BioVentures recently celebrated the completion of the inaugural CADET cohort with an afternoon of team pitch presentations, reflection, and recognition.
Over the past several months, eight CADET participants explored the intersection of cancer research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization—gaining hands-on experience in areas including business model development, intellectual property, regulatory strategy, market analysis, and scientific storytelling.
The program concluded with a mini pitch competition, where teams presented innovative ideas developed throughout the course to a panel of judges from BioVentures leadership. Judges included Dr. Megan Reed, Michael Geranen, and Allison Thompson, who evaluated presentations based on innovation, market potential, communication, and overall impact.
Throughout the program, participants worked closely with mentors and faculty leaders including Dr. Robert Griffin, Dr. Eric Peterson, Dr. Samantha Kendrick, Dr. Jay Gandy, and Dr. Melody Greer, whose guidance helped shape the cohort’s experience and final projects.
“Being the first cohort means these participants helped define what CADET can become,” said Dr. Robert Griffin, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Vice President of Small Business Development & Faculty Affairs at BioVentures, and Principal Investigator for the CADET program. “Their willingness to engage, ask questions, and embrace the entrepreneurial process helped build a strong foundation for future cohorts.”
The event also included participant feedback, awards, certificates of completion, and a celebration recognizing the hard work and collaboration that defined the program.
CADET was designed to help biomedical PhD and postgraduate trainees think beyond the lab bench and consider how scientific discoveries can move toward real-world patient impact through commercialization and innovation.
As the inaugural cohort concludes, BioVentures looks forward to continuing to support participants as they explore future opportunities in translational research, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.
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
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.
