Upstate Medical University names Durdon director of the CNY Biotech Accelerator

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University has named Kathi Durdon executive director of the CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC).

The CNYBAC is located at 841 E. Fayette St. in Syracuse, and is owned and operated by Upstate Medical University.

The executive director position is new, Darryl Geddes, director of public and media relations at Upstate Medical University, tells BJNN in an email.

As executive director, Durdon will “strengthen” economic-development partnerships to promote opportunities for Upstate researchers, graduates and clients housed at CNYBAC, and the “innovation community dedicated to making an impact in the CNY region,” according to an Upstate Medical news release.

Durdon has served as director of operations of the CNYBAC since 2016. She previously served as manager of clinical operations at Welch Allyn between 2005 and 2015 and as director of clinical trials at Upstate Medical between 1999 and 2005.

Durdon has led efforts in developing streamlined operations and supportive infrastructure, Upstate Medical said. She also led marketing strategies that have resulted in “full occupancy” at the CNYBAC.

Others occupying additional space at the facility include biotech clients working on commercialization efforts; Upstate Medical’s department of pathology molecular genetics lab; and a research team of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry working with growth chambers to develop blight-resistance chestnut trees.

Durdon’s work was also instrumental in CNYBAC’s status as a certified business incubator through Empire State Development, Upstate Medical noted.

To “enhance the capabilities” of CNYBAC, Durdon created a competitive annual grant-funded Medical Device Innovation Challenge that has now graduated 10 early stage startup companies.

CNYBAC clients have access to Upstate Medical University clinical and basic science experts; graduate student interns (at a 50 percent reduced rate); and research facilities and equipment with technical assistance. CNYBAC also offers virtual occupancy for those companies that don’t need to reside physically in the incubator space but would like access to expert partnerships, webcast events, and mentorship.

The CNYBAC was established in late 2012 through a joint project between Upstate Medical University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com