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Friday April 24, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Biotechnology innovation is no longer confined to a handful of coastal mega-clusters. Across the country, new regional hubs are emerging where research institutions, startups, investors, and community partners are working together to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact.

This panel bring together leaders working at the center of that effort, including representatives from CvilleBioHub, Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, and UVA Innovates. Together, they will explore how regions outside traditional biotech powerhouses are building thriving life sciences ecosystems by connecting research, capital, talent, and community partnerships.

In Charlottesville, anchored by research at University of Virginia and strengthened by growing networks of founders, labs, and support organizations, the region is building the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of biotech companies.

The conversation will examine what it takes to grow a successful biotech hub—from lab space and translational research to venture funding and founder support—and how collaboration across institutions and regions can accelerate innovation. As breakthroughs in biotechnology continue to transform healthcare, agriculture, and advanced materials, regions that successfully connect research, entrepreneurship, and investment will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the life sciences economy.


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Note: This Summit session is ticketed.
Please purchase your tickets on Humanitix. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, R.L. Beyer Custom Homes, Ludwig Kuttner, and The City of Charlottesville
Speakers
avatar for Mark T. Esser

Mark T. Esser

Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the UVA Manning Institute of Biotechnology, University of Virginia
Dr. Esser joined the University of Virginia in May of 2025 as the inaugural Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology and Thomas A.Saunders III Family Jefferson Scholars professor. Mark is responsible for the overall strategic direction... Read More →
avatar for Joe Benevento

Joe Benevento

President and CEO, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Joe Benevento serves as President and CEO of the Virginia Innovation Partnership, which operates as Virginia’s designated statewide economic development authority responsible for advancing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems, university research and technology commercialization... Read More →
avatar for Paul Cherukuri

Paul Cherukuri

Chief Innovation Officer, University of Virginia
Paul Cherukuri is the Donna and Richard Tadler University Professor of Entrepreneurship and the University of Virginia’s inaugural Chief Innovation Officer, with joint faculty appointments as Professor of Practice in the McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering... Read More →
avatar for Michael Steele

Michael Steele

President & CEO, Activation Capital
Michael Steele joined Activation Capital as president and chief executive officer in August 2025 during a period of rapid growth for the life sciences ecosystem development organization.

Steele comes to Activation Capital with more than two decades of leadership experience in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research verticals across global markets. He has built and led high-performing teams, driven corporate strategy, and delivered growth through business development... Read More →
avatar for Erin Burcham

Erin Burcham

President, RBIA
Erin Burcham joined Verge in June of 2021, where she leads two organizations under the regional technology alliance portfolio, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) and the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP). Previously she worked as the director of talent... Read More →
avatar for Nikki Hastings

Nikki Hastings

Executive Director, CvilleBioHub
Nikki Hastings is an operations biotech executive and entrepreneurial ecosystem builder with over 15 years of experience with early-stage biotech/medtech and medical device companies. She has held executive management roles at companies across multiple industry sectors including HemoShear... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for UVA Innovates

UVA Innovates

The Entrepreneurship Initiative will coordinate and amplify entrepreneurship activities across UVA. 
Friday April 24, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
CODE Building

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