Alabama is recognized as a growing hub for biotechnology, drug discovery, medical devices, and other life sciences. To demystify the biotech startup process, BIO Alabama has organized a morning of informational presentations with highly experienced speakers who offer insight to facilitate successful startup ventures.
Speaker Line-Up:
"Federal funding is available — how to win it"
Andrew Byrd, MBA, PhD
Director, University of South Alabama Office of Commercialization and Industry Collaboration (OCIC)
Dr. Byrd joined the OCIC after receiving his Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences from USA College of Medicine. A native of Mobile, AL, Dr. Byrd has been affiliated with USA for almost two decades. Dr. Byrd’s involvement in USA technology transfer is pervasive, from technology scouting, invention disclosure and due diligence assessment, through patent strategy and licensing negotiations, including those for the USA Foundation for Research and Commercialization. Dr. Byrd is also an inventor on two patent pending technologies.
"Your ideas have value - how to protect them"
Nick Landau PhD, Partner & Registered Patent Attorney, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
Nick Landau works with individuals, universities, startups, growing businesses, and publicly traded companies to procure, protect and litigate all forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. He combines his research background in microbiology with his training in law to strategically serve life science companies.
“Startup accounting & finance - why the numbers matter”
Phillip Rivers, CPA, Warren Averett
Phillip leads the Warren Averett Mobile office and has more than 18 years of accounting experience in a wide range of industries including real estate, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and transportation. He is a Member of the Firm, and Joined Warren Averett in July 2012 after previously spending over 11 years with a Big 4 firm. Phillip specializes in handling complex accounting and auditing matters for his clients. Services he provides include internal control reviews, due diligence, debt issuances as well as assistance with mergers and acquisitions and spinoffs.
"Investors are out there - how to find the right ones"
Kenneth "Dale" Speetjens , Co-Founder & CEO of Shipshape Urban Farms
Dale began his career by serving in the United States Armed Forces. After leaving the military he began his studies at Auburn University. After graduation, Mr. Speetjens joined Mobile's Bloomberg Innovation Team. Now, Dale is the Co-Founder and CEO of Shipshape Urban Farms, an agritech company focused on the design, manufacturing, and operation of hydroponic farms built inside up-cycled shipping containers.
“Tapping into local resources for startups, trade, and contracting”
Melvin Washington, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Alabama
Mel Washington provides one on one confidential counseling to entrepreneurs and small businesses in six counties in South Alabama. He is the former Executive Director & CEO of Project Enterprise, a micro-lending organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities in New York City. Mel has held executive level positions in Finance, Operations, and Strategy and Planning in the financial services and telecommunications sectors. His career includes successful stints at top tier firms including AT&T, Salomon Brothers, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, and Citibank.
