News

Regional Partners Collaborate to Launch Advancing Oncology InnoVAtion QuickFire Challenge

Johnson & Johnson Innovation, in collaboration with Carilion Clinic Innovation, Verge Alliance, and Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, is proud to launch the Advancing Oncology InnoVAtion QuickFire Challenge. Innovators from around the globe are invited to submit potential solutions aiming to transform patient outcomes in oncology in adult populations with potential applications in pediatric oncology.

Virginia is home to a growing community of more than 300 life science companies, nurtured by resources from the state and expertise from its many universities and research institutions. In 2022 alone, Virginia’s Higher Education Institutions collectively earned $382M in grant funding across 898 NIH awards.

Leveraging this innovation ecosystem, the Roanoke-Blacksburg region in Virginia is well-positioned to drive significant therapeutic advances for healthcare’s greatest challenges, including within oncology. Cancer was the second leading cause of death among adults in Virginia, claiming the lives of over 15,000 Virginians in 2020. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 47,000 new cancer diagnoses in the state.

At Johnson & Johnson Innovation, it’s our goal to find innovative technologies that aim to deliver new approaches to detect, intercept, and treat diseases like cancer. Through this QuickFire Challenge, we are igniting innovation to transform patient outcomes in oncology not only for patients in Virginia but around the world.

The innovator(s) with the best potential solution can receive grant funding from a total pool of $300,000*, VTCRC residency for one year, which includes one lab bench and workstation, access to the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) network, and mentorship from experts across The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies (Johnson & Johnson).**

*Awardees must have a business footprint within the Roanoke-Blacksburg region of Virginia before receiving a monetary award and remain in the region for two years following receipt of the award 

**Subject to the execution of the necessary documentation and (award) agreements 

Apply at http://jji.jnj/VA by August 11, 2023.  

The QuickFire Challenges are managed by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, with the goal to help address today’s greatest health care challenges.

Recent News

02/03/2026

SSI Diagnostica Group Acquires InDevR

SSI Diagnostica Group, a global company specializing in testing solutions for infectious diseases, has announced the acquisition of InDevR, a Colorado-based provider of advanced multiplexed solutions for vaccine testing and quality control. The addition strengthens SSID Group’s leadership in pneumococcal vaccine QC testing with next-generation multiplexing assays and enhanced customization capabilities. InDevR will advance the Group’s offering by

02/02/2026

Accorto Regulatory Solutions Launches Dedicated Quality & Compliance Division

Accorto Regulatory Solutions, LLC (Accorto), a U.S.-based regulatory advisory firm, announced the launch of its dedicated Quality & Compliance Division, expanding the firm’s ability to deliver integrated regulatory and compliance support to organizations involved in the development of FDA-regulated products. The new division formalizes and expands Accorto’s compliance and GxP services in response to growing

01/29/2026

NIRSense, Inc. & Aspen Medical USA (AMUSA): Strengthening Frontline Medicine: U.S.–Developed Tissue Oxygenation Technology Delivered to Ukraine

NIRSense and Aspen Medical USA (AMUSA) are pleased to announce the donation of 12 portable tissue-ischemia monitoring kits (comprising advanced sensor consoles plus tablets) to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (MoD) for deployment in frontline Role-1 and Role-2 casualty care facilities in Ukraine. These investigational prototype systems are provided for use by military medical