What’s Inside: Book Your Meeting Space With Us for JPM2024; Update on Alameda Vivarium Issue; Mispro Opens Palo Alto Facility; Cytovale Secures $84M in Funding; Upcoming Community Events; and more. 

Advocacy and Public Policy

Update on Vivarium Issue at Alameda City Council 
The item “Consider Directing Staff to Draft an Ordinance Prohibiting Animal Testing and Experimentation on Property Owned or Controlled by the City of Alameda” was originally scheduled for the Alameda City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 5, but was rescheduled for early January. The city of Alameda’s economic development advisory council will meet to weigh in, and Biocom California will engage with the council to help them understand federal regulations around animal testing in drug development as well as industry efforts to encourage the FDA to modernize these regulations. 

Redwood City to Study New Tax Changes 
Redwood City councilmembers directed staff to study two new tax initiatives that could come before voters next November—changing the city’s business tax to be based on gross receipts rather than number of employees and increasing the local property transfer tax. Dozens spoke out against the study, arguing the city should cut costs instead of increasing taxes. The study will inform whether the initiatives make it to the ballot, where voters would have the final say. 

San Francisco Misses State Housing Deadline 
San Francisco missed the November 24 deadline to pass legislation to expedite housing approvals. The state is giving the city another 30 days to get the bill on track before potentially revoking its permitting authority or withholding state funds, among other actions. Supervisors’ proposed changes to Mayor London Breed’s Constraints Reduction Ordinance, which is in its fifth revision, have been holding up meeting the deadline. 

In Other News:

Capital Development and Partnering

JP Morgan Healthcare Conference – Need Meeting Space? 
Our exclusive benefit for Biocom California members is back again for the 7th year: we are offering free meeting space during the JPM Healthcare Conference. The space provides an ideal location to meet, network, collaborate, and hold valuable one-on-one partnering discussions. Meeting rooms are available to Biocom California members for 30 minutes per company per day. Members can meet with non-members, but the room must be booked by a Biocom California member. Reserve your space. 

Join Us to Kick Off JPM Healthcare Week 2024 in Style 
Hosted by AZBio, Biocom California, BioNJ, MichBio, NewYorkBIO, and Virginia Bio, the State Bio Friends Reception at The Marker Hotel on Sunday, January 7, kicks off the largest annual gathering of healthcare innovators and healthcare investors in the world. This is a private reception for members of hosted life science associations. Due to increasing popularity of this event, all guests must register to ensure admission. Space is limited and walk-ins, unfortunately, will not be allowed. If you are interested in attending please reach out to Shaye Exner.

Talent and Workforce Development

Engage with Us: Empower the Future Generation in Life Sciences  
Join us in our mission to shape the future of the life science workforce. As we gear up for our January 2024 fellowship programs, we’re calling on professionals, specifically managers and executives in life science, who embody leadership and innovation. Our programs cater to current and former military service members, and underrepresented college students/graduates and job seekers, providing exposure to diverse career opportunities in the industry. Help us spread the word and make a lasting impact. The mentor application closes December 21, 2023. Apply now.   
 
Biocom California Institute’s HR Executive Program Starts February 2024 
Embark on a transformative journey to become the next generation of HR leaders in the dynamic life science industry. This program is carefully designed to empower individuals aspiring to take on pivotal roles such as Head of HR, VP of HR, or CHRO. Elevate your executive skills through engaging sessions, gain strategic insights from accomplished experts, and build lasting professional connections. This 20-week program offers the opportunity to refine your skills in executive presence, organizational growth, finance, and more. Enroll now for a transformative experience! For further details, contact Sylwia Palczewska.

Savings and Purchasing Group

Financial Services for Lab Equipment 
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific solutions portfolio, Thermo Fisher Financial Services (TFFS) is designed for and driven by science. The TFFS team understands the importance of having access to the most advanced technological equipment and is ready to work with you on navigating and adapting quickly across the value chain to mitigate risks and help ensure your success. From discovery and development to commercialization, they’re here when you need them every step of the way. Biocom California members can take advantage of TFFS’ innovative solutions built to your unique needs, with the option to defer payments to 2024. To get started, review their credit application and explore their full list of offerings.    

OmniSync Helps Innovators Win Non-Dilutive Funding  
Through their TurboSBIR technology and human service, OmniSync enables Biocom California companies to secure millions in non-dilutive capital across the $700 billion federal grant/contract landscape and other non-dilutive capital sources. With funding deadlines looming from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and many more federal agencies, Biocom California companies are encouraged to get in touch soon to plan their funding strategy. Interested members can schedule a call with the TurboSBIR team using this link.    

A Look Into MESH’s Award-Winning DEI Initiatives  
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have stalled for many companies, according to MESH/diversity. Enthusiasm, while powerful, is not enough to drive effective and lasting change. To address this, MESH offers a unique approach that assists their clients and partners in developing workplaces where every voice resonates. Through their award-winning strategies, they’re not just embracing DEI—they’re redefining its very essence for organizations globally. Watch their short video outlining the root causes behind the stagnation of DEI efforts and book a call to learn how they can support your company’s needs.

Committees and Working Groups

Please contact us if you are interested in joining a Biocom California committee and meet the committee requirements.

December 12 |  Regulatory Affairs Committee (inquire) | Virtual
December 13 | Intellectual Property and Patent Law Committee (inquire)  | Virtual

Community and Events

January 7 – 11 | Biocom California at JPM | Bay Area

February 27 – 29 |  Biocom California’s Global Life Science Partnering & Investor Conference | San Diego