News

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin named BIO’s Governor of the Year

Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) awarded Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin with its 2024 Governor of the Year Award.

BIO’s annual award honors governors for their leadership and commitment to strengthening biotechnology in their state. For over a decade, the award has recognized governors from across the country and both sides of the aisle.

“Investing in biotechnology is investing in Virginia’s future,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As the Commonwealth’s cutting-edge research triangle and network continues to expand, my administration is determined to remain at the forefront of fostering innovation. I am incredibly humbled to receive this award, and I look forward to further solidifying Virginia’s role as a leader in the life sciences industry.”

“It is my honor to recognize Governor Youngkin with BIO’s 2024 Governor of the Year award for his leadership and support of the life sciences in Virginia,” said BIO President and CEO John F. Crowley. “From advancing innovative economic development initiatives for the bioscience ecosystem to investing in cutting-edge life science facilities across the state, Governor Youngkin has worked tirelessly on public policy solutions to help expand opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, and patients in Virginia.”

“Virginia’s $8 billion biotechnology industry is thriving because of the steadfast support of our governmental leaders and regional partnerships,” said John Newby, CEO of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. “We thank Governor Youngkin and his administration for making transformational investments in our ecosystem, and for promoting pro-innovation policies that bring life-improving technologies to patients.”

Read more here.

Recent News

08/26/2025

Activation Capital Names Michael Steele as President and CEO

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority (doing business as Activation Capital) announced today that it has appointed Michael Steele as president and chief executive officer. Steele succeeds Robert Ward, who has served as interim CEO since July 2024 during a period of rapid growth for the life sciences ecosystem development organization. Steele comes to Activation

08/25/2025

Danforth Advisors Acquires PharmaDirections

Danforth Advisors LLC, today announced the acquisition of PharmaDirections, Inc., a full-spectrum development partner to life science companies, expanding its integrated capabilities from discovery through commercialization. Founded in 2003, PharmaDirections was a pioneer of the virtual drug development model. The company brings veteran program leaders and more than 150 specialists to support strategic planning and

08/22/2025

ivWatch Technology Linked to Major Reduction in Severe IV Injuries in Newborns Over Four-Year Study

A study published this month in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) analyzed the use of optical sensor technology from ivWatch, the U.S.-based IV safety company, in the early detection of peripheral intravenous infiltration or extravasation (PIVIE) events in neonates. Presenting a comparative evaluation between conventional observational methods and continuous sensor-based monitoring, the study offers insights