Bioscience
Building Arizona as a global center for research and commercialization in the biosciences.
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Bioscience in Arizona
The Flinn Foundation supports the biosciences in Arizona through research and entrepreneurship grants as well as stewardship of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, guiding the growth and development of the state’s bioscience sector. A third iteration of the Roadmap will be released in fall 2025.
The Roadmap’s tagline, “Advancing the Biosciences and Improving Health Outcomes” recognizes the broad spectrum of the biosciences, including research, academia, and product commercialization, as well as the central role of health care within the bioscience sector.
The biosciences improve our world by developing treatments for health afflictions with safer and more affordable medicines, creating diagnostics that gauge and prevent illness, and strengthening our food supply. In addition, the biosciences strengthen and diversify our economy by creating cutting-edge companies and high-paying jobs.
Ten Arizona research teams earn $100K Flinn Foundation seed grants
The Flinn Foundation Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research program has awarded a combined $1 million to 10 Arizona research teams with the potential to turn their findings into viable products and treatments that impact patients.
Seven of the selected projects are being led by the University of Arizona and three by Arizona State University. The Arizona-based researchers are developing medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, and technology to treat a number of conditions. In addition, three projects that received their initial grant in 2023 qualified for $100,000 each in follow-on funding over the next year. [Learn more]
2025 Bio Capital Conference set for March 6 in Phoenix
The Flinn Foundation Bio Capital Conference, formerly known as the BioPreneur Conference, is an all-day event set for March 6 at the Creighton University Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix.
The conference, “Managing Growth and VC Capital As You Scale,” will bring together investors and the startup community with a specific focus on the biosciences and health tech. Learn about who is funding the biosciences, have discussions with venture capitalists and local CEOs, and hear from Michael Gorton, founder of Teladoc. Registration is $50. [Register]
Flinn debuts BioStorytellers series at Venture Cafe Phoenix
The Flinn Foundation did something a little different in December at Venture Café Phoenix with the help of South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute.
The first BioStorytellers event, “Aha!: Entrepreneurs share the moment that led to their innovation,” featured first-person, inspirational, funny, and, at times, vulnerable stories from entrepreneurs Jasmine Bhatti of Navi Nurses, Tony Dietz of Paxauris and Courtney Williams of Emagine Solutions Technology. They shared how an “Aha!” moment led to the creation of their companies. All are supported by the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program. [Learn more]
Flinn entrepreneurship application closes
Each year, the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program offers funding, professional support, connections, and networking opportunities to Arizona early-stage bioscience companies. This year, the program is piloting a new format as we await an update of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap that will extend beyond 2025.
Ten finalist companies will be selected for interviews, of which two will be awarded up to $100,000 each in project costs, professional development, and consulting services administered through a nonprofit partner. The remaining eight companies may elect to work with the Flinn Foundation to leverage the benefits of our network and advisors. The selected companies will be notified in late February. [Learn more]
Sampath Rangasamy’s personal journey leading to improved diabetes treatment
Sampath Rangasamy was just a child when he was taken by his father past the rice fields and palm trees of his rural South India farming village to a nearby medical clinic. He had been losing weight, was seriously ill and needed immediate care. Once he was stabilized, he learned that his daily life would never be the same.
Rangasamy was told by his doctor there would not be a quick cure for his Type 1 diabetes. Today, the Flinn seed grant awardee not only successfully manages his condition, but is developing a smartphone application to support others in the same situation. [Read more]
News and Updates
Bioscience
2025 Bio Capital Conference set for March 6 in Phoenix
The Flinn Foundation Bio Capital Conference, formerly known as the BioPreneur Conference, is an all-day event set for March 6 at the Creighton University Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix. The conference, “Managing Growth and VC Capital As You Scale,” will bring together investors and the startup community with a specific focus on the biosciences and […]
Bioscience
Arizona Bioscience News: Tesoro accelerator program; Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research ; Arizona venture capital
Tech industry, city leaders partner on Phoenix startup accelerator / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)
The new 12-week Tesoro accelerator program, in partnership with the city of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and StartupAZ, plans to host two cohorts of startups annually, supporting up to 100 companies per year. Valley tech veteran and investor Andy Lombard will lead Tesoro as CEO.
Bioscience
Ten Arizona research teams earn $100K Flinn Foundation seed grants
The Flinn Foundation Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research program has awarded a combined $1 million to 10 Arizona research teams with the potential to turn their findings into viable products and treatments that impact patients. The program’s 10th cohort was selected in an open competitive process among 82 proposals from 13 universities, health systems, […]
Bioscience
Arizona Bioscience News: CES 2025; Alzheimer’s risk factors; Antibiotic resistance; Arizona Venture Alliance
City officials, Phoenix startups in spotlight at CES 2025 tech conference / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)
Phoenix leaders, the Mayo Clinic, and several aspiring startups, including one with ties to Phoenix Bioscience Core, are showcasing the area’s growing innovation ecosystem this week at CES, the technology industry’s largest annual conference held in Las Vegas.
For information about Bioscience, please contact:
bioscience@flinn.org or (602) 744-6831
