The man whose job is fostering regional development in life sciences will talk about cultivating innovation at an upcoming breakfast event.
Dr. Robert DeWitt will speak at the
Keystone Community Bank Series at 8 a.m. Friday, May 25, in the Dean’s Conference Room of Schneider Hall. He is president and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center.
DeWit will discuss the growth of the
Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, where life science businesses can get the support and assistance needed to nurture their formation, survival and growth.
His appearance comes on the heels of the announcement that a delegation from Stanford University came to Kalamazoo on May 4 to discuss possible ways of working with the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center.
About 50 people, representing local medical, biosciences, educational and investment groups joined the meeting and several briefed the Stanford team on regional life sciences work. DeWitt says the Standford delegation was impressed by Southwest Michigan’s scientific legacy and it capabilities when it comes to taking pharmaceutical and other therapies from concept to commercialization.
The Stanford group talked about its program called SPARK that connects the educational, biosciences and investment communities. The six-year old initiative has led to 47 programs ready for investment, including new treatments for Parkinson’s disease, muscle wasting and cystic fibrosis. Executive Director of Stanford’s Biodesign Program Ari Chaney described the work of students, fellows and faculty as they intently study clinical needs and invent new biomedical technologies. More than 200 patents have been filed and a number of business startups formed by former students and fellows.
The Southwest Michigan Innovation Center is now gathering a complete list of local expertise and will serve as a liaison to explore a relationship with the California university’s SPARK and Biodesign programs.
"The meeting opens the door to new ways the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center can participate in the growing biosciences industry beyond our region," DeWitt says.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Rick Chambers, Chambers & Associates, Valorie Juergens, Western Michigan University
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.