Bi-weekly updates, events, member highlights, and resources from Portal Innovations.
Portal Innovations

Portal’s Bi-Weekly Buzz

The Hive’s Got News

Stay informed with the latest updates from Portal Innovations, including community news, upcoming events, member achievements, and practical resources for the growing life sciences ecosystem.

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Stargaze Network Terminal

Discussion Topics

ASCO’s Most Exclusive Invite: Will Your Startup Be Part of Astellas’ 2026 Cohort?

[Insert a short summary of the opportunity here. Keep this section to one or two sentences for readability.]

Read More on the Terminal

Is Your Innovation the Answer to the CMS TEAM Model? HMH Wants to Partner with You.

[Insert a short summary here. This section is ideal for highlighting strategic partnership opportunities and innovation-focused announcements.]

Read More on the Terminal

Upcoming Events

The April Edit: Portal Pottery Night

Join us for an evening of community and creativity at Portal Pottery Night. We look forward to gathering together for a memorable event designed to strengthen our thriving community.

Sponsor Spotlight: Thank you to Cencora, World Courier. World Courier is a premier global specialty logistics provider specializing in temperature-controlled transport.

Learn More

Deep Thoughts & Ocean Vibes: Tea Talk with Dennis Echevarria-Cooper

Wednesday, April 29 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Portal Town Hall | Livestream Available

Dennis Echevarria-Cooper, Senior Associate Director of New Program Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Chicago Biomedical Consortium, will share insights shaped by both biotech leadership and deep-sea exploration.

Tune Into the Livestream

Nature’s Pharmacy: Tea Talk with Chase Clark

Wednesday, May 6 | 10:00–11:00 AM
Portal Town Hall | Livestream Available

Join us for a thoughtful discussion with Chase M. Clark, Ph.D., Founder and Principal Investigator of EvoQuant LLC, on biodiversity, discovery, and the intersection of ancient biological systems with advanced artificial intelligence.

Tune Into the Livestream

Bluefors Lab Chicago Opening

The Bluefors Lab at Hyde Park Labs is now operational, and we are pleased to celebrate this milestone. Join us for a panel discussion and reception marking this exciting step forward in the growing life sciences ecosystem.

RSVPs close on April 30.

RSVP Here

2026 Annual ASCO Reception

Portal’s signature ASCO engagement is approaching. Join Astellas Pharma and Portal for an evening of discussion, networking, and shared perspectives during the 2026 ASCO conference in Chicago.

Register Here

Ecosystem Briefing

Help Shape Our Spring SBIR Workshop

We are planning an SBIR-focused workshop this spring and would like to gather member questions in advance so the session can be as targeted and valuable as possible.

  • What would you like answered live?
  • If you could receive feedback on one item, what would it be?
Submit Your Answers

Spotted on Bloomberg: John Flavin Spotlights CrossBridge Bio

Portal CEO John Flavin was recently featured on Bloomberg discussing CrossBridge Bio, its acquisition by Eli Lilly and Company, and broader momentum across life sciences and oncology research.

Watch the Full Segment

Member Achievement: Nans Rivat and the Premiere of For Gustave

We are pleased to recognize Nans Rivat, VP at PACE Healthcare Capital, for performing in the world premiere of For Gustave, a new drama exploring the life of French Impressionist Gustave Caillebotte.

Get Tickets

Spotted on WGN: Ritu Shah, CEO of ClostraBio

Ritu Shah, CEO of ClostraBio, recently appeared on WGN-TV’s Daytime Chicago to discuss CLB101 and the company’s work to improve health outcomes for millions.

Watch the Full Segment

Resource Roundup

Advance Your In Vivo Studies with Satellite CRADL Vivaria

Members have access to Satellite CRADL vivarium space and in vivo study services operated by Charles River. These resources support researchers and biotech teams seeking flexible, high-quality study environments.

  • Comprehensive care, including animal model ordering and veterinary oversight
  • Flexible commitments starting with as few as eight cages
  • Direct access to rooms, animals, and studies
  • Seamless study management and modification support

Learn More

Contact the CRADL Team

Travel Smarter with Portal Pass

Interested in learning more about Portal Pass? Submit a request to get started.

Submit a Request

Vendor Visits

Fisher Scientific Representative: Jadranka Simic-Frye

Contact: jadranka.simic-frye@thermofisher.com
Office Hours: Every other Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the Portal office

Additional Contacts

Perkins Coie
Patent/IP
Antonia Lee
AntoniaLee@perkinscoie.com
312.324.8643

Crowe
View their one-pager
Contact Ron Melling

MBHB
View their one-pager


Operations & Support

IT and Operations Contacts

IT, printer, and conference room issues: it@portalinnovations.com
Operational questions: chioperations@portalinnovations.com

Shuttle User Guide

If you use the shuttle or would like more information, review the shuttle guide below.

View the Shuttle Guide

Boost Your Biotech Breakthroughs

If you have upcoming announcements, fundraising news, press releases, or company milestones, we would like to hear from you so we can help amplify them across Portal’s channels.

Questions? Contact Nick Pennebaker at nick.pennebaker@portalinnovations.com

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Feedback

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Lab Matters Form

Portal Innovations

Where Life Sciences Innovation Thrives

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