Biotech cohort led by MassBio targets precision therapeutics in immunology, cardiovascular disease, oncology, and neuroscience
Biomarkers and diagnostics cohort led by SCbio features AI-enabled tools redefining earlier detection, patient stratification, and treatment decisions
CAMBRIDGE, MA andCHARLESTON, SC (March 31, 2026) — MassBio, in collaboration with SCbio, today announced the 11 companies selected for the Spring 2026 cohorts of Drive, a national accelerator designed to propel breakthrough science while equipping scientific founders with the tools for long-term success. As part of Drive’s ongoing expanded national strategy, two parallel cohorts will launch this spring: a biotech cohort powered by MassBio and a biomarkers and diagnostics cohort powered by SCbio. The biotech cohort features startups developing precision therapeutics in immunology, cardiovascular disease, oncology, and neuroscience, while the biomarkers and diagnostics cohort features companies building AI-enabled tools to redefine earlier cancer detection, patient stratification, and treatment decisions.
“The science in this cohort reflects where drug development is headed: next-generation biologics, RNA medicines, precision-targeted ADCs, and a renewed focus on cardiovascular disease that the field has too long underinvested in. Even as the funding environment remains challenging, we’re seeing founders push the modality frontier in ways that could fundamentally change how we treat some of the most complex diseases,” said Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, CEO & President of MassBio. “Drive exists to make sure the best science has a fighting chance.”
“South Carolina is no longer an emerging life sciences market — we’re an essential part of the national innovation pipeline,” said James Chappell, Ph.D., President and CEO of SCbio. “Drive will give this cohort of diagnostic and biomarker companies the chance to experience the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships that South Carolina offers to accelerate real-world impact.”
Biotech Cohort (MassBio)
| Company Name | Location | Therapeutic Area(s) |
| Enexa Bio | Boston, MA | Immunology and inflammation |
| Harmonia Therapeutics | Boston, MA | Biologics | Oncology and immuno-oncology | Platform |
| Laurel Biotherapeutics | Woburn, MA | Biologics | Cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and metabolic | Immunology and inflammation |
| Othelium Therapeutics | Cambridge, MA | Biologics | Cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and metabolic | Immunology and inflammation |
| Tinker Therapeutics | Miami, FL | Cell and gene therapy | Neuroscience | Platform |
Biomarkers and Diagnostics Cohort (SCbio)
| Company Name | Location | Therapeutic Area(s) | Technology/Approach |
| Dxcover | Franklin, TN & Glasgow, UK | Neuroscience | Oncology and immuno-oncology | AI, Infrared Spectroscopy, Liquid Biopsy, Multiomic Analysis |
| General Prognostics Inc. | Boston, MA | Cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and metabolic | AI, Digital Biomarkers, Wearables |
| GT Biosciences, Inc. | Cambridge, MA | Cell and gene therapy | Neuroscience | Platform | AI, Machine Learning, Spatial Biology, Targeted Delivery |
| NeuroSkye Therapeutics | Canton, MA | Neuroscience | Oncology and immuno-oncology | Blood-Brain Barrier Diagnostics, Precision Medicine, Translational Medicine |
| Nine Diagnostics | Boston, MA | Cell and gene therapy | Oncology and immuno-oncology | Platform | AI, Blood-Based Biomarkers, Precision Medicine |
| Samay, Inc. | Mountain View, CA | Platform | Acoustic Resonance, AI, Digital Health, Wearables |
More details about each company and the teams involved can be found on the Drive website.
These startups will participate, at no cost to them, in curriculum modules taught by industry experts. MassBio’s biotech cohort curriculum partners include Citrin Cooperman, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wilson Sonsini, Voisin Consulting Life Sciences, and Xontogeny. SCbio’s biomarkers and diagnostics cohort curriculum partners include Labcorp, Lilly, K&L Gates, The Matchstick Group, Maynard Nexsen, and VentureSouth. Through a new partnership, MassBio and ADA Forsyth Institute will award one graduate from each spring and fall cohort a sponsored lab bench for one year at the nonprofit research organization’s Somerville facility; all other graduates will have access to a discounted rate.
Both cohorts will present at in-person Demo Days:
- Charleston — May 13, 2026
- Boston at the MassBio Align Summit — October 15, 2026
Since launching in 2022, Drive has supported 59 early-stage companies (70 inclusive of the current cohort) that have raised $290 million in funding.
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About MassBio
MassBio is the driving force behind Massachusetts’s life sciences ecosystem, supporting innovation and industry growth by offering best-in-class resources to over 1,700 member organizations at all stages of the biopharma lifecycle. Founded in 1985, MassBio aspires to extend Massachusetts’s impact as the global center of excellence in biomedical breakthroughs. Through strategic cost-saving initiatives, robust business partnerships, educational and networking opportunities, and proactive advocacy, MassBio empowers its members to launch the next generation of medical advancements to deliver the cures and therapies that enhance patient lives.
About SCbio
SCbio is the definitive, unifying leader in South Carolina’s life sciences sector, fostering authentic collaboration and innovation across academia, startups, government and established enterprises. As a member-driven economic development organization, SCbio represents an industry that generates $20.1 billion in annual economic impact and supports 63,000 jobs across South Carolina. Our members are unified by a mission to positively impact humanity through science across the ecosystem of advanced and specialty manufacturing; digital health and the data frontier; and cutting-edge health specializations. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, or to become a member, visit SCbio.org.