American Cancer Society-BrightEdge Texas Innovation Summit
The Texas Innovation Summit is a curated showcase and networking event designed to spotlight the groundbreaking work of cancer-focused startups and researchers across the state. Our goal is to highlight the impact of the BrightEdge Texas Accelerator as well as connect Texas-based biotech companies, academic grantees, and innovators with national and regional investors, strategic partners, and key stakeholders. By bridging the gap between discovery and commercialization, this event aims to accelerate oncological innovation and drive meaningful progress for patients everywhere.
Agenda (may be subject to time changes)
11:30 PM - Registration, lunch, and networking
12:30 PM - Welcome and Opening Remarks with Matt Crommett (Managing Director, LH Capital Inc/Lyda Hill Philanthropies)
12:40 PM - Introduction to BrightEdge with Steve Curtis (Senior Director of Investments and Innovation, BrightEdge)
12:50 PM - Fireside Chat with Dr. Ronald DePinho (Harry Graves Burkhart III Distinguished University Chair, Professor in the Department of Cancer Biology, and Past President, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center)
1:25 PM - Announcement
1:30 PM - Women in Oncology panel
Moderated by Lili Clark (Senior Associate, LH Capital Inc/Lyda Hill Philanthropies)
Sarah Hein (CEO, March Biosciences)
Dr. Marra Francis (Advisor, TigerTeamBio)
Susan Lappe (Executive Director of Oncology Discovery Research, AbbVie)
Farnaz Bakhshi (Director of Innovation, BrightEdge)
2:10 PM - Networking, posters
2:25 PM - American Cancer Society Non-dilutive funding mechanisms with Dr. Christina Annunziata (SVP Extramural Discovery Science, American Cancer Society) and Douglas Hurst (Scientific Director of Extramural Discovery Sciences, American Cancer Society)
2:35 PM - Resources for Start-up Companies panel
Moderated by Gabby Everett (Director of Business Operations and Strategy & Site Head, Biolabs Pegasus Park)
Matt Lyons (Partner, Wilson Sonsini)
Patrick Clayton (Vice President of Start-up banking, JP Morgan)
Kristen Doyle (CEO, CPRIT)
Alice Ripper (Regional Director, MilliporeSigma)
3:15 PM - Company Presentations
4:00 PM - Closing Remarks
4:10 to 6 PM - Networking, posters, and happy hour
Award Announcements will be made at 4:30 PM.