BioVentures, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to launch the Cancer and Developing Entrepreneurial Technologies (CADET) program. Administered by BioVentures, CADET is designed to equip cancer researchers with the entrepreneurial principles and mentorship needed to translate laboratory discoveries into patient-focused innovations. 

The first year will serve as a pilot program for graduate and post-graduate trainees. Participants will gain exposure to key aspects of entrepreneurship and commercialization, including customer discovery, regulatory pathways, and go-to-market considerations. Guided by experienced mentors and subject matter experts, CADET is an important step in ensuring that promising cancer research advances beyond the lab to improve patient care and strengthen Arkansas’s role in biomedical innovation. 

“CADET bridges the critical gap between breakthrough research and real-world solutions. By equipping cancer researchers with entrepreneurial skills and an understanding of regulatory pathways, we’re accelerating the path from lab to patient and positioning Arkansas as a leader in biomedical innovation.” – Eric Peterson, President of BioVentures.  

“The CADET program reflects UAMS’s commitment to preparing our researchers not only as scientists, but also as innovators. This initiative helps ensure that the discoveries being made in cancer research and treatment advances at UAMS have a clear pathway to be developed by industry and therefore actually reach patients and improve health outcomes.” – Robert Griffin, PhD, (professor of Radiation Oncology and vice president for faculty affairs and small business development, BioVentures). 

Applications for the inaugural CADET cohort are open until October 31. Eligible graduate and post-graduate trainees interested in participating can apply by completing the form at the following link: https://wkf.ms/47aL1fn