MedTech Innovator (MTI), the world’s largest accelerator for medical technology companies, announced that its BioTools Innovator (BTI) program has been chosen as the Enabling Technologies Hub for the next generation of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Accelerator Network (BAN). This network aims to strengthen the health security innovation ecosystem, with a focus on next-generation medical countermeasures (MCMs).
BioTools Innovator (BTI)’s VANGUARD, the Enabling Technologies Hub, is one of five strategic hubs in the BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN). VANGUARD will drive innovations to enhance drug discovery, biomanufacturing, and clinical care by improving speed, scalability, and coordination.
Since 2012, MedTech Innovator (MTI) has excelled in transitioning R&D products to commercialization. In 2021, MTI launched BTI, the first accelerator dedicated to life science tools and diagnostics, advancing areas such as drug and vaccine development, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.
Kathryn Zavala, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer of BTI, expressed excitement about expanding the partnership with BARDA. She emphasized BTI’s strong ecosystem of experts and its ability to advance technologies that enhance health security.
VANGUARD will select up to 10 companies annually for a four-month accelerator program, offering mentorship, education, and non-dilutive funding to develop and validate technologies aligned with BARDA’s mission to boost pandemic preparedness and health security.
MTI’s role in BAN began in 2018 as one of the original 13 accelerators. It has since referred over 200 companies to BARDA. VANGUARD joins four other hubs in BAN, each focusing on different technologies. These include the Digital Health Hub (MATTER), the Special Populations Hub (Children’s National Hospital), I-CREATE (University Lab Partners), and VITAL (Start2 Group), all working to address critical health security challenges.
This project is supported by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and BARDA.
About BioTools Innovator
Powered by MedTech Innovator, BioTools Innovator accelerates life science tools and diagnostics to improve human health, matching industry leaders with biotech startups for mentorship and growth.
