Georgia Life Sciences Announces 2026 Golden Helix Award Honorees

Award recipients will be recognized at the Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on August 25

ATLANTA, Ga. - Georgia Life Sciences today announced the recipients of the 2026 Golden Helix Awards, recognizing the individuals, organizations, partnerships, and investments that are advancing innovation, improving patient care, strengthening Georgia's economy, and shaping the future of the state's life sciences ecosystem.

The honorees will be celebrated during the Georgia Life Sciences Summit Welcome Reception and Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, August 25, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, kicking off Georgia's premier gathering of life sciences leaders ahead of the Summit on Wednesday, August 26.

"For nearly two decades, the Golden Helix Awards have celebrated the people and organizations whose vision, collaboration, and commitment continue to elevate Georgia as a global leader in life sciences," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "This year's recipients represent the extraordinary innovation taking place across our state-from groundbreaking research and transformative investments to workforce development and community impact. We are proud to recognize their achievements and the lasting difference they are making for patients, our economy, and the future of healthcare."

2026 Golden Helix Award Honorees

Phoenix Award

· Micron Biomedical & Emory University - Industry-Academic Partnership

Innovation Awards

· Dr. Kyle Johnsen, University of Georgia

· Focused Cryo (Dr. Yogi Patel, Co-Founder & CEO)

Community Awards

· Angela Gill Nelms, Biolocity

· Frugal Science Academy

· Jessica King Holden, Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair

· Dr. Marlo Vernon, Augusta University

Deal of the Year Awards

Economic Development

· UCB & Rowen Foundation

· Shriners Children's Research Institute, Georgia Tech & Emory University

Acquisition

· LymphaTech & Tactile Medical

· Avanos Medical

Financing

· Altesa BioSciences

Federal Grant

· HEAL: Healthy Ameliorated Lymphatics, Georgia Institute of Technology

· Manus & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (HHS/ASPR)

Emerging Leader of the Year

· Dr. Ryan Devine, Medical Innovation Hub, Georgia Tech

Legislator of the Year

· Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-29)

Teacher of the Year

· Ana White DeKalb High School of Technology North at Cross Keys

The Golden Helix Awards recognize excellence across Georgia's life sciences ecosystem, honoring breakthrough scientific discoveries, strategic partnerships, commercial achievements, community leadership, and investments that strengthen the state's position as a national leader in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, research, and advanced manufacturing.

The awards ceremony serves as the opening event of the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit, bringing together executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders, and academic institutions from across the state to celebrate innovation and explore opportunities shaping the future of Georgia's life sciences industry.

The Georgia Life Sciences Summit will take place on Wednesday, August 26, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, featuring nationally recognized speakers, executive panels, CEO spotlights, networking opportunities, and the Solutions Corridor showcasing organizations driving the industry's continued growth.

To learn more about the Georgia Life Sciences Summit or to register, visit https://www.galifesciences.org/summit.

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