Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine awards $2.5 million in grants to area companies
The Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine (PTRME), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), has awarded six regional companies $2.5 million in grants as part of its inaugural Ecosystem Building Grant program.
Regenerative medicine aims to repair or replace damaged cells, tissues and organs using technologies like stem cells, tissue engineering, gene editing and biomaterials to stimulate natural healing or create functional replacements.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, part of Wake Forest University, leads the PTRME in collaboration with Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Forsyth Technical Community College. The Institute is a global leader in regenerative medicine, advancing clinical therapies, pioneering tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting, and transforming patient care.
The PTRME aims to drive economic growth in a 16-county region of central North Carolina by advancing research, fostering technology development, and providing workforce training. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center and its Piedmont Triad regional office are partners in the PTRME and have provided loans and grants to several grant awardees.
"The PTRME is a vital catalyst for economic growth in central North Carolina, advancing cutting-edge research and fostering innovation in regenerative medicine,” said Nancy Johnston, executive director of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s Piedmont Triad Office. “As a partner, we are supporting the development of groundbreaking technologies and a skilled workforce that will drive our state’s leadership in this transformative industry."
Supporting regenerative medicine
The Ecosystem Building Grants will support the commercialization of regenerative medicine products, drive technological advancements, boost the local economy, and enhance global competitiveness by addressing challenges like organ preservation and new tissue engineering strategies.
“These grants represent more than funding — they are a bold statement about the Piedmont Triad’s role at the forefront of regenerative medicine,” said Tim Bertram, CEO of PTRME. “By investing in these pioneering companies, we are not only accelerating scientific breakthroughs but also fueling economic growth, creating jobs and reinforcing the region’s position as a leader in advancing manufacturing scalability, supply chain operations and quality standards of regenerative technologies.”
The six companies receiving Ecosystem Building Grants are:
Biorg Inc. is developing immune-competent tumor organoids that can be used to test drugs before they are used for oncology treatments. Its project aims to advance organoid biomanufacturing in the Piedmont Triad region, translating research into commercial products. This will help enhance the field of oncology while showcasing the region’s expanding expertise in regenerative medicine. The company received a $250,000 Small Business Research Loan from NCBiotech in 2017.
Brinter Inc. is focused on manufacturing high-strength, regenerative orthobiologic implants designed to repair tendons. These implants are made from advanced materials that promote regeneration of damaged tendons, which are crucial for mobility. The company’s technology aims to improve the regenerative process by providing stronger, more effective implants that help tendons recover faster and more fully. Brinter received a $4,000 Industrial Internship Program grant from NCBiotech earlier in 2024.
BMI OrganBank’s project aims to commercialize organ banking technology, which could revolutionize organ transplantation. The company plans to address two key barriers to bringing regenerative medicine into the clinic: transporting living organs and tissue from the manufacturing site and confirming viability before implantation. With over 100,000 people on U.S. transplant waiting lists, this technology could greatly improve the organ transplant process. In 2023, the company received a $250,000 Small Business Research Loan from NCBiotech.
BioSpherix LLC is using the funding to establish the BioSpherix Center for Cytocentric Technology at PTRME in Winston-Salem, which will accelerate the translation of cell-based technologies in the region. The center will leverage the company’s Xvivo System, which offers a more efficient approach to cell culture and simplifies training. Thus, new workers will be able to contribute quickly to this growing field.
Humabiologics LLC’s project introduces human collagen as a new class of biomaterials, leveraging its unique properties to enhance outcomes in regenerative applications. By improving the effectiveness of various biomanufacturing processes, the company aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in regenerative therapies and tissue engineering.
FetTech LLC is developing a gel that helps tissues work together and regenerate more effectively. Advancing this technology will help speed up the development of solutions for complex challenges of repairing damaged tissues. This work could help make regenerative technologies more accessible, effective and scalable.
Building a regenerative medicine ecosystem
PTRME’s Ecosystem Building Grant program is the first step of the engine’s investment in the Piedmont Triad region. The grant program sets the stage for a thriving, sustainable regional economy driven by cutting-edge science and transformative opportunities.
“These initiatives represent a strategic investment in the economic future of the Piedmont Triad region,” said Jesse Thornberg, COO of PTRME. “By supporting these high-potential companies, we are driving economic diversification, attracting additional investment and laying the groundwork for sustained financial growth. Our engine is designed to create high-value jobs, boost regional competitiveness and position the Piedmont Triad as a hub for innovation that delivers tangible returns for the community, and we’re just getting started.”