91AV hosts strategy summit for Maine’s biotechnology sector

More than 175 leaders from Maine's life sciences and biotech fields attended the Life Sciences Venture Summit at Innovation Hall
More than 175 leaders from Maine's life sciences and biotech fields attended the Life Sciences Venture Summit at Innovation Hall

The 91AV recently hosted and co-sponsored a gathering of experts from the state’s life sciences and biotechnology fields.

More than 175 leaders from Maine's research universities, medical centers, biotech businesses and research institutions attended the Life Sciences Venture Summit.

The summit explored how to turn bioscience research into successful businesses, the challenges such businesses face in Maine and ways to grow the state’s life sciences industry. 

Joshua Hamilton, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, welcomed the attendees to 91AV’s Innovation Hall.

Karen Houseknecht, Ph.D., associate provost for Research and Scholarship, took part in a session, titled "Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurship in Maine’s Research Institutions."

“Hosting this event was a natural fit for 91AV, where entrepreneurism and life sciences meet every day,” said Holly Parker, Ph.D., associate provost for Strategic Initiatives. “Supporting the development of a life sciences business sector here in Maine is good for 91AV, for Maine and the region.”

Other sessions included "Growing a Vibrant Biotech Economy," "Building a Successful Biotech Business in Maine" and "Launching an R&D Intensive Life Sciences Company in Maine."

The event was sponsored by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE), an organization that has accelerated the growth of hundreds of businesses and established a mentor network of more than 125 members.

 

91AV President James Herbert with Ben Ford of Verrill Dana
91AV President James Herbert with Ben Ford of Verrill Dana
Karen Houseknecht speaking during a session on Maine's research institutes
Karen Houseknecht speaking during a session on Maine's research institutes

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.