BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast

In this episode of BioTalk, Lara Mangravite, PhD, Executive Director of Digitalis Commons, joins the conversation to explore how scientific research is shifting in the U.S., from centralized, institutional models to a more decentralized, innovation-driven landscape. She shares the mission of Digitalis Commons and explains how the organization is working at the intersection of technology, research, and public good to address systemic barriers in health and healthcare. Drawing from her recent article, “Notes on Catalyzing Health,” Lara discusses the growing role of independent research institutions, the challenges of fragmentation, and why this moment calls for new leadership models and public-interest partnerships that can drive coordinated, high-impact solutions.

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In this episode of BioTalk, Amy C. Hay, Chief Business and Strategy Officer at the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center (CTMC), joins the conversation to explore the evolving landscape of cell and gene therapy. Amy shares insights from her extensive career in oncology care and innovation, highlighting the role CTMC—a joint venture between National Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center—is playing in accelerating the transition from discovery to commercialization. She discusses the current state of the industry, what disruption really means in this context, and how new business models can drive stability and impact for early-stage biotech companies. Amy also offers her perspective on how manufacturing must evolve to meet clinical demand, and how CTMC is positioned to lead in this next era of therapeutic development.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/44dfCYa
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45SJ3Qv
iHeart: https://ihr.fm/4k7Ck9b
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4jYZ23e
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k7CoFX
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/3HyBF2X 

In this episode of BioTalk, Sam Tetlow, Founder and CEO of Grant Engine, joins the conversation to share insights on how early-stage biotech and life science companies can navigate today’s complex federal funding environment. With a career spanning entrepreneurship, investment, and grant strategy, Sam breaks down what’s changed under the current administration, how companies should position themselves for success, and the durable tactics that still matter in securing SBIRs, ARPA-H contracts, and other non-dilutive awards. He also discusses the evolving priorities at HHS, the role of program officers, and how Grant Engine is adapting to help clients align with shifting agency goals. This episode builds on the upcoming June 10th, 2025 webinar co-hosted by Sam and BioHealth Innovation’s Rich Bendis, “Turning Uncertainty to Opportunity: Mastering Government Funding in 2025.” Learn more and register at: https://info.grantengine.com/turning-uncertainty-into-opportunity-mastering-government-funding-in-2025

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple – https://apple.co/4jEWGWO
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3HIa5Qx
iHeart – https://ihr.fm/4dWwB4y
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4jELdqn
YouTube – https://bit.ly/3HHIwqA
TuneIn –  https://bit.ly/2M60Wmx

In this episode of BioTalk, we welcome Rick Wieczorek, President and CEO of the NIH Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU), to discuss how credit unions like NIHFCU are uniquely positioned to support the biohealth and healthcare communities. With over 40 years of industry experience, Rick shares his journey from teller to CEO and reflects on NIHFCU’s 85-year history, its mission-driven approach to service, and the importance of tailoring financial solutions to meet the needs of life science professionals. He also explains the benefits of membership, the value of the NIHFCU “At Work” program for employers, and how the credit union’s “Banking with Heart” philosophy is making a difference across the BioHealth Capital Region.

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis welcomes Sona Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Neopenda, for an inspiring conversation on innovation, impact, and scaling medical technology in underserved markets. Sona shares how a formative experience teaching in rural Kenya ignited her passion for global health, leading to the creation of neoGuard, a wearable vital signs monitor tailored for low-resource settings. This episode builds on a recent article featured on the BHI News page, offering a deeper look into Neopenda’s journey, innovations, and impact in global health.

They discuss the engineering challenges of building clinical-grade hardware for hospitals with limited infrastructure, the company’s growth from Maryland’s Relevant Health accelerator, and the deployment of over 350 devices across East and West Africa. Sona also talks about Neopenda’s next wave of products, lessons in balancing cost and quality, and the importance of community, resilience, and mission-driven entrepreneurship.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platforms:
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Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3F4U1rk
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In this timely episode of BioTalk, returning guest Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, joins host Rich Bendis to explore how sweeping changes in U.S. regulatory policy, workforce dynamics, and economic pressures are affecting the biotech industry in real time.

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Alex breaks down the potential consequences of FDA workforce cuts, particularly for small and mid-sized biotechs that depend on regulatory guidance, and offers perspective on how HHS and NIH budget proposals could reshape the national innovation infrastructure. The conversation covers everything from the impact of tariffs on manufacturing and supply chains to the slowing pace of M&A activity and venture capital investment trends. Alex also shares his insights on IPO strategy shifts, and whether the current biotech environment is poised for a rebound—or a broader realignment with global competitors. This is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating the uncertain waters of biotech in 2025.

What does it take to establish Maryland as a powerhouse for biotech commercialization? In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Deborah Hemingway, Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, shares her insights on the current investment landscape in the BioHealth Capital Region. She discusses the strategic advantages that make Maryland uniquely positioned for success, the critical gaps that must be addressed, and how state and local governments can provide essential support through tax credits, grants, and economic incentives.

Dr. Hemingway also highlights Ecphora Capital’s impact, having deployed $15 million in the last two years, and reveals the firm’s strategy for future investments, including SPVs and a dedicated fund. With deep experience in medtech commercialization, strategic partnerships, and early-stage investing, she offers valuable perspectives on where the industry is headed in 2025 and how companies can thrive in an evolving biotech ecosystem.

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:
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Tune in for a compelling conversation on innovation, investment, and the future of biotech in the BioHealth Capital Region.

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis is joined by Amitabh Varshney, Dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Together, they explore the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence and health computing driven by the University of Maryland (UMD).

Dean Varshney discusses the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) earlier this year. He shares insights into the vision behind AIM, the strategic hiring of new faculty, the allocation of seed grants, and the development of academic programs in AI, all solidifying UMD’s position as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

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In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Kolaleh Eskandanian, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s National Hospital, discusses her work driving pediatric healthcare innovation. Dr. Eskandanian introduces the BARDA SPARK Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing medical countermeasures for children, and explains how it aligns with Children’s National’s mission to lead in pediatric healthcare innovation.

She also highlights the unique challenges in developing pediatric medical countermeasures and the importance of partnerships with organizations like Rainbow Babies, Mass General, and others. Additionally, Dr. Eskandanian shares insights into the hospital’s role in fostering innovation through the National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation (NCC-PDI) and the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus.

Join us for an engaging conversation about the future of pediatric healthcare, the opportunities for innovation, and how the SPARK Accelerator is paving the way for advancements that will improve the lives of children worldwide.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platforms:
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