Life sciences leaders from Greater Philadelphia represented the region at BIO Digital 2021, participating in discussions on topics including “diversity and equity in scientific innovation” and “realizing the promise of gene therapy.” Others took the opportunity to share their company’s story and objectives to BIO’s global audience of business development executives, investors, research analysts, and media as part of the company presentations program.

This is the second consecutive year the annual BIO International Convention transitioned to a virtual event due to COVID-19 protocols. The event was last held in-person in Philadelphia in 2019, with the tri-state region’s leadership role in cell and gene therapy, gene editing, and connected health technology showcased at events presented by the CEO Council for Growth and Select Greater Philadelphia Council, both councils of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the regional host committee comprised of academic, business, and civic organizations.

This year’s seven-day event, held June 10-11 and June 14-18, gathered more than 6,000 participants virtually for the sessions, networking, and partnering conversations. Among the representatives from the region were Veenu Aishwarya, Aum Lifetech, Inc.; Albert Gianchetti, MBA, Xylocor Therapeutics; Katherine High, MD, Asklepios Biopharmaceutical, Inc.; Seema Kumar, Johnson & Johnson; and Niranjan Sardesai, Geneos Therapeutics, Inc. Their programs are listed below.

Seema Kumar, global head, Office of Innovation, Global Health and Scientific Engagement at Johnson & Johnson was a speaker and/or moderator in three programs: The Intersection of Diversity and Equity in Advancing Scientific Innovation for Everyone, Everywhere; BioGENEius and GenePool Challenges; and Breaking Barriers in Science featuring Dr. Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate and CRISPR Pioneer.

Katherine High, MD, president, Therapeutics, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc., participated in a panel discussion, Realizing the Promise of Gene Therapy: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities.

Veenu Aishwarya, CEO, AUM Lifetech, Inc., made a company presentation as part of the Innovation Zone, which featured NIH-funded small businesses and their cutting-edge technologies. AUM LifeTech, Inc.

Albert Gianchetti, MBA, president & CEO, XyloCor Therapeutics, and Niranjan Sardesai, president & CEO, and Founder, Geneos Therapeutics, joined the company presentations program.