Research, Research Institute at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Luna Acosta, Director, Technology Transfer Office & Catalyst Innovation Center, Arkansas State University
Moderator:
Grace Gill, Director, Fuel Accelerator, Startup Junkie
4:20 PM - 5:05 PM | Capital and Collaboration: New Models for Biotech Ecosystem Development
Panelists:
Jeff Stinson, Director, HealthTech Arkansas
Madison Jackson, Project Manager Consultant, Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce
Moderator:
Amy Hopper Swan, EMBA, Subject Matter Expert, ARise
5:05 PM - 5:10 PM | Closing Remarks
Molly Rawn, Mayor of Fayetteville
5:10 PM - 7:30 PM | Networking Reception & Exhibitor Sessions
Who Should Attend
Biotech companies exploring new markets and research partnerships
University researchers with innovations ready to scale
R&D teams seeking academic collaborators
Life sciences and AgTech founders
Corporate development and strategy executives
Investors tracking biotech opportunities
Graduate students and postdocs exploring industry
Why does it matter?
Arkansas is building a biotech ecosystem grounded in genuine collaboration among universities, enterprises, and investors, serving as a launchpad for the next wave of biotech innovation and growth.
Whether you're seeking research partners, scouting innovations, expanding into new markets, or looking to invest in emerging opportunities, the Arkansas Biotech Convergence is where those partnerships begin.
Event Hotel:
The Graduate by Hilton: Arkansas Biotech Convergence
Event Coordination:
Synapse Communications Consulting, Inc.
Startup Junkie
Interested in partnering or sponsoring this event?
cbaldwin@synapsecomm.com
caleb@startupjunkie.org