Betting Big on Innovation in the Desert with BioHealth Las Vegas

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 BioTech Vegas, all designed to attract industry anchors, fuel early-stage startups, and cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem. They also explore how strong collaboration between local and state government, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs is propelling Las Vegas into a new era of health innovation, with a focus on brain health, sports science, and workforce development.

 

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant: thepodcastconsultant.com

 

Councilman Brian Knudsen was elected to represent Ward 1 in 2019 and re-elected in 2024, continuing his long-standing commitment to public service and community-building in Las Vegas. On December 21, 2022, he was named Mayor Pro Tem. Brian has been instrumental in driving the transformation of the Las Vegas Medical District and expanding public health infrastructure throughout the city. He serves on several boards, including the Southern Nevada Health District and the Regional Transportation Commission, and is a vocal advocate for policies that strengthen healthcare, public safety, and inclusive economic development.

 

Jamie Schwartz, MBA, is Director of Industry Engagement at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Office of Economic Development and President of the Board for BioTech Vegas. With deep experience in public-private partnerships and academic-industry collaboration, she works at the intersection of research, innovation, and commercialization to strengthen Southern Nevada's biotech and health innovation landscape.

Vance Farrow serves as the Healthcare Industry Specialist for the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development. His work focuses on attracting and expanding healthcare businesses throughout the state, aligning talent development efforts, and building the infrastructure needed to support a robust biohealth sector. He plays a critical role in shaping state policy and investment strategies for the industry.