North Carolina is continuing its leading position in the nation’s life sciences industry, especially in the rapidly advancing field of regenerative medicine. This past year, the National Science Foundation’s Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine (PTRME) announced $2.5 million in grants. To learn more, Pulse 2.0 interviewed Dr. Tim Bertram, CEO of the National Science Foundation’s Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine (PTRME).
Dr. Tim Bertram’s Background
What is Dr. Tim Bertram’s background? Dr. Bertram said:
“I am currently the CEO of the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine and am responsible for leading 1 of 10 US-based Engines developed to ensure supply chain and manufacturing security for the US. This Engine brings solutions for major development and commercialization barriers of cell, gene, and tissue engineering technologies by engaging with over 140 companies. Collectively, these companies form an ecosystem which advances the discovery, development, registration and commercialization of advanced therapeutic modalities.”
“I am also the founder and former CEO and director of ProKidney {Nasdaq: PROK}. PROK is a late clinical-stage biotech company focused on the development of a cell-based technology that will preserve kidney function with the goal to end kidney failure. I was the CEO of inRegen and on the board of directors of Twin City Bio. I’ve also served on the board of directors of Nexlmmune, Inc. {Nasdaq: NEXI}, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to immunotherapy designed to orchestrate a targeted immune response by directing the function of antigen-specific T cells, as well as multiple private clinical stage therapeutic companies.”
“I participated directly in the development and registration of eight medical products while serving as a scientific leader and senior executive at Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE}, SmithK/ine Beecham Pharmaceuticals, and The Procter & Gamble Company {NYSE: PG}. I was a faculty member at the University of Illinois, and a visiting scientist at the National Institutes of Health.”
“I have more than 150 publications and over 100 patents.”
Formation Of The PTRME
How did the idea for the PTRME come together? Dr. Bertram shared:
“The Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) initiated a regenerative medical manufacturing focus, which was expanded nationally at the regenerative medicine conference in San Francisco in 2014.”
“Expanding the ‘manufacturing’ focus to regulatory challenges and potential commercialization occurred between 2015 and 2018, affecting the direction of The Regenerative Manufacturing Innovation Consortium (RegMIC) which further expanded in 2019 with the formation of the Regenerative Medicine Manufacturing Society (RMMS).”
“A major step toward implantation of the vision occurred in 2021 and 2022 with the creation of a workforce development project and the build out of an accelerator involving access to advanced manufacturing technologies, work and laboratory space, and more recently, clinical trial offerings, and regulatory consultation. This was brought to an industrial level by attracting ~140 makers of equipment and regenerative medical technologies.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the PTRME so far? Dr. Bertram reflected:
“I got involved with the PTRME team on a pro bono basis in April 2024, consulting on the build out of companies. I had just started two new therapeutic companies – one preclinical- and one clinical-stage and had planned to get deeply involved with these two entities. After 3-4 months of working on the launch of the PTRME, I was captured by the vision of the NSF Cooperative Agreement. In my ~40 years in industry, I had always been driven by the idea of making medicines to help people recover from their maladies. The vision of the NSF/PTRME was grander – I would still be involved in bringing medicines to sick people but, it was expanded now to building an industrial regenerative medicine industrial center, attracting many companies that can help make medicine, create jobs for people and provide economic growth.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of PTRME’s most significant milestones & Would you like to share any specific success stories? Dr. Bertram cited:
“Some of PTRME’s most significant milestones include using the NSF Agreement to put nondilutive capital to work in companies in our region including:
— Biospherix moving a segment of their company from New York to North Carolina
— Attracting FetTech to area from another state and creating business interactions by working with a company in our region
— BMI Organ Bank serving as a commercial developer of our technologies that holds the promise of significantly reducing the transplant organ waiting list
— Establishing the CEO Round table – a group of CEOs attracted to region, representing organic growth of companies that will hire people.”
Notable Metrics
Can you discuss any notable metrics? Dr. Bertram highlighted:
“Attracting companies and business deals for corporate and economic growth in addition to the one-year-old National Science Foundation’s Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine (PTRME) recently announcing a groundbreaking investment of $2.5 million in the region’s regenerative medicine industry through its inaugural Ecosystem Building Grant program. This milestone underscores PTRME’s leadership in regenerative medicine and commitment to positioning the Piedmont Triad as a global hub for innovation. Six innovative companies have been awarded grants to support the commercialization of regenerative medicine products with this funding is expected to catalyze technological advancements, strengthen the local economy, and drive the region’s competitiveness on a global scale.”
“These grants represent more than funding—they are a bold statement about the Piedmont Triad’s role at the forefront of regenerative medicine. 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.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Dr. Bertram and the team face in building the company? Dr. Bertram acknowledged:
“I come from ~40-year career of making medicines, starting companies, and raising capital while never using or taking taxpayer funds. The academic and governmental grant world has different operating practices, procedures, and timelines.”
Future Goals
What are some of PTRME’s future goals? Dr. Bertram concluded:
“PTRME’s future goals focus on economic development by driving innovation, recruiting manufacturing/supply chain companies and workforce development focused on regenerative medicine. A key objective is improving access to regenerative medical technologies that will shape the next generation of products by driving costs down and efficiency up for the manufacturing of advanced regenerative medical treatments. By commercializing regenerative medicine technologies, products, and increasing the number of companies entering the market, PTRME aims to accelerate the development of a regenerative medicine industrial and academic base.”
“PTRME is committed to fostering economic development by not only attracting new companies to the region but also supporting the growth of existing ones. A strong mutually supportive ecosystem is essential to ensuring businesses have the human resources needed to scale and thrive.”
“Talent development is a central component of PTRME’s vision of economic development. By having a highly skilled workforce, the region will become a hub for top-tier regenerative medicine companies.”
“PTRME is dedicated to expanding engagement within the regenerative medicine ecosystem, ensuring sustainable growth that serves as an economic driver for the 16-county region of service centered in the Piedmont Triad region and beyond. Through increased investment from partners—including direct, indirect, and in-kind contributions—PTRME will continue to enhance its impact on the field and the communities it serves.”
