BIODEFENSE SUMMIT @ JPM

Please join us for Ferocity Inaugural BioDefense Summit with invited guests from DARPA.

This distinguished event will convene leaders from across the biodefense industry, including investors, CEOs, founders, esteemed researchers, and policymakers.

Featuring an update on new office priorities from BTO Director Dr. Michael Koeris, a discussion of DARPA commercialization strategy, our expert panel discussions will focus on critical topics pertinent to early-stage biosecurity companies, including navigating early-stage funding, financing and exit trends, strategic partnerships with Department of Defense for growth, regulatory considerations, and innovations in biodefense development. We will host a reception after the main panels to conclude our discussions.

Please mark your calendar for this important event — we look forward to your participation!

By invitation only.

Logistics:

What: Biodefense Summit @ JPM

Date: January 13, 2026

Time:
Door opens: 5pm

Summit start: 6pm

Reception start: 7:30 pm

Program:

6:05-6:20 pm Keynote Speech 

• Dr. Michael Koeris, Director, Biological Technology Office, DARPA  

6:20-7:00 pm Presentations and Panel by DARPA BTO Program Managers 

Moderator: Dr. Taryn Rose, Senior Commercialization Advisor, DARPA

Panelists:

• Dr. Michael Feasel and Dr. Chris Bettinger (Smart RBCs), DARPA

• Dr. Abhi Singharoy (Deep learning tool to analyze protein sequence), DARPA

• Dr. Hoozbeth Jafari (AI/digital twin for personalized treatments), DARPA 

• Lt. Col. Adam Wills (Autonomous surgical robotics), DARPA

7:00-7:20 pm Panel: Life as a DARPA / BARDA funded startup

7:20-7:30 Closing Remarks  

7:30-10:00 Reception