From Discovery to Impact: The UVA Alumni Biotech Summit

The UVA Alumni Biotech Mini Summit brings together Hoos across the biotechnology and life sciences spectrum—from research and commercialization to startups and established organizations—to celebrate progress, strengthen connections, and accelerate impact. As Central Virginia and Charlottesville emerge as a growing biotech corridor fueled by UVA and regional partnerships, this summit offers alumni a timely opportunity to engage as innovators, collaborators, mentors, and ambassadors within the expanding UVA biotech ecosystem.

What You’ll Gain from the Summit

• Celebrate Innovation & Impact
  Experience the momentum of UVA alumni who are driving breakthroughs, launching emerging companies, and leading across the Charlottesville biotech ecosystem.
• Expand Your Network with Purpose
  Build meaningful professional and entrepreneurial connections through curated opportunities designed to spark collaboration and long-term partnerships.
• Gain Actionable Industry Insights
  Hear timely perspectives on biotech markets, commercialization strategies, and workforce trends to help you navigate what’s next and seize new opportunities.
• Strengthen Your UVA Connection
  Engage with fellow alumni across career stages—sharing stories, mentorship, and a commitment to UVA values that foster lasting community and belonging.

Program

12–1 p.m.

Registration, Lunch, Networking, Exhibit Tables
After registering, attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch, network with fellow Hoos and learn more from our partners.

1–2 p.m.

Keynote

Welcome & Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Lily West (Darden ’12; President & CEO, UVA Alumni Association) and Nikki Hastings (Engr ’09, President, CvilleBioHub) will open the summit with a special welcome of keynote speaker Mark Esser  (Med ’97, CSO and Head of the Manning Institute of Biotechnology) who will share how UVA is accelerating the journey from scientific discovery to real-world biotech impact—transforming breakthrough research into startups, therapies, and opportunities for alumni to help shape the future of innovation.

2–2:15 p.m.

Networking Break

2:15–3 p.m.

From Lab to Launch: Building Biotech Impact in Charlottesville
Charlottesville’s biotech ecosystem is powered by people at every stage of the innovation journey—from academic discovery to startup formation to established industry leadership. This panel brings together UVA-affiliated professionals representing key points along that continuum to showcase how ideas move from the lab into real-world application—and the diverse career paths that make it possible.

3–3:45 p.m.

Biotech Connect: Career Pathways, Mentorship & Alumni Roundtables
A facilitated roundtable session connecting alumni, students, and biotech professionals to explore career pathways, mentorship, and emerging opportunities in Central Virginia’s growing biotech ecosystem. This session is designed to spark meaningful mentorship connections, strengthen alumni relationships, and help participants build the relationships that lead to future career opportunities.

3:45–4 p.m.

Networking Break

4–4:45 p.m.

From Discovery to Startup: UVA Biotech Showcase
This panel session brings together pioneering UVA alumni who are transforming cutting-edge scientific research into high-impact biotech companies. In partnership with CAV Angels, this dynamic panel will spotlight founders at various stages of the commercialization journey—from lab bench to startup launch to fundraising and growth.

4:45–5 p.m.

Closing Remarks

5–6:30 p.m.

Innovation & Connection: Networking Reception with Alumni Professional Networks
Connect with fellow alumni over conversation and cocktails while discovering ways to engage with Alumni Professional Networks.