SLAS Ignite Panel Discussions

Success Stories: Launching Commercial Products from Ideas

Monday, January 27 | 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. | Location: Ignite Theater

How do great ideas become new companies? How to avoid pitfalls on the perilous road of entrepreneurship? Join experts from business and tech as they answer questions and share their prowess. Aimed at academics, students and early-stage entrepreneurs; anyone interested in innovation “war-stories” is invited to attend.

Presenters:
Nancy Albritton, Ph.D., Frank and Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering, UW-Seattle
Jackie Hunter, Ph.D., VP and CSO, BenevolentAI
Elizabeth Iorns, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Science Exchange;
June Lee, M.D., EVP and CDO, Myokardia;
Raphael Werding, Senior Global Product Manager, Genomics Services, QIAGEN

TRISH, Where Space and Health Intersect

Monday, January 27 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Location: Ignite Theater

The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is a biomedical research institute advancing the frontier of where space and health intersect by bring emerging health care technology to the human deep space travel. Hear about adapting Earth-based technologies like astronaut self-diagnostics, radiation treatment, enhanced foods and non-pharmacological performance enhancement are being developed to support future Mars missions. This discussion is aimed at space technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs interested in potential projects with TRISH.

Presenter:
Jimmy Wu, Ph.D., Senior Biomedical Engineer, Translational Research Institute for Space Health and Associate Director Exploration Medicine Laboratory, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine

How Diversity Drives Entrepreneurial Success

Tuesday, January 28 | 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. | Location: Ignite Theater

Are organizations missing out on great ideas from within because of the monocultural group that initially reviews them? An active professional and social debate about “manels” (all-male panels), unbalanced review boards and advisory teams is underway. Join us to discuss the importance of diverse, inclusive groups to drive scientific ventures.

Presenters:
Kevin Eggan, Ph.D., Professor, Harvard University 
Rekha Hemrajani, Board Member and biotech executive
Elizabeth Iorns, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Science Exchange
Phyllis Whiteley, Ph.D., Wildcat Venture Partners