What is BioHive?

BioHive is a collaborative organization dedicated to advancing Utah’s life sciences and healthcare innovation ecosystem. Representing over 1,600 companies, they foster industry growth, unite professionals, and promote Utah as a global leader in life sciences. Through networking, education, and advocacy, BioHive drives innovation in biotechnology, medical devices, digital health, and therapeutics, shaping the future of healthcare.

Utah’s life sciences and healthcare innovation sectors are experiencing unprecedented growth, thanks in large part to the efforts of BioHive. This grassroots organization is dedicated to branding, building, and uniting Utah’s life sciences community. Here are ten ways they are making a significant impact:

1. Uniting Over 1,600 Companies: BioHive represents a thriving collective of more than 1,600 companies in Utah’s life sciences and digital health sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation across the industry.
2. Elevating Utah as a Life Sciences Hub: By promoting the state’s life sciences ecosystem, BioHive positions Utah as a global hub for healthcare innovation, attracting top talent and investments.
3. Hosting the Annual BioHive Live Event: BioHive Live is a flagship event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, investors, and community builders to highlight advancements in science and technology. The event serves as a platform for networking, showcasing groundbreaking developments, and recognizing those driving change within the life sciences sector.
4. Launching University Student Chapters: To nurture future STEM innovators, BioHive has established student chapters at five state universities, providing networking and professional development opportunities for over 600 members.
5. Empowering Women in Tech and Science: The Women in Technology and Science (WITS) community promotes the participation, retention, and advancement of women in STEM fields through quarterly events and a supportive network.
6. Bridging Science and Technology with HealthTech Hub: The HealthTech Hub community aims to catalyze precision medicine innovation by connecting science and technology, envisioning a seamlessly integrated healthcare system.
7. Supporting Career Returners: BioHive’s Returnship Initiative builds awareness around professionals re-entering the workforce, partnering with organizations to create resources and opportunities in the life sciences sector.
8. Collaborating with BioUtah: Working closely with BioUtah, BioHive fosters community, progress, innovation, and transparency as the trusted source for Utah’s life sciences community.
9. Engaging in Education and Outreach: Through partnerships, BioHive empowers individuals by providing educational resources and training sessions, such as those focused on breast cancer awareness and prevention.
10. Organizing the Best of BioHive Awards: As part of BioHive Week, the Best of BioHive Awards ceremony recognizes outstanding contributions to Utah’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem, celebrating innovation and excellence.

Through these initiatives, they are not only advancing science and healthcare in Utah but also creating a collaborative and inclusive community poised to make a global impact.

What is BioHive Live?

Elevating Utah’s Life Sciences

On February 20, 2025, they hosted their flagship event, BioHive Live, at the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, Utah. This premier gathering brought together industry leaders, innovators, investors, and community builders to celebrate and advance Utah’s vibrant life sciences and healthcare ecosystem.

Event Highlights

1. Keynote Address by John Smith: John Smith, a renowned founder and author, delivered the keynote speech, sharing insights on the future of healthcare innovation and the pivotal role Utah plays in this dynamic landscape.
2. Fireside Chat: “Making a Healthier Utah”Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson and Faith Chamas, R&D Program Manager at Stryker, engaged in a compelling discussion on holistic approaches to enhancing health outcomes across the state.
3. Panel Discussion: “Undiagnosed is a Diagnosis”Moderated by Aimee Edwards, Executive Director at BioHive, this panel featured Gina Zanik, Co-Founder & Executive Director at Rare and Undiagnosed Network; Justin Zanik, General Manager of the Utah Jazz and board member of the Rare and Undiagnosed Network; and Ava Zanik. The discussion focused on the challenges and triumphs associated with rare and undiagnosed diseases, emphasizing the importance of community support and innovative research.
4. Industry Highlight: ARUP LaboratoriesTracy George, Chief Scientific Officer at ARUP Laboratories, presented recent advancements and contributions of ARUP to the medical field, showcasing their commitment to improving patient care through cutting-edge diagnostics.
5. Fireside Chat: “On Meaningful Impact: From Physician to Investor”David Schenkein, MD, General Partner at Google Ventures, and Ryan Watts, PhD, CEO of Denali Therapeutics, shared their unique perspectives on transitioning from clinical practice to investment, discussing how to identify and foster impactful healthcare solutions.

Networking Opportunities

This live in person event provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect, collaborate, and cultivate relationships. The event featured dedicated networking sessions, allowing participants to engage with peers, explore potential partnerships, and discuss innovative ideas to drive the industry forward.

Venue

The Hale Centre Theatre, located at 9900 Monroe St., Sandy, UT 84070, served as the perfect backdrop for for this important event. Its state-of-the-art facilities and central location underscored Utah’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the life sciences sector.

BioHive Live 2025 exemplified the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking mindset that define Utah’s life sciences community, setting the stage for continued advancements in healthcare innovation.

Customer Advocates of the Year Award

At the Gala that evening Sam and I were given an award for “Customer Advocate of the Year.” As a couple of crash test dummies for Extreme Motus we felt a little out of place surrounding by so many brilliant people working to cure diseases on a molecular level. The future of healthcare looks bright because of the work they are doing. But right now in the present we manufacture an all terrain wheelchair that can bring joy to patients of the diseases they are studying like ALS, and Parkinson’s.

The ability to spend time outdoors with their loved ones will help them enjoy the time they have left and make lasting memories.