BIO On The Bay Biotech Event

March 4th, 2026

Where Florida’s Life Science Leaders Connect

BIO on the Bay brings together the brightest minds in Florida’s life science community. From St. Petersburg to Miami, we’re building a vibrant ecosystem that rivals traditional biotech hubs.

Event Agenda

Activation Energy: Converting Research into a Self-Sustaining Economy

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration & Sticker Designation

Attendees receive stickers: Academic, Founder/C-level, Supporting Services/Vendors, Investors (VC vs. Angels). All attendees must confirm to ensure a spot based on limited availability.

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

The Manifesto: Why We Are Here

What catalyzed this event? Why Florida is a Rosetta Stone for research and capital. Why Tampa Bay is the anchor and why we need intentional leadership now.

Case Lorance, NEXI Biotech

12:15 PM – 12:45 PM

The Ecosystem Stand-Up: Elevator Pitches

Every startup stands up for a 1-minute elevator pitch. Investors are encouraged to pitch their thesis to the founders.

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM

Early Stage: The Due Diligence Panel

A “simulated” due diligence call — one company at a time. Discussing what founders need from the ecosystem, useful academic accelerators and TTOs, and what is required to move the needle.

Case Lorance (NEXI), Zois Syrgiannis (NanoNeuroscience) · Moderated by Doug Nissinoff (Intelligence Ventures), Sabrina Martinez-Vicenttin (Plug & Play Tech Center)

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Lunch + Networking Break

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

Growth Stage: Secured Checks & Florida Bias

Company formation, securing the first check, and how founders scraped together rounds while facing bias from out-of-state capital. Success stories and sentiment from JPM 2026.

Chris Witowski (Psilera), Brad Heckmann (Asha Therapeutics) · Moderated by Susan D’Costa (Genezen), Case Lorance (NEXI)

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Institutional & State Perspectives

The $278M “Floridian’s First” innovation pivot and what is to come for regional infrastructure.

David Pieklik (State of Florida), Tim Plett (JPM)

3:45 PM – 4:05 PM

Sponsor Presentation

4:05 PM – 4:35 PM

Nucleate Florida Presentation + Ecosystem Report

Nucleate Florida overview, ecosystem report presentation, and presentation of Activator Alumni.

Louis Cafaro

4:35 PM – 4:55 PM

Sponsor Presentation

4:55 PM – 5:00 PM

Closing Remarks

Case, Jon, Louis

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Open Networking