HiveBio Receives $250,000 Grant from Knight Foundation to Support Underrepresented Life Sciences Entrepreneurs
- Meredith Martindale
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Philadelphia, PA – HiveBio, a first-of-its-kind accelerator for life sciences entrepreneurs, has received a $250,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to support HiveBio’s inaugural cohort of underrepresented founders in life sciences based in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The program aims to foster innovation and inclusion in the life sciences, providing participants with executive mentoring, tailored curriculum development, peer-to-peer networking, and assistance securing federal grants and venture funding. HiveBio aims to address systemic barriers in the industry and empower entrepreneurs to scale their startups, secure funding, and create lasting impact.
“This funding from Knight Foundation enables us to create a best-in-class, hybrid accelerator program that addresses the unique challenges underrepresented life sciences entrepreneurs face. With this support, we aim to build a scalable model that not only fosters success in Philadelphia but can also serve as a template for similar initiatives nationwide,” says Dr. Tia Lyles-Williams, HiveBio’s Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.Dr. Lyles-Williams started HiveBio following a successful career as a life sciences executive and a trailblazer in the biotechnology industry. She made history as the first African-American woman to own and lead a biotechnology manufacturing company and has worked with major institutions like NIH, GlaxoSmithKline, and Amgen. Dr. Lyles-Williams is a 2021 Forbes NEXT Honoree and a member of Inc. Magazine's Female Founders 100.
“This grant reflects Knight Foundation’s dedication to amplifying diverse voices while driving economic growth in fields that shape our collective future. HiveBio is breaking down barriers to entry in the life sciences, empowering underrepresented founders to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality. We are proud to support this groundbreaking initiative in Philadelphia and its potential to inspire change far beyond,” shares John Churchill, Knight Foundation’s Philadelphia Program Director.
Applications for HiveBio’s inaugural cohort are now open and will close on February 16, 2025. The program, a collaboration between WorldUpstart Impacts, LaunchBio, and HelaPlex, leverages expertise in entrepreneurship, programming, and life sciences. HiveBio is a catalyst for breaking down barriers in the life sciences industry, empowering underrepresented founders to flourish while fostering local and global representation.
To apply for the accelerator, visit hivebio.io/apply
About HiveBio
HiveBio is a life sciences accelerator committed to bridging the gap for underrepresented founders. Through tailored programs and expert mentorship, HiveBio provides the tools and resources entrepreneurs need to thrive in a competitive industry. Founded by HelaPlex, WorldUpstart Impacts, and LaunchBio, HiveBio brings together industry expertise and innovative approaches to foster diversity and inclusion in life sciences.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
We are social investors who support democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once had newspapers. Learn more at kf.org and follow @knightfdn on social media.
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Meredith Martindale
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