Emil Runge

Emil Runge joined First Flight Venture Center in 2018 to lead its new Health Security Accelerator. First Flight was selected as one of eight accelerators in the country by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to drive innovation in lifesaving medical technologies to solve challenging problems spanning modern health security threats and daily medical care. DRIVe (Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures) is part of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

Emil is working to help connect the Health Security Ecosystem locally and to help identify the most innovative solutions for BARDA. BARDA is looking to fund projects – both through traditional funding like grants and through a nonprofit venture capital innovation partner that joins with other venture capitalists in funding development of a solution. First Flight is both sharing these National Health Security funding opportunities with our national network and helping organizations go after that funding.

Emil and his family moved to The Triangle in 2017. For nearly two decades, Emil has consulted, advised and assisted elected and appointed officials in capacities at the federal, state and local level. Since 2001, he focused primarily on improving his region through innovative public policy solutions and strategic initiatives in the political and governmental arenas. He has spent the better part of the last decade focused on improving Innovation & Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.