BioVentures LLC

Dr Anthony Gunderman speaking today at UAMS - “From Ideas to Impact: Connecting Clinical Needs with Engineering Solutions” UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

BioVentures recently celebrated the completion of the inaugural CADET cohort with a final pitch competition and showcase!

Over the past several months, CADET participants explored the intersection of cancer research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization while building skills in business strategy, intellectual property, regulatory planning, market analysis, and scientific storytelling.

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and commitment to translating scientific discoveries into real-world patient impact. A special thank you to the mentors, faculty leaders, and BioVentures leadership who helped guide this inaugural cohort.

Congratulations to the winning teams:

🏆 1st Place: Lokesh Akana and Jose Ochoa
🥈 2nd Place: Fatima Abbas, Danny Baxter, MPH, and Dr. Pritam Saha Podder, PhD
🥉 3rd Place: Dr. Saaimatul Huq, PhD, Jack Parker, and Tianjiao Shen, MPH

CADET participants: What was your favorite memory from the program? Share it in the comments!

Interested in participating in the next CADET cohort, or know someone who might be? Register through our interest form to be among the first to hear when applications open: www.bioventures.tech/programs-cadet

Big congratulations to the UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences student team behind for winning both the Biodesign Competition Award and the People’s Choice Award in Toronto.

Developed by Rodrigo Meade, Smyan Kothapally, Tayler Appleton, Shivani Koundinya and Cameron Taylor, ARGUS addresses a critical clinical need: helping reduce radiation exposure for physicians during image-guided procedures by transforming a standard ceiling-mounted lead shield into a smarter, real-time safety tool.

This achievement is a powerful example of the kind of clinical innovation, problem-driven thinking and translational mindset fostered through the Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors Track (MIEHT) at BioVentures.

For students interested in medical innovation and entrepreneurship, the MIEHT application deadline has been extended to May 15, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: https://bioventures.tech/programs/mieht/

Badge Bandit, the compact clinical multitool developed by Tristan Saunders, has officially received copyright registration. 📜

Designed for respiratory therapists and clinical teams working in fast-paced care settings, Badge Bandit is a 3D-printed multitool that combines several essential functions into one accessible device.

Badge Bandit includes:
• Ventilator pry access
• Oxygen cylinder wrench functionality
• Measurement slots
• Sticker removal features

Built for portability, efficiency, and ease of use, Badge Bandit reflects the kind of practical, clinician-driven innovation that improves workflows at the point of care. Congratulations to Tristan on advancing a thoughtful solution designed around real clinical needs. 👏

BioVentures was glad to take part in the UAMS Be A Part of the Cure Walk, honoring Arkansas cancer patients and all those touched by cancer.

Thank you to Megan, Allison, and Sarah for representing our team.

We’re pleased to welcome Jeff Moran, Ph.D., CEO of PinPoint Testing LLC, as our featured speaker for the next HSIE Grand Rounds.

🗓 Thursday, May 7, 2026
⏰ 2:00–3:00 p.m.

📍 Betsy Blass Boardroom, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
In From Concept to Venture: Building Entrepreneurial Success from the Ground Up, he will discuss how ideas can be translated into successful ventures, drawing on his experience in analytical toxicology and public health laboratory leadership.

Open to the UAMS community and the public. Sponsored by the UAMS Translational Research Institute and BioVentures, LLC.

What does it really take to turn clinical insight into scalable healthcare innovation?

In Episode 18 of the BioVentures Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kevin W. Sexton, surgeon, scientist, innovator, and former BioVentures president, to explore his journey from clinical practice to building health tech solutions with real market impact.

From early exposure to entrepreneurship to developing predictive healthcare software later acquired by a Fortune 500 company, Dr. Sexton shares lessons on innovation, commercialization, and navigating the realities of building in healthcare.

A practical conversation for researchers, clinicians, and aspiring founders looking to bring meaningful innovation to healthcare.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SXuRVTvii22i273vMhII2?si=P7KwMIn1RB675YpxIhJcUw

Last days to apply for MIEHT ⏳

Applications for the Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors Track close April 30.

MIEHT is a four-year honors track for medical students interested in healthcare innovation, clinical problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Swipe through to see what each year of the program includes and how MIEHT helps students turn clinical challenges into real healthcare solutions.

Apply by April 30 at www.bioventures.tech/mieht

Applications are now open for the AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in collaboration with BioVentures LLC.

From June 8–12, students will work in multidisciplinary teams to solve real healthcare challenges using AI, with guidance from mentors and industry professionals. The program concludes with a live demo and pitch competition.

🏆 $20,000 in prizes
💸 Free to attend (meals and housing included)
👩‍🎓 Open to students ages 16–26 (no prior experience required)
⏰ Deadline to apply: April 30

👉 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjKFAOnz51rXLSVCT-qgnhnwgF9veSeb_zR2Oqz4B9MCEGYg/viewform

On , we want to give a special shoutout to all the participants of the Governor’s Cup, organized by ACC Capital, a key initiative driving innovation and entrepreneurship across Arkansas.

At BioVentures, we are proud sponsors of this program, which continues to foster talent, bold ideas, and an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the state. It was a pleasure to attend the awards ceremony in Little Rock alongside members of the Program.

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication, and especially to this year’s winners!