Indianapolis, IN – Four Indiana University-affiliated companies and a fifth Indiana-based company have been selected to participate in the IU Health Incubator at IU LAB Pre-Accelerator powered by gener8tor, a national startup accelerator program based in Indianapolis at 16 Tech Innovation District. DreamTech LLC (dreamtechllc.com), ConnexStem (connexstem.com), Bahto Biosciences (bahtobio.com), Fibtacular (fibtacular.com), and Aerly Diagnostics will join as members of the second cohort supported by a partnership between Indiana University Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB), Indiana University Health, and national venture capital firm gener8tor.

The IU Health Incubator at IU LAB Pre-Accelerator is a non-equity, non-dilutive, free to founders accelerator program designed to set a path for startups to pursue investment opportunities. Startup founders receive intensive concierge coaching over a seven-week span, and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors.

gener8tor received more than 50 applications across the nation for the program. The five selected companies were chosen based on their growth potential and investor readiness. See below for additional details on each company.

“Incredible discoveries are emerging from Indiana’s R1 universities, and after a standout inaugural year, I was excited to return and help move the next wave of innovation forward.” said Camilo Lozano, gener8tor Director. “This program not only supports these five companies, but brings opportunity and economic development to the entire Indiana life science community.”

“The success of the inaugural cohort showed just how much entrepreneurial energy exists in Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem. Through our continued partnership with gener8tor, IU LAB is cultivating homegrown innovation, growing our startup ecosystem, and developing breakthrough health technologies right here in Indiana,” said David Rosenberg, President & CEO of IU LAB.

At the end of the program, the startup founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public at a showcase event at Guggman Haus Brewing Co, 1701 Gent Ave, April 2nd, 4:00pm EST. Click here to RSVP.

Startup companies and founders interested in learning more about gBETA’s programming and resources or applying to a future program can visit the gener8tor IU LAB Pre-Accelerator website, or reach out to Camilo Lozano at camilo@gener8tor.com. Those interested in mentoring these companies or getting involved in other ways are also encouraged to connect.

DreamTech, LLC is a science-driven software company focused on reducing reliance on animal testing via predictive modeling for toxicity outcomes and better safe dose calculations. The tiered SaaS platform combines ToxDT, an AI-powered digital twin platform used pre-in vivo to simulate toxicity scenarios, and BBMD, a widely adopted dose–response modeling tool used post-in vivo to derive safe doses and regulatory benchmarks. Backed by $2.3M in NIH STTR funding, DREAM Tech supports 6,000+ registered users, has completed 1M+ toxicity analyses, and generates $36K in recurring revenue.

Founder & CEO: Dr. Kan Shao | kan.shao@dreamtechllc.com | dreamtechllc.com
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ConnexStem is a specialized preclinical testing company providing pharmaceutical and biotech partners with human stem cell-derived retinal models to evaluate drug safety and efficacy. Because animal models often fail to replicate human retinal and neural biology, ConnexStem enables earlier, more human-relevant insight into disease mechanisms, target engagement, and neurotoxicity risk. Built on $16M NIH-funded, disease-validated research, ConnexStem is launching as a focused contract research organization with active industry partnerships while building toward scalable assay products.

Founder & CEO: Dr. Jason Meyers | jasonmeyer@connexstem.com | vibrantmuscles.com
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Bahto Biosciences develops a non-opioid small-molecule therapeutic for painful peripheral neuropathy, a condition with limited effective treatment options that afflicts more than 19 million Americans. Bahto Biosciences has generated multiple active derivatives from a proprietary chemical scaffold representing novel composition-of-matter with in vivo efficacy in peripheral neuropathy. Advancing the lead candidate toward IND-enabling studies could deliver the first disease-modifying therapy for a condition with limited effective treatments.

Founder: Dr. Deron Herr | dherr@bahtobio.com | bahtobio.com
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FIBTACULAR develops a platform for predictive human drug testing that uses proprietary additive manufacturing and programmable 3D nanofibrous scaffolds to grow adult-scale lab-grown human tissue and organs. FIBTACULAR aligns with FDA-supported New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) by enabling human-relevant testing, cuts preclinical testing cycles, lower development costs and reduces late-stage drug failure risk. FIBTACULAR was founded upon the work by our CSO, leading to 35 under 35 innovator recognition by MIT Technology Review.

Co-Founder & CEO: Clive Liu | cliu@fibtacular.com | fibtacular.com
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Aerly Diagnostics is the first health wearable technology company able to accurately detect exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in real time. The neck-worn sensor captures airway sounds and muscle activity to identify early signs of throat closure during exertion, serving specialty clinics, health systems, and athletic organizations to manage breathing restriction before symptoms escalate. Backed by a $3.7 million NIH award and strong clinical partnerships, Aerly is advancing a first-of-its-kind wellness device for conditions difficult to monitor outside of clinical settings.

Founder & CEO: Dr. Rita Patel | aerlydiagnostics@gmail.com

About gener8tor

gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate accelerator programs and conferences in more than 46 communities across 25 states and territories and three countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.

About gBETA

gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised $900M+ in capital and created 5,949+ jobs across the U.S. and Canada.

About IU LAB

IU LAB is Indiana University’s signature life science innovation initiative. Located at 16 Tech Innovation District, IU LAB is charged with advancing life science innovation, commercializing research, and training the next generation of life science leaders. For more information, visit iulab.iu.edu.

About IU Health

Indiana University Health is dedicated to offering highly-skilled, patient-centered care. Named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital in four specialties, IU Health Medical Center is the only academic medical center in the state. The distinctive partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – equips our highly-skilled physicians with access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.