In a celebration of ingenuity, the first Upstate Innovation Day was held at the CNY Biotech Accelerator, hosted by Innovate Upstate including the Upstate Medical University's Office of Industry Research and the Central New York Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC). This collaborative effort aimed to create a platform for CNY and Upstate-based startups to showcase their emerging technology, along with providing the opportunity to hear from experts across the industry landscape.  “The goal was to create an opportunity for idea exchange and to encourage growth and entrepreneurship across the Upstate community,” explains Dr. Christopher Neville, Director of the Upstate Industry Research Office.  

From left to right- Dr. Kaushal Nanavati, director of Integrative care at Upstate Cancer Center, Michael D'Eredita and James Shomar from the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship at LeMoyne College, Dr. Christopher Neville, Director of the Upstate Industry Research Office.

The day’s agenda encompassed crucial topics such as intellectual property (IP) management, entrepreneurial team formation, and navigating funding - fundamental pillars in driving advancements in the field. Panel discussions featured experts including the co-founders of Coffeehouse CxO Michael D'Eredita and James Shomar from the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship at LeMoyne College and Dr. Kaushal Nanavati, director of Integrative care at Upstate Cancer Center. Attendees also heard from Upstate innovators including Mark Zeman and Mary DeGroat who developed the software Elucidate and scientists Dr. Audrey Bernstein who is developing novel therapeutics to heal the eye.  

SUNY Research Foundation highlighted the many resources they offer for helping new spin-off companies within the SUNY system get off the ground. Director of New Ventures Nicholas Querques outlined support his office offers for every step of the process; from intellectual property protection, marketing, product development, and more. 

A highlight of the day was the Medical Device Innovation Challenge Pitch Event, which featured startups hailing from various corners of New York State. These startups showcased innovative products poised to address critical issues in the medical field, spanning areas like immunotherapy production, diabetic foot ulcers, and pediatric hearing loss. 

From left to right- Nicholas Querques, Director of New Ventures, Silvia Garcia Codony, Assistant Vice President, New York Ventures, Empire State Development, Dr. Satish Kandlikar, BiRed Imaging, Dan Kolinski, Regional Director, CNY Region, Empire State Development, Melissa Stancato, Senior Global Product Manager, Vision Screening and Diagnostics, Baxter.

Taking the top prize of $5,000 was BiRed Imaging, a trailblazing company in the realm of breast cancer detection technology. While mammograms result in about 10% of women requiring additional testing such as ultrasounds, MRIs, or diagnostic mammograms, BiRed Imaging's groundbreaking adjunctive solution is expected to significantly reduce those rates. It is safe, radiation-free, and independent of breast density. The technology utilizes breast surface temperature measurements combined with a machine-learning algorithm and is anticipated to significantly reduce healthcare costs associated with breast cancer screening for women. Preliminary clinical studies have shown promising results, and further clinical validation is being planned for FDA approval and commercialization.

The success of BiRed Imaging at the pitch event underscores the transformative potential of medical innovation being developed in central New York. The convergence of cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic support mechanisms positions events like these as critical catalysts for advancements in the life sciences sector. Kathi Durdon, CNYBAC Executive Director and MDIC manager noted that they are now accepting applications for the 2024 MDIC program through the CNYBAC website, www.cnybac.com. “Having now graduated 37 early-stage medical device teams, the program has been influential in sprinting companies into incubation stage, supporting Innovation Law Center commercialization research, providing subject matter expert mentorship, and opening the doors to expanded resources.” 

As Upstate continues to be a hub for innovation, the collaborative efforts of organizations like the CNY Biotech Accelerator, Innovate Upstate, and Upstate Medical University's Office of Industry Research play a pivotal role in shaping the future of life sciences.  

Visit https://cnybac.com for more information on the services offered to clients of the CNY Biotech Accelerator and visit https://www.rfsuny.org/our-work/industry-and-external-affairs to find out how the SUNY Research Foundation can help your grow your ideas. Visit innovateupstate.org to learn about how Upstate is connecting with industry.