“Investing in the next generation of innovators is one of the most impactful ways we can maintain Massachusetts’ position as the global leader in life sciences,” said Governor Maura Healey. “MassNextGen is essential to this vision, providing up-and-coming entrepreneurs with the resources and mentorship needed to drive groundbreaking scientific advancements. By supporting these talented individuals today, we’re shaping a bright future for the life sciences industry for years to come.”

“Through the MassNextGen program, we’re ensuring that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have equitable access to opportunities in the life sciences,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By creating pathways for all, we’re building a more inclusive life sciences sector that reflects our communities and strengthens the future of innovation in Massachusetts.”

Last November, Governor Maura Healey signed into law the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill building on the success of the state’s renowned life sciences sector and programs such as MassNextGen. Today’s announcement event was hosted by Johnson and Johnson Innovation, which has served as a sponsor of the MassNextGen initiative since 2020. Originally launched in 2018 to ensure greater gender parity in the next generation of life science entrepreneurs, the program has expanded in recent years to support a larger pool of entrepreneurs with a broad, more inclusive focus.

“Massachusetts is home to a world-class ecosystem of talent and innovation in the life sciences,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, who serves as Co-Chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “Through programs such as MassNextGen, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is ensuring that emerging life science entrepreneurs have the support they need to transform cutting-edge ideas into successful companies that will play a significant role in the future of our state’s economic growth.”

“Collaboration is key in our mission to make the life sciences industry a more equal place for everyone,” said MLSC President and CEO Kirk Taylor, MD. “I am so thankful to our MLSC team, our coaches, sponsors, and partners throughout the Commonwealth that support this initiative each year. Together, we are helping create a community where entrepreneurs of every background can feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

“Johnson & Johnson is proud to support entrepreneurs through our longtime collaboration with MassNextGen,” said Michal Preminger, Regional Head, Boston Innovation Center, Johnson & Johnson. “The Healey -Driscoll administration and MLSC understand the value of fostering an ecosystem that aims to positively influence and advance science for patients around the globe. As a Change sponsor, it is a privilege to support this initiative and provide mentorship to early-stage companies to help grow an ecosystem built for all.”

Awardees of the program receive a year-long customized package of support, which includes non-dilutive grant funding and access to a network of seasoned professionals from the life sciences ecosystem helping them to refine their business strategies and effectively raise capital. In addition, the program fosters an organic community of entrepreneurs where awardees could collaborate with like-minded leaders sharing experiences, ideas, and a sense of belonging. As a public-private partnership, MassNextGen industry sponsors also include Anchor Platinum Sponsor, Takeda, as well as ABI-LAB, Berkshire Innovation Center, Cambridge Scientific Labs, Hatch.Bio Labs, InnoVenture Labs, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, M2D2, Mansfield Bio-Incubator, Portal Innovations, and the UMass Boston Venture Development Center.

“Early-stage science is critical to unlocking the innovations that support the health of patients and a strong and resilient bench-to-bedside ecosystem here in Massachusetts,” said Julie Kim, President of Takeda’s U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head. “Takeda remains a proud and committed sponsor of the MassNextGen program and we’re excited to support this next cohort of visionary entrepreneurs.”

This year’s awardees join 31 companies in the MassNextGen portfolio. The MLSC funding combined with executive coaching and business mentorship continues to prove invaluable for MassNextGen entrepreneurs in building their teams and progressing forward with new opportunities. The program continues to see tremendous success from previous awardees, including 17 companies who have raised a seed or series A financing round. MassNextGen companies have raised nearly $365 million in follow-on funding.

This includes MassNextGen Entrepreneur Joanna Stanicka and her team at AXONIS Therapeutics which announced last November a $115 million series A financing to support the development of novel neuromedicines targeting KCC2. This is the largest raise in a single round for any MassNextGen awardee. The company has also grown its team leveraging the MLSC’s internship programming.

“I am so grateful to MassNextGen team for their support during my early days at Axonis,” said Joanna Stanicka, PhD, who is the CEO, President and Founder of AXONIS Therapeutics. “Founding a company, fundraising, building a team, while exciting, is a challenging journey! Programs like this are essential launchpads for first-time entrepreneurs providing invaluable mentorship and guidance.”

The four companies selected as awardees through the seventh cohort of the MassNextGen program represent a wide range of applications to advance innovative technologies in life sciences and improve public health.

MassNextGen Awardees

MassNextGen Entrepreneur: Leah Borden, PhD

The ETC Venture Hub at Connect Labs Baltimore is a dedicated space designed to provide early-stage life science companies with the technology, capital, talent and resources needed to successfully grow and scale. Offering desk space, expert support, and a collaborative community, the hub serves as a launchpad for startups. This is part of ETC’s broader strategy to establish multiple footprints throughout the city. By expanding its reach, ETC aims to create a more inclusive and robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring innovators in all areas of Baltimore have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.

“Our collaboration and co-location with Connect Labs strengthens Baltimore’s promise as a place where life science startups can thrive,” said Dr. Arti Santhanam, Executive Director of ETC Baltimore. “We’re excited to offer our portfolio companies the opportunity to work in this incredible facility while benefiting from the network, resources, and expertise that ETC has cultivated over the years. Our goal is to make Baltimore the destination of choice for growing and scaling tech and biotech startups.”

Two new ETC portfolio companies, Gelectric and IndyGeneUS, will be among the first to join the ETC Venture Hub, where they will benefit from cutting-edge facilities and access to ETC’s network and resources. These companies will receive tailored support, including mentorship, investor relations, and strategic guidance, designed to accelerate their growth and position them for long-term success.

Located within the 250,000-square-foot facility at 4 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Connect Labs Baltimore operates the flex lab space—a joint venture between Wexford Science & Technology, LLC, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore—and offers vital resources to support the growth and success of startups in Baltimore.

"We are delighted to welcome the ETC to Connect Labs Baltimore. The support, programming, and access to capital from the ETC team are invaluable to entrepreneurs. The synergy between Connect Labs and ETC will amplify the impact of the new Connect Labs space, attracting more companies and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Baltimore," said Mark VanderZyl, Director of Connect Labs by Wexford, Baltimore.

Leah's visionary approach to addressing medical challenges will be showcased at the NAI conference, disrupting traditional adhesion methods and unlocking possibilities across various industries. With a track record of groundbreaking discoveries, awards, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, Leah has established herself as a respected figure in the field of scientific innovation.

The NAI conference provides an esteemed platform for inventors like Leah to unveil game-changing innovations, fostering collaboration and propelling the world forward. Attendees will witness the unveiling of the AnastoTape electroadhesion gel, gaining valuable insights that will inspire future advancements and ignite new possibilities in the field of adhesion technology.

AnastoTape addresses a critical need in the medical field. With over 1 million intestinal anastomosis surgeries performed annually in the US and a failure rate of over 10%, there is a pressing demand for safer and more effective methods of tissue repair. Traditional sutures, while effective, come with significant drawbacks, especially in vulnerable populations.

Gelectric Medical's innovative solution eliminates the need for sutures altogether. AnastoTape utilizes an electrical stimulus to develop strong adhesion, offering a superior alternative to current surgical adhesives and sealants. Importantly, its reversible nature allows for easy correction in case of placement errors.

"We are honored to receive this grant from the Maryland Innovation Initiative," said Leah Klein Borden, CEO at Gelectric Medical Inc. "This support will propel our mission to revolutionize surgical procedures and improve patient outcomes. We are immensely grateful for this opportunity."

Gelectric Medical Inc. extends its gratitude to the MII program and looks forward to advancing AnastoTape towards commercialization, thereby contributing to the advancement of medical technology and patient care.