Venture platform, led by UF grad, establishes fund to advance innovation, improve human health

September 12, 2025

by Alisha Katz, APR, MAMC

A new fund at the UF College of Health & Human Performance aims to spark collaboration between healthcare industry partners and emerging entrepreneurs and innovators. The Entrepreneurship & Translational Incubation Fund, launched by Camelot BioCapital, a venture platform focused on biotech company creation that was co-founded by UF graduate Colby Kash, D.C., M.S., will provide mentorship, resources and awards to innovators across UF.

Kash, Camelot BioCapital’s chief executive officer, is supported in the effort by Josh Sharan, D.O., the company’s chief science officer, and Spencer Rice, D.O., chief operating officer.

“We are motivated to help translate UF’s discoveries into real-world solutions that enhance human health, optimize performance, and enrich lives,” Kash said. “This fund reflects our commitment to providing the fire starter for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.”

A graduate from the college’s Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, Kash pursued his Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition and saw the potential in advancing innovative technologies that increase the human healthspan. Across Camelot’s portfolio, over $100 million has collectively been raised for research and development of novel therapeutics targeting cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

The $100,000 investment at the university will enable entrepreneur mentorship programs involving UF’s industry partners, student and faculty awards and events to foster cross-disciplinary innovation.

“This investment not only strengthens our innovation ecosystem at UF but also creates opportunities for students and faculty to bring ideas from concept to market,” said Garrett Beatty, Ph.D., the assistant dean for innovation and entrepreneurship at the UF College of Health & Human Performance. “We are deeply grateful to Camelot BioCapital for their vision and leadership.”  

“Camelot BioCapital’s generous support has the power to transform student experiences by turning leading-edge research into real-world solutions that improve lives,” said Mike Reid, Ph.D., the dean at the UF College of Health & Human Performance. “By connecting our students with industry leaders – whether that be for mentorship, collaboration or entrepreneurial opportunities – we ensure they graduate ready to innovate, lead and make a difference.”

The new fund underscores UF’s growing stature as a national hub for biotech, health innovation and entrepreneurial education and gives students a launchpad for careers in fast-growing fields – advancing Camelot BioCapital’s mission to accelerate breakthrough ventures.