University at Buffalo, Damar Hamlin, Springboard in the news
The Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is now officially part of the University at Buffalo. The move, announced in May, will bring Hauptman-Woodward and its curved building at 700 Ellicott St. and its contents, within UB’s research and educational systems.
Strength in business and science at UB
Two major programs made big moves at the University at Buffalo.
As The News’ Jon Harris reports, the school has officially welcomed the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute under its umbrella. The move to add the 68-year-old institute, which specializes in structural biology research, was announced in May.
And with the expansion comes a new name: The University at Buffalo Hauptman-Woodward Research Institute, or UB-HWI.
“By harnessing the enhanced capabilities of UB-HWI, we will be able to greatly enhance our shared mission of excellence,” UB President Satish K. Tripathi said in a statement. “In so doing, we will expand our impact in research, education and community engagement – all for the benefit of our region and world.”
And in a story by The News’ Michael Petro, UB’s Cultivator program is now complete after the addition of five more startups.
“Mentors give founders the perspective that you can’t do everything, and help them prioritize what the most important things are to help them feel good that they’re doing what they believe is right at this moment,” said Peter Burakowski, senior associate director of Startup Ventures in the UB Business and Entrepreneur Program.
The program includes mentorship, hands-on knowledge and experiences and − arguably the most critical tool to a growing startup − $100,000 in pre-seed funding.
Launched four years ago, Cultivator is housed in UB’s downtown incubator at the Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. Since 2021, there have been 73 Western New Yok-based companies that have participated in the program with 32 of them receiving that all-important funding.
Some 74% of the participating companies in the program have been started by an underrepresented founder, defined as a woman or founder of color.
Springboard to bigger things
Petro also reports on Springboard, a regional entrepreneurship competition that helped smaller organizations in 2024 across Western New York and the Southern Tier allowing those groups to aid more of the entrepreneurs it serves.
Springboard provided more than $600,000 awarded in grants over 12 months. The 2024 pilot program proved to be popular, attracting nearly 450 applications.
“This is an ecosystem thinking and doing together – breaking down silos, being collaborative, welcoming everyone,” notes Christopher J. Schoepflin, founder and principal of Main Light Strategies, which designed and managed
Paul Riser, senior program officer of entrepreneurship and economic development for the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation − a supporter of Springboard − expects a bright future.
“We’re optimistic that something positive will come in the form of Springboard in year two,” he said.
Bills’ Hamlin keeps giving back
The story of Damar Hamlin may be as well known to those who don’t follow sports as it is to Buffalo Bills fans and throughout the NFL.
The Bills’ Damar Hamlin is seen Dec. 1 against the 49ers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Hamlin, who survived a near-death experience before a national audience tuned into “Monday Night Football” two years ago this month, continues to give back to the community in Western New York. This time, he’s providing opportunities for students who need a boost.
As detailed in a story by The News’ Katherine Fitzgerald, Hamlin unveiled the Buffalo Heroes Scholarship during a recent event for Bills’ training staff. Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation will pledge funds annually for 10 scholarships over a three-year span and is geared toward underserved students who are considering private high schools, trade schools and universities in the area.
The scholarships mirror those set up for youths in Cincinnati, which was announced one year after tragedy was averted. Hamlin said he wanted to spread the “message of preparedness and hope,” a nod toward those who helped save his life in 2023 in southwest Ohio.
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