Life Sciences Innovators Convene at BioFlorida's 28th Annual Innovation Conference
Conference underscores Florida's leadership in Life Sciences while charting strategic pathways for continued growth
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 500 life sciences leaders convened at Florida's Annual Innovation Conference, powered by BioFlorida, to explore strategic opportunities and collaborative partnerships driving Florida's position as a pioneer in Life Sciences innovation. The three-day event brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including biopharmaceutical executives, medical technology innovators, digital health pioneers, academic researchers, healthcare systems, investors, policymakers, and economic development professionals. The gathering reinforced Florida's prominent role as a leader in life sciences advancement nationwide.
"The momentum behind Florida's life sciences sector is unmistakable, and this conference made that clear," said Mark Glickman, President and CEO of BioFlorida. "With 80 speakers spanning AI innovation, rare disease breakthroughs, and global partnerships, the 28th Annual Innovation Conference captured the breadth of Florida's capabilities. BioFlorida's role is to keep connecting these dots and accelerating the progress that benefits our industry."
The conference showcased an exceptional roster of thought leaders, including Dr. Charles Bruce of Mayo Clinic, who delivered the chairman's address; James Taylor, CEO of Florida Technology Council, who keynoted on technology's intersection with life sciences alongside representatives from IBM and KPMG; and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, who addressed the state's economic development strategy during the awards celebration. Additional insights came from J.P. Morgan's life sciences team, who examined the state of financial markets for medtech and biotech ventures.
Programming spanned critical topics including patient care advances, Florida's biotech ecosystem, artificial intelligence's impact on healthcare innovation, neurological breakthroughs, and global partnership strategies. Notable sessions featured moderators from Mayo Clinic, AdventHealth, Nemours Children's Health, Cleveland Clinic, and Moffitt Cancer Center discussing cutting-edge patient care approaches. Economic development leaders from across Florida's regions explored opportunities for continued statewide growth in the life sciences sector.
The conference also celebrated excellence across Florida's life sciences community during the annual BioFlorida Awards Celebration. BioFlorida recognized outstanding achievements in eight categories, honoring GBI Biotechnology (Manufacturer), DermaSensor (Sales & Distribution), Anthony Japour of iTOLERANCE (Research & Developer), Nemours Children's Health (Hospital), Zevra Therapeutics (Most Significant Innovation), Quang Pham, CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics (Executive), Fisher Scientific (Contributor of the Year), and Raquel Rodriguez (Weaver Gaines Award). Quest Diagnostics served as the premier sponsor for the awards celebration.
A highlight of the gathering was the annual BIOPITCH competition, where emerging life sciences companies presented their innovations to a panel of 16 investor judges. From 72 applications, finalists competed for $90,000 in prizes, demonstrating Florida's robust pipeline of entrepreneurial talent working to address pressing healthcare challenges.
The conference concluded with Friday sessions examining rare disease treatment paradigms, pharmacy benefit manager reform, and CEO growth strategies, followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ProChile and BioFlorida to strengthen international collaboration in life sciences development.
The event reinforced a unified commitment: for Florida's life sciences stakeholders to continue partnering strategically to sustain the state's position at the forefront of biotechnological advancement. The 29th Annual Innovation Conference Powered by BioFlorida will be held on October 12-14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. For more information visit, www.bioflorida.com.
About BioFlorida
From Concept to Consumer, BioFlorida is the premier source for supporting Florida's life sciences industry, representing a diverse range of sectors including BioPharma, MedTech, Digital Health, Health Systems, and supporting organizations. We provide comprehensive resources and advocacy while fostering a thriving community that leads in innovation, delivering groundbreaking solutions that benefit patients.
BioFlorida's value-driven membership supports the life sciences ecosystem through increased Visibility, Industry Insights, Education & Information, Networking & Events, Cost Savings, Policy & Advocacy, and Capital & Growth Opportunities.
By connecting Florida's life sciences industry with local, national, and global opportunities, BioFlorida plays a vital role in driving innovation and growth, positioning the state as a leader in the field.
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SOURCE BioFlorida