Photo shoot: LaunchBio kicks off 2019 with ‘Hempy New Year’ event, a look at BioLabs

DURHAM – LaunchBio kicked off it’s second season of Larger Than Life Science at The Chesterfield by exploring what’s next for industrial hemp in North Carolina and offering a look inside BioLabs.

Panel discussion at LaunchBio event. Alex Craig Photography

There was a full house for “Hempy New Year”, the first session of the evening, exploring trends in industrial hemp production and commercialization. Moderated by Robb Giddings of Hutchison PLLC, hemp entrepreneurs Scott Propheter of Criticality LLC, Guy Carpenter of Bear Fiber Inc, and Kyle Trivisonno of ecoTEKindustries were joined by industry expert Paul Ulanch of NC Biotechnology Center, to share their work, observations and predictions for state of industrial hemp.

Virtual reality demo at LaunchBio event. Alex Craig Photography

Meanwhile in the Atrium, Horizon Productions offered an interactive virtual reality demo. Guests had the chance to experience virtual environments first-hand and learn how technology is transforming the medical industry.

Panel discussion at LaunchBio event. Alex Craig Photography

Due to popular demand, the “Inside BioLabs” session (above) offered introductions to the newest resident companies to join the co-working lab. BioLabs NC President Ed Field moderated the panel featuring Anil Goyal of IMMvention Therapeutix, Pepper Landson of Praetego Inc and Craig Laboda of Phitonex Inc. The entrepreneurs shared their science and why they chose to join BioLabs NC and become part of the largest concentration of early stage bioinnovators in the Southeast.

Watching a panel discussion at LaunchBio event. Alex Craig Photography

Always a thought provoking and fun event, Larger Than Life Science brings the community together on the first Thursday of every month at The Chesterfield in Downtown Durham. The free monthly event series is open to everyone interested in building a strong support network for North Carolina’s life science and healthcare innovators.