The BioTech Initiative, a new Baton Rouge business incubator, has launched out of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC). In partnership with the LSU Louisiana Business and Technology Center (LBTC), the Pennington incubator will concentrate on businesses that are focused on medical devices, software and technologies.
“We are excited about bringing our 25 year success in business incubation and entrepreneurial assistance to the Pennington BioTech Initiative,” said Charles D’Agostino, LBTC executive director. “With the Pennington expertise and facilities linked with the LBTC’s business counselors, we are able to assist companies in medical software, medical devices and life science technology to develop vibrant businesses that are creating high paying jobs in the life sciences cluster.”
PBRC provides space for the tenant companies, plus access to equipment, patients and research expertise, although not all of the companies working out of the space will be using lab space.
“We are very excited about this initiative, as given the goals, it allows Pennington Biomedical to link its expertise with startup companies whose focus is clearly aligned with our research,” said Dr. William Cefalu, PBRC executive director. “LBTC provides the entrepreneurial know-how and Pennington Biomedical provides access to world-renown research and expertise, creating a great environment for these new companies.”
The 8,000 square-foot space can hold up to eight tenants. The four current tenants are Cardio Fortress, ComplyRx, inforMD Solutions, and Next Generation Fitness & Research Labs LLC. Below is more information about each, as provided by LSU:
Cardio Fortress
Cardio Fortress was conceived in 2009 by Kevin A. Courville, MD, FACC, a cardiologist focused on improving the care for patients with congestive heart failure. Over the course of four years working with software entrepreneur Randy Gray, they have perfected the balance of clinical expertise and information technology, improving the lives of heart failure patients with their software application HF Defender.
“Our mission is to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from congestive heart failure and lower costly hospital readmissions, through specialized care and state of the art technology,” said Gray, president and co-founder of Cardio Fortress.
ComplyRx
ComplyRx provides software solutions addressing healthcare cost concerns facing employers, providers and insurers. The company leverages web-based tools and modern mobility to help employers connect with employees in entirely new ways.
“ComplyRx deeply appreciates its affiliation with the Pennington BioTech Initiative. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to align ourselves with such a prestigious organization,” said Richard Duhe, founding partner and CEO.
inforMD Solutions
inforMD Solutions provides ancillary platforms that enhance revenue cycle management for physicians while improving patient outcomes.
“As a healthcare startup based in Baton Rouge, there could be no greater partners than LSU LBTC and Pennington Biomedical. This opportunity allows for companies like ours to have access to tremendous resources from globally recognized entities while being headquartered in Pennington’s state-of-the-art facility.” said Rick Massengale, president/COO of inforMD Solutions.
Next Generation Fitness & Research Labs LLC
Next Generation Fitness & Research Labs LLC is a 100 percent veteran-owned small business that specializes in combat conditioning, tactical physical fitness, corporate wellness programs and personal training.
“NextGenFit specializes in tactical conditioning, corporate wellness programs and exercise physiology research. Our past clients have included United States Marines, Louisiana National Guardsmen and Northwestern Mutual,” said Canaan Heard, owner of Next Generation Fitness & Research Labs LLC.