Apr 1, 2026
A Look into Q2 Key Thought Leadership Moments and Event Engagement
As we move into the second quarter of 2026, UPMC Enterprises and colleagues will participate in several industry events, with leaders contributing to conversations that span life sciences, biotechnology, clinical trial innovation, and health system and investment strategies.
These events offer meaningful opportunities to showcase UPMC Enterprises’ influence, share insights from across the UPMC system, and strengthen partnerships that advance our mission to improve care through innovation and investment.
AI Development and Deployment
Forge to Field AI Pitch Competition at Carnegie Mellon University | April 22 | Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh continues to demonstrate its strength as a thriving hub for AI development and deployment, anchored by world-class research institutions and a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. This momentum will be on full display at the Forge to Field AI Pitch Competition, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University on Wednesday, April 22, where emerging AI companies from across the nation will showcase scale‑ready sports technology innovations.
The “Shark Tank”–style competition will bring together an influential panel of judges including Jeanne Cunicelli, executive vice president of UPMC and president of UPMC Enterprises, alongside Mark Cuban, Ed Stack (DICK’S Sporting Goods), Will Allen (Magarac; former Pittsburgh Steeler), Deap Ubhi (AWS), and Troy Demmer (Gecko Robotics; First Order Fund).
Life Sciences and Biotech
Life Sciences Future SW | April 9 | Pittsburgh, PA
Nicole Ansani, PharmD, senior vice president of New Development Initiatives at UPMC Enterprises, joined a panel on “Clinical Trials – Today and Tomorrow,” discussing how to make trials more patient-centric and better engage diverse providers and patient populations.
UPMC Enterprises served as a sponsor of the event, which marks the second annual gathering of startups, industry leaders, academic institutions, health care providers, and investors across the Southwest region – all who contribute to the region’s growth in the life sciences ecosystem.
Institute for Precision Medicine Expert Panel Discussion on New Approach Methodologies | April 21 | Virtual
On Tuesday, April 21, from 10 to 11 a.m., the Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC and the Institute for Precision Medicine at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh will host a virtual expert panel discussion on “Enhancing Predictive Outcomes: New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) at the Frontline of Precision Medicine.” leading experts including Kambez Benam, D.Phil. (Oxon), ATSF, University of Pittsburgh; Christine Happel, PhD, National Institutes of Health; Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Lorna Ewart, BSc, DSc, PhD, Emulate, will discuss how NAMs, including organoids, micro‑physiological systems, organs‑on‑a‑chip, and advanced AI‑driven models are transforming precision medicine. Register here.
Longwood Healthcare Leaders MIT CEO | June 15-16 | Koch Institute at MIT
Jeanne Cunicelli, executive vice president of UPMC and president of UPMC Enterprises, will serve as a featured panelist on the “Ecosystem of External Innovation,” alongside executives from Third Rock Ventures, Ipsen, and Eisai, offering insights into building and scaling external innovation partnerships across the health care ecosystem.
BIO International Convention | June 22-25 | Cambridge, MA
UPMC Enterprises is proud to join the Pennsylvania Pavilion at BIO (Exhibit Hall #1325). Pennsylvania’s innovation ecosystem is powered by world‑class companies and institutions, including UPMC Enterprises, a top contributor to the Commonwealth’s life sciences leadership through groundbreaking research, commercialization, and investment in next‑generation health technologies. Visit us at the pavilion to experience the momentum driving Pennsylvania forward.
Clinical Trials and Data Innovation
MAGI 2026 | April 12-15 | Chicago, IL
On Monday, April 13, from 2 to 3 p.m., Soun Khounatham, MS, MBA, CCRP, senior director of New Development, participated in a panel titled “Go! When Compliance Can’t Wait — One Year, A New CTMS, 40 Hospitals: Rebuilding Your Research Compliance Program” at MAGI 2026. This discussion explored how UPMC’s partnership with Huron Consulting helped transform clinical trial research operations, achieving measurable success within one year by leveraging Coverage Analysis as a core operational driver.
UPMC Enterprises’ Kimberly Diamond, MSL, BS, BA, research specialist – coverage analyst and Tracy Nicholson, RN, BSN, research specialist – coverage analyst, were onsite to engage with attendees.
ISPOR 2026 | May 17-20 | Philadelphia, PA
ISPOR 2026 will showcase the evolving impact of Health Economics and Outcomes Research in shaping patient‑centered care, improving global health systems, and addressing challenges such as affordability, technology adoption, and health disparities.
Members from UPMC Sponsored Clinical Trials and Partnerships will be onsite throughout the event to discuss partnership opportunities and ways to accelerate impactful, patient‑focused innovation through strategic clinical trial initiatives.
Health System Evolution and Strategy
Healthcare | rpm26 | April 14-15 | Nashville, TN
Brendan Harris, president, UPMC for You and State Programs, joined Jeff Soffen, CEO of Spark Pediatrics, a UPMC Enterprises portfolio company, to speak on “Medicaid: Cause and Effect,” offering insight into how innovative care models and payer‑provider collaboration can shape the future of Medicaid services.
Becker’s Annual Meeting | April 13-16 | Chicago, IL
UPMC leaders and UPMC Enterprises portfolio companies played an active role throughout the 16th Becker’s Annual Meeting.
On Monday, April 13, from 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Rob Bart, MD, chief medical information officer, UPMC, participated in the Shadow AI: Governing the Unseen With Evidence and Expertise panel.
On Tuesday, April 14, from 10:30 to 11:10 a.m. Kimberly Cantees, MD, MBA, vice chair for Community Engagement and Inclusion and chief anesthesiologist at UPMC Presbyterian, spoke on the Fostering a Supportive Environment for Women in Healthcare panel.
On Monday, April 13, from 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Alyssa Stauffacher, director of Clinical Success – Nursing, Abridge, took part in the “Next-Gen Nursing Innovations to Elevate Care and Engagement” session.
Several UPMC Enterprises portfolio companies, including Abridge, Butterfly Network, Parachute Health, Penguin Ai, and RAAPID, also served as sponsors and exhibitors at the meeting:
- Abridge – Grand Ballroom 7 and 8
- Butterfly Network – #541 Riverside Exhibit Hall
- Parachute – Grand Ballroom 3 and 122 Riverside Exhibit Hall
- Penguin Ai – 711 Riverside Exhibit Hall
- RAAPID – 644 Riverside Exhibit Hall
Health Equity Innovators Summit, by Coyote Ventures | April 15-16 | San Francisco, CA
Kathryn Heffernan, senior director of Strategic Product Management at UPMC Enterprises, spoke at the Summit, highlighting UPMC Enterprises’ ongoing commitment to advancing investment and innovation in women’s health.
Convergence Forum | May 7 |Chatham, MA
Ketki Karanam, vice president of Ventures at UPMC Enterprises, will be attending the Convergence Forum, a key industry event connecting leaders across biotech, pharma, healthcare, devices, and tech to explore emerging opportunities and challenges.
26th Annual Not-for-Profit Healthcare Investor Conference | May 19 | New York, NY
Fabian Tenenbaum, executive vice president and chief venture officer of UPMC Enterprises, will join the panel “Can Health Systems Incubate Companies,” in which panelists will discuss how not‑for‑profit health systems can successfully incubate new companies, including the strategic rationale, governance and capital considerations, and the implications for innovation, risk, and long‑term value creation.
UPMC Enterprises has a financial interest in Abridge, Butterfly Network, Parachute Health, Penguin Ai, Spark Pediatrics, and RAAPID.
