Georgia Bio to Showcase State’s Leadership and Patients’ Perspectives in Bioscience Innovation at 2019 Innovation Summit

Atlanta, Georgia (September 26, 2019) – The Georgia Bio Innovation Summit is the southeast’s largest life science conference, showcasing Georgia’s leadership in innovation to improve the health and well-being of people, animals and the environment. This year’s Summit will bring together hundreds of CEOs, senior executives, scientists and public policy officials from Georgia and across the nation on October 8 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta.

How important is the life sciences industry to the state of Georgia? From 2007 to 2017, employment in life sciences grew by 14.9%, compared to 7.7% nationally, and 8.7% growth in private employment across all industries in the state.” An RTI report for Georgia Bio published earlier this year identified 1,960 unique life science establishments that contributed 68,300 jobs and $10 billion to Georgia’s Gross Domestic Product. Accounting for multiplier effects, the industry supports a total of approximately 194,000 jobs and contributes $21.8 billion to Georgia’s GDP.

The 2019 Breakfast Keynote is entitled ”Connecting Healthcare” from Dr. Jean-Christophe Tellier, UCB Global CEO. The Luncheon Keynote Address “Personalized Health in a Chaotic Environment” will be delivered by Marc Boutin, CEO of the National Health Council

“In order to innovate, first and foremost, we must connect the patient to the science,” Tellier told the Harvard Club of Belgium. “We are moving from treating the group of patients on one criteria [towards] a better understanding of patient subpopulations and trying to define much more precise solutions that better match their needs based on biologic signatures.”

Georgia Bio is putting special emphasis on the patient’s perspective into this year’s event. What does patient-centricity really mean in an industry that comprises 20 percent of the U.S. economy? We will hear from four local members of the International Children’s Advisory Network; young advocates for the importance of the patient’s voice in pediatric care. High school senior Ayana Ganesh, sophomore Ava Meisner, eighth grader Kalee Polk, junior Maci Yeager and moderator Leanne West who will share their first person accounts of what patient centricity and the importance of the patient voice means in pediatric care.

View the full program agenda here.

Did you know, according to AdvaMed, Fortune 500 companies with more than three women on the Board have 66% higher return on invested capital and a 42% higher return on sales?

Given those statistics, to ensure we hear directly from the voice of the patient, and to build awareness among aspiring young women for what is attainable in our industry, we have intentionally stacked our presenting faculty with women leading the state’s life science sector. Read more about the industry leading women in Georgia’s life sciences presenting. 

“We are entirely confident the 2019 edition of the Georgia Bio Innovation Summit will be of high value for any and all with an interest in Georgia’s life science community and driving better treatments and care to patients in Georgia and around the globe,” says Georgia Bio President and CEO Maria Thacker-Goethe.

Register here

About Georgia Bio

Georgia Bio is the state’s trade association committed to driving growth in Georgia’s biosciences industry and its many sectors, including agri-biotech, food and nutrition, bio-based technologies and renewable chemicals, industrial and environmental biotech, medical devices and technologies, pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare, diagnostics and research products, testing and research services, and clinical research. Georgia Bio members include bioscience companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers, digital health companies, and related organizations. For more information, visit www.gabio.org or follow us on Twitter @Georgia_Bio

Editor’s Note: Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To request media registration, please contact Kristina Forbes at kforbes@gabio.org | 404-920-2043. 

Media Contact: 
Kristina Forbes
404-920-2043
kforbes@gabio.org

August 10, 2026
Award recipients will be recognized at the Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on August 25 ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia Life Sciences today announced the recipients of the 2026 Golden Helix Awards, recognizing the individuals, organizations, partnerships, and investments that are advancing innovation, improving patient care, strengthening Georgia's economy, and shaping the future of the state's life sciences ecosystem. The honorees will be celebrated during the Georgia Life Sciences Summit Welcome Reception and Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, August 25, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, kicking off Georgia's premier gathering of life sciences leaders ahead of the Summit on Wednesday, August 26. "For nearly two decades, the Golden Helix Awards have celebrated the people and organizations whose vision, collaboration, and commitment continue to elevate Georgia as a global leader in life sciences," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "This year's recipients represent the extraordinary innovation taking place across our state—from groundbreaking research and transformative investments to workforce development and community impact. We are proud to recognize their achievements and the lasting difference they are making for patients, our economy, and the future of healthcare." 2026 Golden Helix Award Honorees Phoenix Award · Micron Biomedical & Emory University – Industry-Academic Partnership Innovation Awards · Dr. Kyle Johnsen, University of Georgia · Focused Cryo Community Awards · Angela Gill Nelms, Biolocity · Frugal Science Academy · Jessica King Holden, Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair · Dr. Marlo Vernon, Augusta University Deal of the Year Awards Economic Development · UCB & Rowen Foundation · Shriners Children's Research Institute, Georgia Tech & Emory University Acquisition · LymphaTech & Tactile Medical · Avanos Medical Financing · Altesa BioSciences Federal Grant · HEAL: Healthy Ameliorated Lymphatics, Georgia Institute of Technology · Manus & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (HHS/ASPR) Emerging Leader of the Year · Dr. Ryan Devine, Medical Innovation Hub, Georgia Tech Legislator of the Year · Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-29) Teacher of the Year · Ana White, DeKalb High School of Technology North at Cross Keys The Golden Helix Awards recognize excellence across Georgia's life sciences ecosystem, honoring breakthrough scientific discoveries, strategic partnerships, commercial achievements, community leadership, and investments that strengthen the state's position as a national leader in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, research, and advanced manufacturing. The awards ceremony serves as the opening event of the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit, bringing together executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders, and academic institutions from across the state to celebrate innovation and explore opportunities shaping the future of Georgia's life sciences industry. The Georgia Life Sciences Summit will take place on Wednesday, August 26, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, featuring nationally recognized speakers, executive panels, CEO spotlights, networking opportunities, and the Solutions Corridor showcasing organizations driving the industry's continued growth. To learn more about the Georgia Life Sciences Summit or to register, visit https://www.galifesciences.org/summit.
August 7, 2026
One of the biggest benefits of becoming a Georgia Life Sciences Student Member is access to discounted registration for Georgia's premier life sciences conference—bringing together CEOs, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the state. Better yet, Student Membership is only $25 per year , making it one of the best investments you can make in your future. The Georgia Life Sciences Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is the official student membership community of Georgia Life Sciences, created to connect students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals with Georgia's thriving life sciences ecosystem. As an ELN member, you'll build meaningful peer-to-peer relationships, engage with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and gain access to professional development programs designed to help you launch a successful career in the life sciences. As a member, you'll have opportunities to: Connect with fellow students, postdocs, and emerging professionals from across Georgia. Expand your network through peer-to-peer engagement and professional networking events. Learn from industry leaders and gain exposure to Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Participate in workforce and career development programming. Access Career Connections Student members also receive exclusive access to the Georgia Life Sciences Career Connections LinkedIn Group , where you can: Discover internships and job opportunities. Connect with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals. Stay informed about career fairs, networking events, and workforce initiatives. Engage with a growing community of future life sciences leaders. Student Member Benefits Georgia Life Sciences Student Membership: $25/year Georgia Life Sciences Summit Registration: $150 Access to the Emerging Leaders Network Career Connections LinkedIn Group Networking events and professional development opportunities Industry news, workforce resources, and member communications Whether you're exploring careers in biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health, or research, Georgia Life Sciences connects you to the people and opportunities that can help shape your future. Join today . Build your network. Advance your career.
August 6, 2026
From breakthrough therapeutics to next-generation medical technologies, tomorrow's innovators take the stage at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, the Startup Showcase will highlight eight of Georgia's most promising early-stage life sciences companies as they present their innovations during the Summit Luncheon on August 26. These emerging companies are tackling some of healthcare's biggest challenges across therapeutics, diagnostics, AI, and medical technology, while demonstrating the depth of innovation taking place throughout Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Meet the 2026 Startup Showcase Companies: Abundance Biopharma Corporation Athna Biotech Atomistic Insights NovAb Nytricx Oridivus TremeBio YoungHeartValve Following the presentations, each company will participate in a live investor Q&A featuring an exceptional panel of venture leaders: Emily Dinu, Numinous Capital John Gutierrez, Ascenta Capital Dr. Emma Heckenberg, Solas BioVentures Patrick Jordan, NovaQuest Capital Management Tim Opler, Stifel Whether you're an investor looking for the next breakthrough, a corporate leader seeking innovative partners, or simply interested in the future of life sciences, the Startup Showcase offers a front-row seat to the companies poised to shape what's next. Join us August 25–26 at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit and discover the next generation of innovators driving Georgia's life sciences economy.
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