News

Apply Now: BLUE KNIGHT™ QuickPitch: Activating for the Future

Recent global disease outbreaks have had devastating impacts, triggering a renewed emphasis on preparation for potential known and unknown health threats. By proactively enhancing preparedness against emerging pathogens, we aim to minimize the scale of future outbreaks, protect vulnerable populations, and ultimately safeguard our health security.

To that end, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, together with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), is proud to launch the BLUE KNIGHT™ QuickPitch: Activating for the Future. Innovators are invited to submit potentially ground-breaking ideas or technologies that aim to enhance preparedness toward future known and unknown health threats, including emerging pathogens.

Up to 10 innovator(s) with the best potential solution will earn the opportunity to pitch to a panel of industry experts including Johnson & Johnson and BARDA leadership at JLABS @ Washington, DC on August 29. ** In addition, applicants may be invited to join Blue Knight through residency at the hub at JLABS @ Washington, DC, based on their applications and/or presentations.

**No travel costs will be reimbursed for applicants to attend live pitch event in Washington, DC.

Awards: Up to 10 innovator(s) with the best potential solution will earn the opportunity to pitch to a panel of industry experts including Johnson & Johnson and BARDA leadership at JLABS @ Washington, DC on August 29. In addition, applicants may be invited to join BLUE KNIGHT™ through residency at the hub at JLABS @ Washington, DC, based on their applications and/or presentations.

Deadline:  June 23
Apply ›

Recent News

03/27/2026

CvilleBioHub Appoints Nikki Hastings as President, Marking New Phase of Growth and Regional Leadership

CvilleBioHub today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Nikki Hastings as President, recognizing her leadership in building the organization into a cornerstone of Central Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem and positioning it for continued growth and influence. The appointment comes as CvilleBioHub prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary and marks one year since the

03/25/2026

Grenova Appoints New Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Growth Across Global Automation Platform

Grenova today announced the appointment of Ted Hull as Chief Executive Officer. Hull will lead Grenova and its automation divisions, Peak Robotics and Peak Analysis & Automation (PAA), guiding the organization through its next phase of growth as a global platform delivering automation-ready solutions to laboratories world-wide. Grenova and its division partners are backed by

03/25/2026

Virginia Startups Raise Record $2.9 Billion in Venture Capital Investment in 2025 – Highest in Commonwealth History

Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp. (VIPC) today announced that the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) reported Virginia attracted $2.9 billion in venture capital investment in 2025, marking an all-time high for the Commonwealth according to the 2025 Q4 Pitchbook-NVCA Venture Monitor Report.1 This record level of investment reflects the continued growth and momentum of Virginia’s startup