Berks Biomedical Innovation Collaborative Formalizes to Reimagine Life Sciences in Berks County

Alvernia University joins experts from higher education, medical institutions, life science companies, and beyond, to serve as a catalyst for life science development in the region

Alvernia University is lending its formal support to the Berks Biomedical Innovation Collaborative (Berks BIC), a group of higher educational and medical institutions, life science companies, investors, and consultants. Founded in 2021, Berks BIC recently chartered to advance biomedical and life-science innovations in Berks County.

Berks BIC was co-founded by Rodney S. Ridley Sr., PhD, vice president of research, innovation, and economic development at Alvernia University and chief operating officer of the O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship (O'Pake), and George Tegos, PhD, the former director of clinical research at Tower Health Reading Hospital.

In the past two years, efforts have accelerated with more industry involvement, especially in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Economic growth and life science activity have also benefited from the launch of Pottsville CollegeTowne through Alvernia University and Drexel University's medical school campus in Reading.

"This dynamic alliance is committed to highlighting the exceptional activity already happening in Berks County, attracting new talent and organizations to the area, and empowering individuals from school age to the adult workforce," Ridley said. "This is an inspiring time to officially launch this project and see how the effort can help fully formalize the startups in this area."

Earlier this year, the Berks BIC welcomed its inaugural board of directors. The board includes representatives from Alvernia University, 3Sixty Pharma Solutions, and Penn State Berks. Caitlin Long, director of technology & innovation commercialization at O'Pake will serve as managing director.

"We encourage anyone in the Berks County region to join our cause. We are open to public institutions, private companies, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and other entities or individuals involved in the biomedical sector," said Caitlin Long. "It's exciting to see the momentum of this group, especially among those that may traditionally be competitors. Together, we've found a common mission in attracting and empowering life science organizations in Berks County."

Since its inception, the Berks BIC has tapped into the expertise of over 20 regional organizations and advised over 10 life science companies, generating patent and licensing activity, as well as some community and economic revitalization efforts. A recent success is a partnership with CatapalloVR - an immersive virtual reality learning module that enhances safety and outcomes for behavioral therapists and educators.

Founding partners of the Berks BIC include Adhezion Biomedical, Tower Health, Teleflex, Drexel University College of Medicine and Alvernia University's O'Pake Institute. O'Pake will host the normal administrative activities of the collaborative as part of its in-kind contribution to the organization.

Interested parties are encouraged to save the date for the first-ever BIC Innovation Symposium and Showcase on January 17, 2025, at the DoubleTree in Reading, Pennsylvania. The event will showcase regional pride, and innovative projects happening right in Berks County.

For more information about the BIC, click here.

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