Flinn Foundation

Improving the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.

Bioscience

Building Arizona as a global center for research and commercialization in the biosciences.

icon
The long-term strategic plan to guide Arizona biosciences through 2025.
icon
Learn about the path for Arizona to become globally competitive and a national leader.
icon
Review the latest progress report featuring Arizona bioscience data and developments.
icon
The latest data released in April 2024 highlights the performance of Arizona's growing bioscience sector.
icon
A group of about 125 leaders guiding and pursuing the goals of Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap.
icon
Offering ecosystem resources and a searchable database with a map of more than 1,200 firms and organizations.
icon
The Flinn program provides $30,000 in funding to six firms each year.
icon
The Flinn program awards research teams with $100,000 grants each year. Apply by Sept. 26.
icon
Read about the latest developments in the biosciences across Arizona.

Connect with Flinn Bioscience: Stay up to date.


Bioscience

Bioscience in Arizona

The Flinn Foundation supports the biosciences in Arizona through research and entrepreneurship grants as well as stewardship of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, guiding the growth and development of the state’s bioscience sector through 2025.

The Roadmap’s tagline, “Advancing the Biosciences and Improving Health Outcomes” recognizes the broad spectrum of the biosciences, including research, academia, and product commercialization, as well as the central role of health care within the bioscience sector.

The biosciences improve our world by developing treatments for health afflictions with safer and more affordable medicines, creating diagnostics that gauge and prevent illness, and strengthening our food supply. In addition, the biosciences strengthen and diversify our economy by creating cutting-edge companies and high-paying jobs.


Bioscience

Flinn launches RFP for seed grants program. Apply by Sept. 26

The Flinn Foundation Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research Program opened its application Aug. 1 for a new round of research grants. The deadline to apply is Sept. 26.

The program funds about 10 research teams each year affiliated with an Arizona university, research institution, or health-care system that are advancing new products or services addressing significant clinical needs. Program awardees each receive a $100,000 grant over 18 months, plus programmatic benefits. At the end of the grant period, up to two of the most successful projects may receive up to an additional $100,000 over the following year. [Apply]


Bioscience

Sampath Rangasamy’s personal journey leading to improved diabetes treatment

Sampath Rangasamy was just a child when he was taken by his father past the rice fields and palm trees of his rural South India farming village to a nearby medical clinic. He had been losing weight, was seriously ill and needed immediate care. Once he was stabilized, he learned that his daily life would never be the same.

Rangasamy was told by his doctor there would not be a quick cure for his Type 1 diabetes. Today, the Flinn seed grant awardee not only successfully manages his condition, but is developing a smartphone application to support others in the same situation. [Read more]


Bioscience

Joanna Yang Yowler named new Flinn bioscience program manager

Joanna Yang Yowler, Ph.D., joined the Flinn Foundation in August as program manager, translational biosciences and entrepreneurship. Yang Yowler will support the translational research seed grants and bioscience entrepreneurship programs and be present in the community to help foster Arizona’s bioscience ecosystem.

Before joining Flinn, Yang Yowler developed community-based research partnerships in health and education at Mayo Clinic in partnership with InSciEd Out Foundation. After leaving Mayo, she directed the Tenderloin Science Project for R&D Impact Foundation in San Francisco. Joanna earned her doctorate in biomedical sciences from Mayo Clinic’s Clinical and Translational Sciences program. As a Flinn Scholar, she graduated with a bachelor’s in biological sciences from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. [Read bio]


Bioscience

Three bioscience growth areas identified in Flinn Foundation-sponsored study

A new study of the Phoenix area’s bioscience ecosystem has identified three areas poised for rapid growth and global impact at the Phoenix Bioscience Core and in surrounding regional hubs of research and innovation.

The report, “Leveraging the Phoenix Region’s Bioscience Assets for Sustained Economic Growth,” identifies how precision oncology/medicine; digital health, weartech, and medtech; and translational neurosciences can grow the state’s bioscience and biomedical industry through partnerships between industry, clinical care, and academic research and development. [Read more]


Bioscience

New Arizona bioscience data shows sustained growth, new records

The growth in Arizona’s bioscience ecosystem continues with new record highs in bioscience jobs and wages, National Institutes of Health funding, university research and development, and certain measures of university technology-transfer—plus an increase in venture capital funding.

The Flinn Foundation hosted its annual Bioscience Progress Report event in April. TEConomy Partners presented the latest performance metrics while a panel discussed the rapid growth of medtech in Arizona. The Progress Report brochure, the most recent data on key metrics, a recording of the event, and more information about Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap are all now available. [Learn more]


News and Updates

Bioscience

Arizona Bioscience News: Brooks Rehabilitation hospital; New Banner Health president; ASU InvestU event

$70 million physical rehabilitation hospital coming to Mayo Clinic area / Arizona Republic
|
Brooks Rehabilitation announced plans for a $70 million clinic to treat patients with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries and other complex conditions near the Mayo Clinic at 64th Street and Mayo Boulevard, continuing a trend of biomedical companies opening their doors in the Valley.

Bioscience

Sampath Rangasamy’s personal journey leading to improved diabetes treatment

TGen researcher and Flinn seed grants awardee creates app to guide injection of insulin By Brian PowellFlinn Foundation Sampath Rangasamy was just a child when he was taken by his father past the rice fields and palm trees of his rural South India farming village to a nearby medical clinic. He had been losing weight, […]

Bioscience

Arizona Bioscience News: U of A president salary; Journey Venture Studio; Ivy Brian Center clinical trial; Tech Launch Arizona sets record

Regents approve new U of A president’s salary, contract / Arizona Daily Star
|
Suresh Garimella has formally been appointed to serve as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona, with an annual base salary of $810,000. He will begin his tenure on Oct. 1.

Bioscience

Arizona Bioscience News: COVID-19 and dementia; Fall Tech Talent Summit; C-Path awarded $250K

A groundbreaking study aims to determine if long COVID-19 could lead to another type of dementia / KJZZ |

Barrow Neurological Institute is launching a new study to determine the impacts of long COVID-19 on neurological function and if the disease could lead to another, new type of dementia.