BIO CEO John Crowley and Joris Silon, US Country President for AstraZeneca, sit down for a candid discussion of the most pressing issues and opportunities facing the biopharmaceutical industry today. From expanding patient access to innovation to exciting developments in new treatments for rare and deadly diseases to strengthening US manufacturing capabilities, John and Joris will share unique insights on the policies, strategies and investments required to ensure the continued success and immense impact of the life sciences in Delaware and beyond.

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In this fireside chat, Dr. John Swartley, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, shares insights from his pivotal role creating and leading the Penn Center for Innovation (PCI). Under Dr. Swartley’s leadership, Penn has become a global leader in university-industry collaboration, generating as much as $1 billion in licensing revenue annually and helping to launch over 350 startups that collectively raised over $630 million last year.

Dr. Swartley will discuss why partnering with academia isn’t just a nice-to-have but a critical driver of innovation, economic growth, and competitive advantage. Drawing on Penn’s success in bridging groundbreaking research with real-world applications, he will highlight the tangible benefits for businesses, from accessing cutting-edge technologies to economic development.

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This session will introduce BioConnect DE, a major new effort to strengthen Delaware’s life sciences workforce. As a regional catalyst for talent development, BioConnect DE partners with industry, educators, and government to address both current and future workforce needs at every level. We will highlight two signature initiatives: a pilot biomanufacturing training program, designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for careers in biomanufacturing, and the STAR Fund for recruiting and retaining STEM talent in Delaware. Additionally, we will present the fresh results of comprehensive surveys and interviews of Delaware life science employers, highlighting the current and future talent needs for our industry and actionable solutions to address them. Join us to learn how BioConnect DE is shaping the future of life sciences workforce development in Delaware and how you can get involved.

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