Research Park News

April 25, 2018

Purdue-based life sciences company to host scientific networking conference for area research companies, investors, customers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Akina Inc. will host the first Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cancer and Research (BPCR) Conference, a free scientific networking symposium to be held at the Purdue Railyard on August 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Akina Inc. will sponsor the event with the aim to promote cooperation amongst Purdue Research Park business, researchers and startups. Although open to the public, the BPCR Conference strives to stimulate networking among local research companies, investors and customers.

“Many startups are working on various aspects within a specific problem or industry that may not know about each other,” said John Garner, general manager of Akina. “The conference is a chance for the startups to meet each other and others interested in their work.”

Those interested can register as an attendee, an exhibitor or a presenter. Food and beverages will be provided. Participants who plan to exhibit at the event will have access to a free 10-by-10-foot booth. To register, visit http://www.bpcrconference.com/.

“I look forward to learning what different small companies are all about and what they can offer,” said Marietta Smith, business office manager of Akina. “When we want to speak to a new business, we don’t know who to contact or where they are located. The conference will bring local business and universities together and boost opportunity.”

Garner will be one of several speakers to discuss important considerations of entrepreneurship during the conference. Other speakers include Anton Iliuk, chief technology officer of Tymora Analytical Operations; Kelvin Okamoto, chief executive officer of Gen3Bio; Cedric D ’Hue, patent lawyer of D ‘Hue Law; and Raouf Gharbo, technology lead, Peerbridge Health.

“I think it will be exciting to hear the speakers,” Garner said. “We have a variety of speakers coming and, in some cases, attendees will be talking to entrepreneurs or experts in the field.”

Akina provides research products and services that assist in controlled releases, medicinal-delivery and biomedical applications. This company has many multi-industry connections across the nation that could be valuable to BPCR Conference attendees.

“For a startup or a new company, the event will be a great opportunity for exposure without paying a great deal of money,” Garner said.

BPCR Conference Summary

BPCR Conference will be a free scientific networking symposium for greater Lafayette-based businesses, research companies and startups that want to network with potential customers, investors and partners. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 29 at the Kurz Purdue Technology Center’s Purdue Railyard located at 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd. in West Lafayette, Indiana.

About Akina Inc.

Akina Inc. is a life sciences company located in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, Indiana. Founded in 2001 by Kinam Park, Showalter Distinguished professor in Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Akina provides a variety of research products and services with a focus on controlled release, medicinal-delivery, and biomedical applications. Akina consists of two divisions: PolySciTech, product development, and Akinalytics, laboratory services.

About Purdue Research Park

The Purdue Research Park is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation and is the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country. The Purdue Research Park manages the Purdue Technology Centers in five sites across the state of Indiana with locations in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Merrillville and New Albany. The more than 260 companies located in the park network employ about 5,000 people. In 2016, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities co-named the Purdue Research Park a top recipient for an Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Designation for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about leasing space in the Purdue Research Park, contact 765-588-3470 or click Purdue Research Park.

Writer: Kelsey Henry, 765-588-3342, kehenry@prf.org

Purdue Research Foundation contact: Cynthia Sequin, 765-558-3340, casequin@prf.org

Sources: John Garner, jgakinainc@gmail.com

Marietta Smith, msakinainc@gmail.com


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