BioTalk with Rich Bendis

IonQ Vice President and GM of Quantum Platform Matthew Keesan joins BioTalk for a clear look at how they are advancing quantum computing from its home base in the BioHealth Capital Region. He shares the story of IonQ's Maryland roots and explains quantum computing in straightforward terms for listeners seeking a high-level understanding. The conversation moves into why biohealth leaders should track the hardware race, what distingu...

William Hurley, known widely as Whurley, joins BioTalk for a deep look at how quantum computing is moving from theory into practical use across the biohealth landscape. He opens the conversation with an introduction to Strangeworks and explains why the company is focused on making quantum computing more accessible for real-world problem-solving. The discussion explores how quantum could support breakthroughs in...

Secretary Juan Pablo Segura joins BioTalk for a conversation about Virginia's growing position in the biohealth economy and the statewide strategy behind it. He outlines the significance of the new partnership with AstraZeneca, Lilly, and Merck, including up to $120 million in private investment to create a workforce development center and expand the Commonwealth's life sciences capacity. Segura talks through h...

This episode brings together three leaders working at the intersection of pediatric innovation, health security, and early-stage commercialization. Kolaleh Eskandanian, Program Director of SPARK, is joined by founders Dori Jones of AcQumen Medical and Jugal Suthar of Vesynta for a conversation about advancing breakthrough solutions for children. They discuss the mission behind the BARDA-funded SPARK for Innovations in Pediatrics Hu...

In this episode of BioTalk, CEO Gerard Eldering explains how Perfusion Medical is addressing a problem that trauma physicians and military medics have been struggling with for decades: capillary compression.  Perfusion Medical is developing a drug aimed at treating hemorrhagic shock and other ischemic conditions. PM‑208 is a novel IV therapeutic designed to restore capillary blood flow, resolve ischemia, and pr...

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis sits down with Councilman Brian Knudsen, Jamie Schwartz of UNLV, and Vance Farrow from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development to spotlight the rapid emergence of Southern Nevada as a rising force in the biohealth landscape. The conversation covers the launch of the $10 million BioHealth Innovation Challenge, the Desert Forge Venture Fund, and the revitalization of B...

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Harry Coker, Jr., Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce, joins the podcast to discuss Maryland's rising momentum as a global biohealth and technology leader. Secretary Coker shares his unique journey from the CIA, NSA, and White House to leading Maryland's economic development strategy, highlighting the state's strengths in life sciences, its appeal to global inve...

Building Maryland's BioHealth Future: Maryland Commerce's Stefanie Trop on Growing the Life Sciences Sector

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Stefanie Trop, Ph.D., Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce joins the conversation to discuss Maryland's position as a leading life sciences hub. Stefanie shares how the Department of Commerce supports company att...

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis welcomes Dr. Stacey Adam, Vice President of Science Partnerships, Translational Science at the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), to discuss how public-private partnerships are advancing scientific innovation. Dr. Adam introduces the mission of FNIH and its unique role in bridging government, industry, and academia to accelerate biomedical progress. She high...

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis welcomes Dr. Helen Sabzevari, President and CEO of Precigen, to discuss the company's cutting-edge science in gene and cell therapy. Dr. Sabzevari shares how Precigen's unique AdenoVerse® platform has powered the development of PRGN-2012, a potential first-in-class therapeutic currently under FDA priority review for the treatment of adults with recurrent respiratory papil...

In this episode of BioTalk, Lara Mangravite, PhD, Executive Director of Digitalis Commons, joins the conversation to explore how scientific research is shifting in the U.S.—from centralized, institutional models to a more decentralized, innovation-driven landscape. She shares the mission of Digitalis Commons and explains how the organization is working at the intersection of technology, research, and public goo...

In this episode of BioTalk, Amy C. Hay, Chief Business and Strategy Officer at the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center (CTMC), joins the conversation to explore the evolving landscape of cell and gene therapy. Amy shares insights from her extensive career in oncology care and innovation, highlighting the role CTMC—a joint venture between National Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center—is playing in accelerating the tra...

In this episode of BioTalk, Sam Tetlow, Founder and CEO of Grant Engine, joins the conversation to unpack how companies can successfully navigate the rapidly changing world of non-dilutive funding. With continued resolutions, shifting agency priorities, and evolving leadership at HHS and beyond, 2025 presents both new hurdles and new opportunities for biotech and health innovators. Sam shares actionable insights on wha...

In this episode of BioTalk, we welcome Rick Wieczorek, President and CEO of the NIH Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU), to discuss how credit unions like NIHFCU are uniquely positioned to support the biohealth and healthcare communities. With over 40 years of industry experience, Rick shares his journey from teller to CEO and reflects on NIHFCU's 85-year history, its mission-driven approach to service, and the importance of tailoring fi...

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis welcomes Sona Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Neopenda, for an inspiring conversation on innovation, impact, and scaling medical technology in underserved markets. Sona shares how a formative experience teaching in rural Kenya ignited her passion for global health, leading to the creation of neoGuard, a wearable vital signs monitor tailored for low-resource settings.

In this timely episode of BioTalk, returning guest Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, joins host Rich Bendis to explore how sweeping changes in U.S. regulatory policy, workforce dynamics, and economic pressures are affecting the biotech industry in real time.

Alex breaks down the potential consequences of FDA workforce cuts, particularly for small and mid-sized biotech...

What does it take to establish Maryland as a powerhouse for biotech commercialization? In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Deborah Hemingway, Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, shares her insights on the current investment landscape in the BioHealth Capital Region. She discusses the strategic advantages that make Maryland uniquely positioned for success, the critical gaps that must be...

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis is joined by Amitabh Varshney, Dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Together, they explore the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence and health computing driven by the University of Maryland (UMD).

Dean Varshney discuss...

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Kolaleh Eskandanian, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children's National Hospital, discusses her work driving pediatric healthcare innovation. Dr. Eskandanian introduces the BARDA SPARK Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing medical countermeasures for children, and explains how it aligns with Children's National's mission to...