In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Ralf Huss, MD, PhD, Managing Director and CEO of BioM Biotech Cluster Development GmbH and spokesperson for the Bavarian Biotechnology Cluster, joins the conversation to discuss Bavaria's biotechnology ecosystem and BioM's role in moving science toward commercialization.

Ralf introduces BioM, the organization supporting biotech development in Munich and Bavaria for nearly 30 years, and shares how the cluster helps founders move from research ideas to company formation. The conversation touches on mentoring, boot camps, investor connections, entrepreneur-in-residence support, startup training, and physical incubation.

Rich and Ralf also discuss the MAxL incubator, the m4 Award, and BioM's work with more than 250 startups. Ralf shares his perspective on what early-stage teams need most, why strong science alone is not enough, and how business leadership, IP, financing, market need, and the right commercialization path all play a role.

The episode also explores emerging opportunities in biotech and medicine, including AI, digital medicine, quantum computing, nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, tech bio, and the growing convergence of biology, engineering, and advanced technologies. Ralf also discusses why international collaboration matters for regional biotech clusters and how Bavarian companies are thinking about U.S. partnerships, investors, market access, and connections to ecosystems like the BioHealth Capital Region.

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

Ralf Huss, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist, surgical pathologist, biotechnology executive, entrepreneur, and innovation leader with more than three decades of experience across academia, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, digital pathology, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. He currently serves as Managing Director and CEO of BioM, the organization responsible for the development of the Bavarian Biotechnology Cluster, one of Europe's leading life science ecosystems. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in multinational pharmaceutical companies, venture-backed biotechnology firms, international academic research and medical centers, and innovation organizations, with a particular focus on translational medicine, cell and gene therapy, digital medicine, and AI-driven diagnostics. He has been awarded numerous honors and published more than 180 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Subin Baral, Partner at Ernst & Young LLP and EY-Parthenon Global Life Sciences Deals Leader, joins the conversation to discuss the changing life sciences dealmaking environment and what it means for companies, investors, and regional innovation ecosystems. Subin shares how life sciences companies are shifting from defensive portfolio management toward acquiring earlier-stage assets, technologies, and capabilities that can support long-term growth. He discusses why buyers are looking earlier in the development cycle, what makes an asset attractive in the current market, and why differentiated science, strong data, and flexible deal structures matter more than ever. The conversation also explores the current M&A environment, including EY's view that life sciences M&A activity has accelerated significantly, with stronger activity across both biopharma and MedTech. Subin touches on the broader mix of buyers entering the market, the role of mid-sized companies, and how areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cell and gene therapy, ADCs, bispecifics, AI, data, and quantum may shape future deal activity. Rich and Subin also discuss the growing role of China in global life sciences innovation, the challenges facing early-stage companies as funding remains difficult, and how startups can think about partnerships, capital access, and strategic flexibility in a more disciplined market. The episode also looks at what these trends mean for regions like the BioHealth Capital Region, including how emerging ecosystems can build visibility, strengthen networks, support differentiated technologies, and position companies for future capital, partnerships, and deal activity. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant. Subin is a partner at Ernst & Young LLP and the EY-Parthenon Global Life Sciences Deals Leader. He has more than a decade of transaction experience, helping life sciences companies with transformational transactions. Subin has extensive global experience serving as a buy- and sell-side transaction advisor for Fortune 500 companies, including in corporate and private equity. His experience includes working with companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology subsectors. Subin focuses on acquisitions, carve-outs, spin-offs and initial public offerings and works with companies at all stages of maturity, from startups to public companies. He frequently speaks at life sciences events about sector trends and acquisitions and divestitures topics. He received his Master of Commerce from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. He is a chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Tammi Thomas, President of TEDCO, joins the conversation to discuss how Maryland is helping entrepreneurs move ideas from research and concept to market. Tammi shares how TEDCO has evolved from an early-stage funding organization into a broader partner for Maryland startups, supporting companies through capital, federal funding navigation, technical assistance, ecosystem connections, and venture development. The conversation touches on what makes Maryland's innovation ecosystem different, from federal labs and research universities to technical talent, founder grit, and quality of life. Tammi and Rich also discuss why helping companies stay and scale in Maryland requires more than writing a check. Tammi highlights several TEDCO programs and initiatives, including SBIR/STTR support, the Entrepreneur Expo, the Equitech Growth Fund, the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, and the Maryland Makerspace Initiative. The episode closes with a look at Maryland's next opportunity: connecting these individual assets into a more seamless path for founders, so companies can move from feasibility to prototype, federal funding, venture capital, and commercialization without leaving the state. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant. Tammi Thomas is President of TEDCO, Maryland's $200M+ AUM, with another $50M being managed under a strategic partnership, $2.7B impact, economic engine for technology and life sciences companies. In this role, she serves as the primary internal leader of TEDCO, working closely with the CEO to execute priorities and translate the CEO's vision across departments while ensuring alignment, accountability, overall performance, and company-wide commitment to transparent reporting. She is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, execution and management of TEDCO's fundraising strategies designed to broaden awareness of and expand philanthropic, corporate and investor resources for TEDCO and its various programs. Tammi leads TEDCO's efforts to secure additional fiscal resources from the State of Maryland, federal and philanthropic grants, and venture capital investments. Since 2020, TEDCO has increased its revenues from the State by more than 50%, has been the recipient of over $75M in federal grants, increased its AUM by over 33%, secured over $55M in foreign direct investments and created over a $500K philanthropic pipeline. Additionally, Tammi leads TEDCO's investor and stakeholder engagement strategy through relationship building, compelling brand storytelling, and convening high-impact events, including TEDCO's annual Entrepreneur Expo, which draws over 1,000 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, legislators, and ecosystem leaders under one roof. Her leadership and knowledge are instrumental in forging relationships that will enable TEDCO to expand its reach and services, diversify funding streams, and grow the innovation ecosystem, as well as establish TEDCO as the most recognized organization in Maryland for identifying, investing in, and growing technology and life sciences-based businesses. Tammi is also a key decision maker in the organization's investment decisions through her role on the fund allocation team, allocating over $25-30M per year. Her experience includes executive leadership roles such as serving as the former Chief Development & Marketing Officer and now President of TEDCO, Vice President of Strategic Management at Data Solutions & Technology Inc., and Director of Business Development and Marketing at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Research Park & Business Incubator. In addition to her corporate and economic development leadership experience, Tammi's professional expertise was sought after, to teach the next generation of communicators as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University and the University of Baltimore. She is also a frequent speaker and published thought leader on leadership, entrepreneurship, and business development. Tammi has been recognized by her industry peers for excellence in communication, marketing and development. She has received the Maryland Economic Development Association's Marketing award for TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo (2020), the Cybersecurity Association of Maryland's 2017 Cybersecurity Industry Resource Award, the AMA Baltimore's MX Award for Best Print Advertisement Campaign of the Year (2022 and 2023), named one of The Daily Record's Top 100 Women in Maryland (2023 ), received a Distinguished Women Award from the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland (2024), named one of I-95 Business Magazine's 2025 Influential Women, was chosen as a Waves of Change Impact Award honoree (2025) and most recently was selected as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women for a second time (2026). She graduated from Leadership Maryland's Class of 2018, completing the eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the State's most vital social, economic and environmental issues. She serves on the World Trade Center Institute's CEO Council, Maryland Energy Innovation Institute Investment Committee, the Maryland Momentum Fund Advisory Board and MEDA Board of Directors, where she is currently serving as President. Tammi earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Alabama State University and an MBA from the University of Baltimore.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Matt Adams, Chief Executive Officer of BrainScope, joins the conversation to discuss how the Rockville-based company is working to bring objective brain function measurement into real-world clinical care.

Matt shares how BrainScope is using EEG-based technology and artificial intelligence to help decode brain electrical activity and provide clinicians, patients, and care teams with simple, actionable information. He explains why objective data is especially important in brain health, where many assessments can still be subjective, difficult to scale, or dependent on more expensive infrastructure.

The conversation also looks at BrainScope's evolution since winning the BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap Competition in 2020. Matt discusses how the company has moved from a point-of-care EEG technology focused on traumatic brain injury into a broader AI-enabled brain health platform with potential applications across concussion, brain bleeds, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological conditions.

Rich and Matt also discuss BrainScope's FDA-cleared technology, its growing clinical and regulatory foundation, and how the company is using machine learning, deep learning, and a large EEG database to expand what can be measured in brain health. Matt highlights the company's work in Alzheimer's prediction, including data suggesting the potential to identify risk years before typical clinical diagnosis, as well as the opportunity to support longitudinal monitoring and improved CNS trial design.

The episode also looks ahead to BrainScope's next phase, including expanded disease applications, partnerships with clinicians and sports medicine organizations, potential use in clinical trials, global market opportunities, and the company's continued growth in the BioHealth Capital Region.

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

Matt Adams brings more than 25 years of global healthcare leadership experience developing, commercializing, and scaling medical device, biotechnology, diagnostic product, and service businesses. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BrainScope, a tech-enabled AI software platform focused on brain health. Before joining BrainScope, Matt was President of Invio Automation, a global life science-focused process automation provider. He previously served as Vice President and General Manager of Cerevention, a neuro startup that developed and commercialized platforms to diagnose and treat hemorrhagic stroke and other diseases of the central nervous system. He has also held executive roles at Rebiotix, Cirle, and American Medical Systems. Matt received his eMBA from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alaska.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Travis McCready, Head of Industries, Leasing Advisory at JLL, joins the conversation to discuss quantum computing, why real estate professionals are paying attention, and what this emerging technology could mean for regions like the BioHealth Capital Region. Travis explains that quantum computing should be understood as an enabling technology, much like earlier waves of innovation that helped shape new industries, companies, and regional economies. While the field is still developing, he discusses why quantum is no longer just a distant concept and why real estate, infrastructure, workforce, and sector-specific use cases will all play a role in determining which regions lead. The conversation explores the industry's most likely to benefit from quantum first, including government and cryptography, life sciences, and finance and insurance. Travis also discusses how quantum computing could support areas such as molecular modeling, materials science, complex risk modeling, and other problems that involve large numbers of interconnected variables. Rich and Travis also look at the real estate side of quantum, including what makes quantum facilities different from traditional data centers or life sciences buildings. Travis explains why energy, vibration sensitivity, floor loads, electromagnetic shielding, a skilled workforce, and proximity to key research and industry assets all matter when regions consider quantum site selection. The episode also focuses on Maryland's position in the emerging quantum economy. Travis and Rich discuss the state's strengths in life sciences, federal agencies, defense, cybersecurity, cryptography, research universities, and companies such as IonQ. Travis emphasizes that Maryland's opportunity is not only in building quantum assets, but in translating those assets into commercial activity, workforce development, company formation, and long-term economic growth. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant. Travis A. McCready is Head of Industries, Leasing Advisory in the Americas for JLL and Chair of the firm's Global Life Sciences Advisory Board. In this role, he oversees brokerage and advisory work across JLL's key global industry verticals, including life sciences, healthcare, data centers, energy, security and defense, technology, and higher education. He is also a member of JLL's Innovation Districts Practice, providing strategic advisory services to innovation districts around the world. Travis has more than 25 years of experience leading public, private, and nonprofit ventures focused on science and technology-based real estate and innovation infrastructure. He also serves on several boards and advisory groups across the innovation, life sciences, academic, and energy sectors.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Rebecca "Becky" Fisher, PhD, Deputy Director for Program Management at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, joins the conversation to help listeners better understand one of the federal biomedical research funding pathways that may be less familiar to many entrepreneurs, researchers, and life science companies. Dr. Fisher explains how CDMRP works, how it differs from and complements other federal funders such as NIH and ARPA-H, and why its mission is focused on advancing high-impact research that can lead to cures, improved patient care, breakthrough technologies, and clinical benefit. She also discusses the scale and breadth of CDMRP's portfolio, including its FY26 appropriations of $1.27 billion across 34 program areas and additional targeted topics. A major focus of the conversation is CDMRP's unique approach to consumer involvement. Dr. Fisher explains how patients, caregivers, family members, and others with lived experience help shape program strategy, participate in review, and keep funded research connected to the needs of the communities it is intended to serve. The episode also offers practical guidance for applicants. Dr. Fisher walks through how funding opportunities are developed, where to find open program announcements, how the two-tier review process works, and what makes a strong application stand out. She also shares advice for small businesses, academic investigators, clinicians, translational research teams, and industry partners interested in exploring whether CDMRP may be a fit for their work. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant. Dr. Rebecca "Becky" Fisher currently serves as Deputy Director for Program Management at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs within the Defense Health Agency, providing senior-level leadership for the successful administration of Congressional appropriations supporting targeted biomedical research. Dr. Fisher has more than 20 years of experience managing and leading complex biomedical research programs within the Department of War. In her current role, she leads CDMRP staff in developing program strategies, facilitating collaborative efforts, and investing funding to further the CDMRP and DoW biomedical research missions. Her work involves extensive engagement with stakeholders from Congress, government, academia, industry, nonprofit, and consumer advocacy organizations. Dr. Fisher received her PhD in Toxicology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a Postdoctoral Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Sara Dauber, Vice President, Startup Banking for J.P. Morgan's Innovation Economy team, joins the conversation to discuss how early-stage life science and healthcare companies can think more strategically about banking, financing readiness, and long-term growth.

Sara shares how her career moved from life science operating companies to NIH and now to J.P. Morgan, where she works with early-stage life science and healthcare ventures across the DMV and surrounding regions. Drawing on her experience inside startups, supporting SBIR-funded companies, and advising founders from the business side, Sara brings a practical perspective on what early-stage teams need as they begin raising institutional capital and building the systems behind a company.

The conversation explores how J.P. Morgan supports companies across the full lifecycle, from inception through IPO and beyond. Sara also discusses the importance of secure banking infrastructure, investor readiness, cap table management, startup-focused resources, and relationship-building in a market where founders are often asked to do more with limited time and capital.

Rich and Sara also revisit her time at NIH, her work with BHI Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and the value of the BioHealth Capital Region ecosystem in helping entrepreneurs connect with the right advisors, funders, and partners.

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

Sara Dauber is Vice President, J.P. Morgan's Startup Banking team, where she works with early-stage life science and healthcare companies in the DMV and broader Mid Atlantic. Before joining J.P. Morgan, Sara spent more than 14 years in life science operating companies, often working with early-stage startups across finance, program management, corporate development, business development, and operations. She later worked with NINDS at NIH, supporting SBIR-funded companies with business support. Today, she brings that experience to her work with founders as they build, finance, and scale life science and healthcare companies.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Jeffrey N. Hausfeld, M.D., Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer of BioFactura Inc., and Darryl Sampey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Capitol Biologics, join the conversation to discuss the launch of Capitol Biologics as BioFactura's CDMO division.

Jeff and Darryl explain how BioFactura's experience building biologics development and clinical manufacturing capabilities created the foundation for a more personalized CDMO model. The discussion explores the gap Capitol Biologics is designed to fill for emerging biotech companies that need integrated development support, scientific depth, analytical expertise, phase-appropriate quality, and early GMP manufacturing without being pushed into a large commercial-scale CDMO model too soon.

The conversation also highlights what biotech CEOs and CMC leaders should consider before choosing a CDMO partner, including developability assessment, cell line and process development, analytical characterization, quality systems, cost of goods, regulatory readiness, and timing. Jeff and Darryl also discuss the growing importance of U.S.-based biologics development and manufacturing capacity, especially for emerging biotech and government-aligned programs.

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

Jeffrey N. Hausfeld, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S., is a physician entrepreneur, biotechnology executive, investor, and healthcare innovator whose career spans clinical medicine, life sciences, healthcare real estate development, and entrepreneurial leadership. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and recipient of an M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Hausfeld is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at George Washington University and has been actively involved in national medical societies and healthcare leadership organizations for more than four decades. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer of BioFactura Inc., Chairman of Capitol Biologics, and Chairman and Co-Founder of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs. His work focuses on advancing healthcare innovation, biotechnology commercialization, physician entrepreneurship, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies that improve patient care.

Darryl Sampey, Ph.D., is a biopharmaceutical executive and company builder with more than 30 years of experience advancing biologics from discovery through clinical development and commercial manufacturing. He co-founded BioFactura in 2004 and has guided the company from start-up through incubator stages into a fully integrated biopharmaceutical product development and clinical manufacturing company. At BioFactura, he has raised more than $90 million in non-dilutive and strategic funding, built cGMP manufacturing capabilities, and led development of novel therapeutics, biodefense medical countermeasures, biosimilars, and cell therapies. Dr. Sampey is an inventor of the VeriCyte™ Discovery and StableFast™ Biomanufacturing Platforms and previously held process development and manufacturing leadership roles at Human Genome Sciences and North American Vaccine.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Neal Piper, Founder and CEO of Luminoah, returns to share a major milestone in the company's journey: FDA clearance for Luminoah Flow.

A past winner of the BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap Competition, Neal first joined BioTalk to discuss the deeply personal story behind the company. His family's experience during his son Noah's cancer treatment revealed the daily challenges of tube feeding, from limited mobility and caregiver burden to the lack of real-time data once patients leave the hospital.

Now, after six years of development, persistence, regulatory work, and product refinement, Luminoah is preparing to bring its portable, connected enteral nutrition system to patients, caregivers, clinicians, and health systems. Neal discusses what FDA clearance means for the company, how Luminoah Flow is designed to support more independence in daily life, and what comes next as the team prepares for early access programs, commercial rollout, and continued growth in the BioHealth Capital Region.

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

Neal Piper has devoted his career to advancing healthcare and expanding access to life-saving innovation across the U.S., Africa, and Asia. He began in Pfizer's Neuroscience Division before joining the Global Health Fellows Program, later serving as President of its Alumni Business Network, where he united 350 leaders and scientists to strengthen healthcare systems worldwide. He went on to expand healthcare programs in 18 countries with Population Services International and founded multiple ventures, including a home healthcare company. As the founding CEO of the Presidential Precinct, he empowered emerging and world leaders driving change in government, entrepreneurship, and civil society. Guided by a belief in the power of innovation to improve lives, Neal now leads Luminoah with a mission to create meaningful, lasting change in healthcare.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Sam Gussman-Toh, Portfolio Manager for the Small Business Program at ARPA-H, joins the conversation to discuss how the agency is creating new pathways for small businesses developing ambitious health technologies. Sam explains how the ARPA-H model differs from traditional federal funding programs, with a focus on moonshot health solutions, program manager-led portfolios, milestone-driven contracts, and a strong emphasis on moving technologies toward real-world use. He also discusses how the Small Business Program supports SBIR and STTR performers through Phase I, Phase II, Direct to Phase II, and Fast Track awards. The conversation highlights how ARPA-H is working with ambitious small businesses, including non-traditional companies and early-stage startups that may be working with the federal government for the first time. Sam also shares how commercialization support is built into the program, including ARPA-H's Entrepreneur-in-Residence partnership with BioHealth Innovation. Through that relationship, BHI EIRs help performers strengthen regulatory strategy, intellectual property planning, go-to-market strategy, reimbursement considerations, and other key commercialization needs. Sam also discusses ARPA-H's draft Small Business Program solicitation, the upcoming virtual Proposers' Day on June 11, and what companies should know about the application process, topic areas, technical pitches, and future funding opportunities. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant. Sam Gussman-Toh is Portfolio Manager for the Small Business Program at ARPA-H, where he coordinates and oversees the agency's SBIR/STTR awards and commercialization support services for participating small businesses. Sam joined ARPA-H in 2022 and wrote the agency's first SBIR/STTR solicitation. He has held several roles in the Office of Commercialization and has worked closely with Program Managers to build the agency's commercialization infrastructure and strategy. Previously, Sam designed and managed rapid prototyping programs across agencies in the Department of War. His technical background is in computer science, with interests in computer vision, autonomous robotic systems, and computational pathology.