Neurotrauma/ Traumatic Brain Injury

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Volatylix, a Cambridge, MA based startup, is dedicated to early diagnosis enabling timely and appropriate treatment benefiting the patient, physician, provider and payor. Our patent pending platform – DECIPHER – and unique detection sensor technology – OFIS - combine to identify various disease states and conditions via proprietary breath biomarkers, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). DECIPHER is disease agnostic and will speed diagnosis, while improving accuracy over currently available diagnostic methods. The tests use a noninvasive 4-minute breath sample with analysis taking ~15 minutes on our portable, battery powered platform. Initial products include fungal pneumonias, lung cancer (staging, monitoring, differential diagnosis and screening) and C. difficile.

FiteBac Technology/FiteBac Pharma's K21 uniquely targets the underlying disease state, given that most diseases involve microbial-associated inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. FiteBac Technology innovations stem from the work of numerous international academic research scientists. FiteBac Pharma K21 is the blockbuster antimicrobial small molecule designed to modulate biological, immunological, and metabolic systems for treating a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This patented drug substance has demonstrated the ability to safely eliminate bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, enhance innate immunity, induce mitophagy while improving mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, accelerate wound healing, and even promote the development of zebrafish and chickens, leading to increased adult mass. Rigorous research from Dr. Bhupesh Prusty's laboratory and Dr Christopher Rongo's laboratory is focused on various aspects of mitochondrial remodeling and reprograming, as well as mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling with K21.

NervGen Pharma Corp is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments to enable nervous system repair in cases of traumatic injury and disease. Their lead drug candidate, NVG-291, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for spinal cord injury, with additional preclinical evaluations for conditions such as ischemic stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company is also advancing a new development candidate, NVG-300, in preclinical studies.

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

Neuraptive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies to improve outcomes in peripheral nerve injuries (PNI). Their mission is to enhance the quality and speed of recovery for patients suffering from traumatic injuries or undergoing reconstructive surgeries, utilizing innovative technologies such as NTX-001, a nerve fusion system, and specialized microsurgical instruments.

Tulane University Center for Brain Health (TUCBH) is dedicated to advancing brain health and wellness, with a particular focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), commonly known as concussions. Serving a diverse population—including military personnel, first responders, athletes, workers in high-risk occupations, civilians, and older adults—TUCBH employs a multidisciplinary approach to restore function, renew hope, and help patients reclaim their quality of life after brain injury. The center is recognized for its expertise, high-quality service, and comprehensive care.

CranioSense, Inc. is a clinical stage company focused on revolutionizing the measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) with their innovative IPASS technology. This non-invasive solution aims to provide rapid and safe ICP assessments, addressing the critical need for better management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other conditions associated with elevated cranial pressure. By eliminating the need for invasive procedures, CranioSense is poised to significantly improve patient outcomes and healthcare practices.

The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.

Memsel is a biotechnology research and development company dedicated to enhancing health and combatting infections through advanced phage therapies and targeted delivery systems. The company aims to transform healthcare solutions across human, animal, and plant domains, addressing critical health challenges and antibiotic resistance.

Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.

Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative neuroprotection therapies for traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. The company focuses on harnessing the potential of astrocytes, the brain's natural caretaker cells, to treat brain injuries and diseases. Their flagship program, AST-004, aims to significantly reduce early brain damage and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials.

Cooper University Health Care is a regional academic health system recognized for comprehensive clinical services, advanced multidisciplinary care, specialized surgery, and robust research in South Jersey. It provides integrated healthcare across general and specialty domains, including cancer, neurosciences, cardiology, trauma, genetics, addiction medicine, and complex surgical procedures, supported by leading technologies and a network of modern facilities.

Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Military Operational Medicine funded for PTSD, Adjustment Disorder and Pain and Sleep (over $5m). 3 trials in progress. Sana Health is an FDA Breakthrough Designated Device, currently in front of the FDA for Neuropathic Pain as a de novo - expecting to be on market Q4 2025. Sana is a wearable audiovisual neuromodulation device, that provides anxiety and pain relief, and sleep on demand. $25m raised to date, and in the middle of a Series A extension SAFE note round.