As part of its efforts to strengthen the education pipeline for life sciences, New Hampshire Life Sciences (NHLS) partnered with the University of New Hampshire – Manchester (UNH) to host a Biotech Networking Night on May 6. With more than 200 guests, the event offered an opportunity for students, educators, employers, and innovators to engage with New Hampshire’s life sciences ecosystem.
Last year, NHLS saw rapid growth in its membership. This year, it is building on that momentum by creating opportunities for members to form connections that fuel innovation and industry growth. Working with UNH Manchester on the Biotech Networking Night is among the ways it is addressing workforce development, industry collaboration and connecting students with career opportunities at New Hampshire employers.
NHLS President Andrea Hechavarria spoke at the event, joined by UNH Manchester Dean Michael Decelle.
Decelle said that this annual networking event has grown from a dozen attendees its first year to a record-breaking 225 this year.
UNH Manchester is situated in the ReGen Valley Tech Hub, a federal designation that recognizes the area’s focus on regenerative medicine. For students interested in life science roles, this networking was an opportunity to learn more about a life-changing – and life-saving – career.
Attendees made new connections through the networking session, met with NHLS representatives about initiatives and membership, and celebrated the rising talent of Dianna Soria of Sana Biotechnology with the Emerging Scientist Award. Attendees also toured the STEM-Mobile, which brings lab programs to schools across the state, visited the Biotech Innovation Center, and learned how Manchester CREATES is enhancing middle and high school STEM education.
The Biotech Networking Night is among the new programs in NHLS’s growing calendar of events, joining inspiring annual programs like Empower Life Sciences and Live Free Life Sciences.