Second Biotech Connections Showcases Deep AI Expertise in Montgomery County  

On November 6, the second “Biotech Connections: Exploring AI, LLMs, and Medical Imaging Innovations in Montgomery County, Maryland” event brought together early-stage life sciences companies to the University of Maryland’s Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). The event delved into the cutting-edge applications of AI and advanced computing in life sciences. Scientists, University of Maryland faculty, and innovation leaders discussed emerging opportunities, challenges, and breakthroughs in the field. 

During the event, attendees heard from two expert panels that explored the latest advancements and applications of AI in life sciences. The first panel, “Advances in Medical Imaging: Opportunities and Challenges,” which was moderated by UM-IHC Co-Director Adam Porter, dove into the state-of-the-art in medical imaging technologies and their applications in diagnostics, treatment planning, and biomedical research. Panelists, including President of Weinberg Medical Physics, Inc. and Founder & CEO of Cerevia Neurosciences Irving Weinberg, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Pediametrix, Inc. Reza Seifabadi, Professor of Otorhinolaryngology/University of Maryland School of Medicine/UM-IHC Amal Isaiah, and UM-IHC Professor Emeritus, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland/Institute for Health Computing Joseph JaJa, discussed technical innovations, current hurdles, and future directions, highlighting how new imaging approaches are shaping the future of healthcare. 

The second panel moderated by the UM-IHC’s Center for Population Health Associate Professor of Medicine and Director Dr. Rozalina McCoy, explored how LLMs are transforming biotech research and innovation. During “Unlocking the Potential of Large Language Models (LLMs),” panelists including Josh Kim, Chief Technology Officer at Sotirion; Sarah Iranpour, Founder of Person Clinic, Inc. and of Technology Digest, Inc.; and Katherine Goodman, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Core Faculty at the UM-IHC Center for Real World Evidence, covered current applications, ongoing challenges, and emerging opportunities in using AI-driven language models to accelerate scientific discovery and operational efficiency. 

Montgomery County is home to more than 350 life sciences companies and a robust start-up ecosystem that fuels innovation and collaboration. Through its four Business Innovation Centers, and various privately-owned accelerators and incubators, the County provides entrepreneurs with access to vital resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that help early-stage ventures thrive. Events like Biotech Connections further strengthen this supportive environment by bringing together startups, researchers, investors, and partners to share insights, form connections, and accelerate growth. With its deep talent pool, strategic location, and commitment to fostering innovation, Montgomery County continues to be a premier destination for life sciences companies looking to grow and scale.