I was excited to represent UConn at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention, BIODigital, this past June.  BIO is the world’s largest advocacy association representing member companies, state biotechnology groups, academic and research institutions, and related organizations across the United States and in 30+ countries. Due to the pandemic, the conference was virtual for the second year in a row. A virtual platform allowed me to meet with companies from all over the world.  I was excited to represent UConn as our research has developed around 100 innovative technologies. I was able to a good sense of the current of the biotechnology market, and the conference gave me the opportunity to promote UConn great research.

Throughout the conference it became clear that larger biotech companies seem to be paying more attention to early stage technologies. Rare disease technologies were a hot topic last year and remained so this year as well.  The overall impression was that companies are “hungry” for new tech and new ideas. BIODigital is a great learning and networking experience for those in the biotech industry and beyond!

Author: Ana Lena Fidantsef, Technology Licensing Associate