Please join us for an information session on the American Cancer Society's BrightEdge Entrepreneurs (BEE) Program, created to span the gap between the end of basic research funding and the point where investors are willing to take the risk to support new technologies or startups. BEE is a selective initiative designed to train and empower scientific entrepreneurs to successfully launch companies that advance research discoveries for the benefit of patients.

Each entrepreneur in the program is paired with 3–4 one-on-one expert mentors. They also have access to Ad Hoc Mentors—bioscience industry leaders who provide valuable insights and constructive feedback—along with monthly virtual educational sessions. Additionally, every BEE participant receives a $100,000 investment to support their venture.

The program culminates in a pitch presentation to a select group of strategic partners from the ACS BrightEdge network. This year's BEE Pitch Event will take place on October 28, 2024, at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA, and is open to those who would like to hear this year's cohort speak and/or learn more about the application process for the 2nd cohort.

Applications for next year's cohort are due November 9, 2024. Please refer to this link* for more information!
*https://www.acsbrightedge.org/

Disclaimer: This event may be recorded, and your image and/or voice may be included in that recording. If you are uncomfortable, please be sure to turn off your webcam.  

Speaker Bio

Farnaz Bakhshi, PhD, Director, Innovation, BrightEdge – American Cancer Society

Farnaz joined BrightEdge in early 2022, and in September 2023, she successfully launched the pioneering BrightEdge Entrepreneurs (BEE) program. This groundbreaking initiative is the first cancer-focused, geography-agnostic, early-stage venture accelerator, providing unparalleled access to training, experts, resources, and capital. The program is dedicated to supporting and training emerging bioentrepreneurs and accelerating research discoveries for the benefit of patients. Before joining BrightEdge, Farnaz held several prominent business development roles at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and Mass General Brigham (formerly Partners Healthcare). At Caltech, she played a crucial role in assisting researchers within the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in launching start-up companies. During her tenure at Mass General Brigham, she executed significant multi-million-dollar licensing deals, notably securing the Brigham and Women’s Cardiology Department's one-hundred-million-dollar One Brave Idea grant. Additionally, Farnaz established and launched a biotech incubator and proof of concept fund at Tufts University and served as the Director of New Ventures at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Farnaz earned her PhD in pharmacology from UIC, where she published nine papers and received over a dozen awards. Before her doctoral studies, she played a pivotal role in the formation and management of a start-up company based on her undergraduate research, gaining invaluable experience in its early stages, launch, fundraising, and overall management.

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: Free
• Non-Members*: Free

*Not a Member? Click here to learn about the benefits of a WIB Membership — access to our video library, mentorship groups, and more. 

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Note: The Zoom meeting link will be sent along with a confirmation email after registration has been completed.