14th Annual WV Bioscience Summit
Uniting Innovators. Driving Discovery.
About the Summit
Registration is open for the 14th Annual West Virginia Bioscience Summit, taking place Wednesday, October 14, at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall in Huntington, WV. Join leaders and innovators from across the life science, research, and economic development sectors in the Mid-Atlantic region for a day of dynamic discussion, networking, and discovery.
Expert Presenters
Hear from top minds in biotech and medtech, as well as university researchers driving breakthrough innovation.
Statewide Innovation Showcase
See firsthand the incredible advancements emerging from West Virginia's life science companies and research institutions.
Funding & Partnership
Learn about the latest resources available to support industry growth and collaboration.
And Much More
Engage in conversations that will shape the future of the life science industries in our region.
Whether you're a researcher, entrepreneur, investor, or policymaker — your participation will strengthen our vibrant life science community.
Exhibit & Sponsor
Two ways to put your organization in front of the state's life science community.
Exhibiting
Exhibit space is available but may fill up quickly. Reserve your spot to showcase your organization to summit attendees.
Inquire about exhibit space »Sponsorship
Event sponsorships are available for organizations looking to support and elevate the summit.
Inquire about sponsorship »
October 14, 2026
Summit Agenda
A full day of bioscience, research, innovation and industry leadership from across West Virginia and beyond.
9:00 AM
Intro & Welcome
Bryan Brown
Executive Director, BioWV
9:10 AM
Marshall University Welcome
Brad Smith
President, Marshall University
9:30 AM
From Discovery to Deployment: Marshall’s Bioscience Research and Translation Strategy
Dr. Gautam Pillay
Vice President for Research & Executive Director, Marshall University Research Corporation
9:45 AM
What Stops Medtech Innovation and How to Unblock It
Ashok Aggarwal
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Intermed Labs
10:15 AM
Life Science Innovation Coming to the IDEA District
Dr. Dennis M. Burton
President & CEO, IRC Holdings, LLC
Mitch Carmichael
Senior Advisor, LG NOVA
Moderated by Toney Stroud
Chief Legal Officer / Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations
Chief Legal Officer / Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations
11:00 AM
Alcon
Jason Koebel
Senior Director of Engineering, Alcon
Moderated by Bill Bissett
President, WV Manufacturers Association
President, WV Manufacturers Association
11:20 AM
How Health Systems Evaluate and Adopt New Diagnostics, Devices, and Laboratory Services
John Fife
Vice President of Materials Management, Marshall Health Network
Douglas Roncone
Vice President GPO Services & Supply Chain, Allied Health Sourcing Solutions
Moderated by Bryan Brown
BioWV
BioWV
12:00 PM
Lunch
12:45 PM
Federal Policy Outlook for Life Sciences: Implications for Innovation, Investment, and Patients
Chris Jones
Director, Federal Government Relations, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
1:05 PM
Spurring Discoveries & Economic Activity in the Mountain State: The Impact of WV’s SBIR Matching Program
Mary Hott
Program Manager, Innovation-Technology Program, WV Dept. of Economic Development
1:35 PM
WV Life Science Company Showcase
Brian Hajjar
President, Telostrand
Frank Binder, Ph.D.
President, Microbiological Consultants
Jagan Valluri, Ph.D.
Chief Operating Officer, Cordgenics LLC
Moderated by John Maher, Ph.D.
Chairman, BioWV
Chairman, BioWV
2:15 PM
WV Bioscience Summit 2027
James Nemitz
President, WV School of Osteopathic Medicine