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Kendall Square Association enables the future by connecting the people changing the world.
In the fall of 2008, a group of Cambridge leaders realized that Kendall had rapidly evolved into something extraordinary and that it was important to think about its future in a more deliberate way. Located next to MIT and surrounded by life sciences and information technology companies, as well as many research institutions, Kendall was already an epicenter for innovation. What was also needed was a greater ability for people to connect and exchange ideas and the creation of equally vibrant and compelling activity at the street level in Kendall.
The KSA was launched at a meeting for leaders in the Kendall community to discuss this innovation ecosystem’s unique characteristics. More than 100 people offered ideas about how to improve, promote, and protect Kendall Square. That input resulted in the establishment of the KSA, which had its first Annual Meeting in March 2009. The mission has always been to build partnerships, host events, advocate for public policy issues, and tell Kendall’s story of transformation from an industrial center to a global innovation hub.
A special opportunity to watch the film "Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution" followed by a panel discussion with Phillip A. Sharp, Institute Professor and Professor of Biology, Emeritus, and Nobel laureate, Susan Hockfield, MIT President Emerita and Professor of Neuroscience, and Bill Haney, Filmmaker, moderated by Amy Brand, Director and Publisher, The MIT Press on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Welcome Center, 292 Main Street (Building E38).
The film is a must-see for anyone interested in life science, innovation, and inspiring true story of Phil Sharp's journey from to becoming a Nobel prize winning scientist who transformed biology and helped launch the biotech revolution and life-saving treatment. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZhP72WJ
So What?
Why now?
& What do you want?
May sound blunt, but those are the questions our panel of investors ask when they get that initial pitch and are deciding whether they want a second meeting...
Collaboration between academia and industry yields life-saving treatments for patients. Congratulations to Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard + Bayer on the FDA approval of this lung cancer medicine.
The US FDA has approved the first cancer drug based on discoveries from Broad Institute scientists. This drug was developed by Bayer | Pharmaceuticals in close collaboration with the Broad, and is the first FDA-approved medicine from the long-standing Broad-Bayer oncology research alliance. The new drug is a pill approved for adult patients with lung cancer who have certain HER2 mutations in their tumors, who previously had few treatment options. This FDA approval is an important milestone for the Broad Institute, demonstrating that research by academic scientists and close collaborations with industry can lead to benefits for patients.
🔗: https://lnkd.in/epHuthseDana-Farber Cancer Institute#BroadInstitute#CancerResearch#LungCancer
MilliporeSigma hosted an outstanding Innovation Summit. Kicking off with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Karen Madden and her team curated a great day of panels on breakthroughs, partnerships, ecosystem innovation, collaboration, and precision medicine. Thanks for inspiring, and sparking collaboration! #SharedScience#SharedFuture. Shoutout to Kendall panelists Fiona Mack, Uli Stilz, and Lyndsey Rissin.
The United States has forged a unique formula for scientific leadership, combining a rich research culture with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit to deliver inventions that transformed society and the economy. At the heart of that formula is the ARPA model.
ARPA programs begin with a single transformative idea. From there, it’s the Program Manager/Director who sets the vision, defines the workstreams, assembles the “solver” teams, and ultimately drives outcomes capable of changing the game.
But where do we find and train PM/PD talent with the ability to do all of that -exceptionally? When I reflect on the outstanding ARPA-H Program Managers I had the privilege to hire, a common sentiment was: “That was the most rigorous, comprehensive, and rewarding application I've ever experienced" (followed by "best job I ever had!" #impact#uplift). It requires a coordinated effort across mission office directors, subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and peers to rigorously challenge, strengthen, and elevate both the PM/PD and the program vision before it’s ready for launch.
For the first time, Renaissance Philanthropy is bringing the BiTS (Big if True Science) Accelerator to the Americas, assembling an incredible team of leaders (Jean-Paul ChretienJoshua Elliott) and mentors to help BiTS Fellows do exactly that. If you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes, wanted a dedicated space to sharpen your concept and vision, or hoped to “test-drive” the ARPA experience before making the leap, this is your opportunity.
Details below—early-bird applications are due December 22. For a flavor of what's in store, take a peek at the online application that helps pressure-test not just the big idea, but critically, how you'll implement it!
https://lnkd.in/exQ7xxTN
cc Coefficient Giving
Do you aspire to be an ARPA Program Director, found a Focused Research Organization, lead a thesis-driven philanthropic fund, or tackle a problem in your field that requires resources beyond the scale of a single lab or company?
Then apply to BiTS!
The Big If True Science Accelerator (BiTS) is designed to guide aspiring R&D leaders from a high-level idea to a solid program design in 15 weeks, with the chance to pitch a program to funders at government agencies and a range of philanthropic partners. Our third cohort will focus on participants in the Americas, after two successful cohorts in partnership with ARIA in the UK and SPRIND in Germany.
BiTS is run by experienced program leaders Joshua Elliott and Jean-Paul Chretien at Renaissance Philanthropy, with support from Coefficient Giving (fka Open Philanthropy).
Applications are now open. Apply here https://lnkd.in/depivkBJ by January 19 (early-bird deadline December 22) and learn more at the link in comments.
Only at the Broad could something this visionary and ambitious come to life. It’s hard to overstate just how exciting and inspiring this moment is. Congrats to Pardis Sabeti and her team.
