Maryland Tech Council Announces NIH Director, Former FDA Leaders, and Bad Blood Author to Headline Bio Innovation Conference

Conference will explore the evolving life sciences landscape, from NIH priorities and FDA regulation to innovation and investment

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Institutes of Health Director Jayanta “Jay” Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., former Food & Drug Administration leaders Julie Tierney and Tala Fakhouri Ph.D. M.P.H., and investigative journalist and Bad Blood author John Carreyrou will serve as keynote speakers at the Maryland Tech Council’s Bio Innovation Conference on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Attendees will gain insights from national and industry leaders on the issues shaping the future of life sciences, including the evolving FDA regulatory environment, the future of biomedical research, and the challenges of bringing therapies to patients at scale. Featured speakers and panels will also explore breakthrough platforms in biotech, global development and commercialization, and the forces influencing innovation, investment, and growth across the industry.

Held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, the conference convenes the region’s top industry leaders, investors, researchers, and startups for a daylong exploration of the life sciences industry.

Dr. Bhattacharya will share his insights from leading the nation’s flagship medical research agency since April 2025 and shed light on the agency’s research and public health priorities. A renowned doctor, researcher, and health economist, Dr. Bhattacharya previously held a tenured professorship at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Julie Tierney and Dr. Fakhouri will provide a direct look at what FDA reviewers and decision-makers need from sponsors, why seemingly strong programs can lose momentum, and how companies can engage the agency more strategically.

Tierney previously served as FDA Chief of Staff and deputy director of the agency’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Fakhouri held leadership roles within the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research focused on artificial intelligence, data science, real-world evidence, digital health, and regulatory policy.

John Carreyrou, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, will bring a different perspective on innovation and accountability in the life sciences industry. His bestselling book, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, chronicled the rise and collapse of Theranos and was named the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year.

“We are privileged to welcome such an accomplished group of leaders to this year’s Bio Innovation Conference,” said Kelly Schulz, Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Tech Council. “Our attendees will hear firsthand from leaders who have shaped the national biomedical research and innovation agenda, as well as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who documented one the most groundbreaking business stories of the century. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of where the life sciences industry is headed, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and what those changes mean for their companies.”

Register for the conference at www.mdtechcouncil.com/bio-innovation-conference. Conference registration includes a copy of Bad Blood, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet John Carreyrou and have their book signed during the conference.

About the Maryland Tech Council

The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) is a collaborative community that is actively engaged in building strong technology and life science industries by supporting the efforts of our individual members. We are the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state of Maryland, and we provide value by giving members a forum to learn, share, and connect. MTC brings the region’s community together into a single, united organization that empowers our members to achieve their business goals through advocacy, networking, and education. The vision for the Maryland Tech Council is to propel Maryland to become the number one innovation economy for life sciences and technology in the country. Follow us at mdtechcouncil.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.