BioTools Innovator Webinar Series
The goal of the BioTools Innovator webinar series is to provide the life science tools ecosystem and our portfolio companies with guidance from experts in areas that are specific to the strategic needs outlined in our discussions and surveys.
Our virtual webinars consist of panelists addressing key questions supplied in advance by the BioTools Innovator Accelerator, as well as a general discussion on the topic within the context of the evolving life sciences tools ecosystem. Our webinars are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel and LinkedIn, and are available for viewing on this page.
Webinar Library
2025 Webinar Schedule
*All webinars start at 9 AM PT unless otherwise noted. Webinars will be posted here, or may also be viewed on the BioTools Innovator LinkedIn page.
Cure-ated Clips: Storyboarding Your Science
Key Takeaways
Part 1: MTI/BTI One-Minute Video Competition: Overview & Logistics
- Purpose: The competition is designed to help companies craft a compelling 60-second pitch video that highlights their unmet need, market opportunity, solution, team, and competitive advantage, not a product demo or testimonial.
- Submission Details: Videos must be non-confidential and are submitted through the MTI/BTI portal. They will be hosted on YouTube and judged in part by social media engagement during a two-week public voting period.
- Timeline:
- MedTech Innovator: Video due Aug 28, voting in early September, winner chosen at MEG on Oct 7.
- BioTools Innovator: Video due Sept 18, voting in early October, winner chosen at Capstone on Nov 18.
- Prize: A $10,000 award is given to the top video from each program, determined by live audience vote at the final events.
- Storytelling Best Practices
- Lead with “Why”: Emotional connection is critical. Focus on the mission or personal motivation behind your work.
- Visualize the Value Proposition: Anchor the story in your differentiators. Use visuals that reinforce your unique position in the market.
- Keep It Tight: Stick to one clear message. A suggested structure is:
- Problem (15 seconds)
- Solution (30 seconds)
- Call to Action (15 seconds)
- Showcase Brand & Personality: Leave viewers with a feeling. This is not a technical video; authenticity and emotion matter.
Part 2: Best Video Winners Panel with Brian Mulcahey (Ozlo) & Ricky Spero (Redbud Labs) – Moderated by Jim West (Associate Director of BTI)
Winning Strategies
- Know Your Audience: Brian targeted investors, consumers, and award committees. Ricky focused on strategic partners/customers rather than equity investors.
- Script Comes First: Both founders emphasized starting with a tight script. Words are limited, every second counts.
- Rapid Prototyping Works: Ricky’s team created 3-4 video versions with a mix of iPhone footage, stock media, and professional editing. Brian reused ~10 seconds from his Kickstarter video and created the rest anew to keep a cohesive story.
- Involve the Right People: Use internal feedback and socialization. Ricky revised based on feedback from mentors and even overruled his wife’s opinion after validating with others.
- Start Early: Begin scripting immediately. Allocate ~2 weeks for scripting, 2 weeks for shooting, and 2 weeks for editing and iteration.
Practical Production Tips
- Use Local or Trusted Videographers: Both speakers stressed the benefit of working with either local professionals or known creatives.
- Don’t Underestimate Audio: Poor audio undermines professional quality. Invest in a clean voiceover or professional mic work.
- Make It Multipurpose: Both companies used their final video for fundraising, marketing, and award applications. It became a versatile brand asset.
- Budget-Conscious Creativity: Redbud’s final video used mixed footage and cost-effective editing to build something “good enough” that still resonated.
Part 3: Media Expert Panel with Max Rousseau (Wyss Institute, Videography) and Neil Israel (In-Range Animation) – Moderated by Sam Black (Director of Marketing, MTI/BTI)
- Start with the Message: Max emphasized starting with the question: What should the viewer care about? Nail the script before visuals.
- Storyboard After Script: A storyboard (drawn or basic mock-up) is useful once the script is finalized to plan visuals, including text overlays and graphics.
- Don’t Get Lost in the Science: Both Max and Neil advised focusing on the impact of the innovation, not technical complexity.
- Character-Driven Narratives: Emotional storytelling outperforms facts. The “hero” can be a person, the product, or even a symbolic representation.
- Script-Visual Lockdown: Resist the urge to make late-stage script changes. They derail production and increase costs.
- Animation vs. Live Action: Both are valid. Choose based on your product, resources, and what best communicates your story.
As a scientist, a strategist, and a creative, Sam is the sum of her expertise cultivated across diverse domains. From scientific inquiry to strategic leadership, She’s honed a skill set uniquely tailored to tackle multifaceted challenges.
Her approach blends analytical rigor with creative flair, delivering solutions that surpass expectations. Her work ethic and intuitive understanding drive tangible results, leaving a lasting impact.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Entrepreneur, strategy/marketing/product-oriented general manager and board member with passion, empathy and grit. Proven ability to envision, start, grow and lead new-to-the-world businesses and new-to-the-company capabilities; strategize and plan in the midst of uncertainty; and recruit, coach, motivate and retain world-class teams. Extensive track record of growth and achievement in global technology companies, from pre-IPO start-up through Fortune 100 firms. End-user and OEM expertise with hardware and software products and services in consumer electronics, consumer health & wellness, medtech, digital therapeutics, semiconductor, automotive and sporting goods industries.
Max Rousseau graduated UCF with a Digital Entrepreneurial Cinema MFA in Summer 2013. There, he produced his feature film, Pembroke Circle. In 2017, Rousseau moved to Boston where he currently works as Science Multimedia Coordinator at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard. “My job is to tell the stories behind the cutting-edge science and innovations through short documentaries, narratives and photos.”
Rousseau has worked on projects that celebrate the extraordinary women at the Wyss Institute and that capture the Institute’s creative and innovative spirit as faculty discuss how disruptive technology solutions can positively impact the world.
Neil is a master of animation marketing. Animated videos are a powerful tool that can have wonderful results when mixed with the right script. His focus is on the tech section, specifically biotech, because these clients’ stories are literally changing the world.
He leverages the power of animation to help get the word out on diverse topics, such as new alternative energy options and programs, inequality in high schools, business growth and development, and (as an example of his growing biotech work) new disease management programs to help teens with Type 1 Diabetes.
Through a detailed discovery process, he guides clients to identify visual analogies that simplify their stories. For example, a descending, under-the-water theme was used to illustrate the “deep dive” necessary for background checks.
He has the skills necessary to execute entire animation projects from 20+ years in professional project management and marshal his creativity to tell clients’ stories in a fun and interesting way.
Tech companies spend a considerable amount of time explaining their products — to investors, prospects, and to employees. Neil starts by identifying your aspirational goals for the video, then guiding you through the scripting and storyboarding process. He produces animated stories that will achieve that goal through visual analogies and crisp scripting. This is critical because your audience must believe your product will benefit them before taking action.
Richard is a physicist and entrepreneur in the Triangle. He moved to North Carolina to complete a PhD in biophysics at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2010 he co-founded Redbud Labs with two UNC professors. Building on a MEMS invention incubated at UNC, they’ve commercialized a technology platform called Redbud Posts, and they’re using it to build cartridge-ready components that will advance science and improve care. Redbud Labs was the BioTools Innovator Best Video winner in 2024.
Partnering with Strategics
This webinar will highlight the best approaches and strategies to engage, evaluate, and negotiate partnerships with strategics. Additionally, the discussion will cover effective communication strategies and how to successfully build and negotiate partnership agreements
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Dalia is a scientist with a strong business acumen. She is currently Director for NGS Partnerships & Applications and has a demonstrated history of working in the NGS industry. She is skilled in Sales, Management, Leadership, Transcriptomics, RNAseq, Startup Development, and Life Sciences.
Dalia is a transcriptomics and NGS specialist with an extensive academic and industry research experience in structural and molecular biology. From epigenetics to RNA transport and localized translation in neurons, throughout her academic research she used X-ray crystallography in combination with NMR for structure determination of protein-nucleic acid complexes, accompanied by enzymology and a variety of biochemical methods.
Knowledgeable licensing, strategy and business development executive with a demonstrated history of accomplishments in the life science industry. Skilled in Strategic Development, Business Development-Evaluations (including business case preparation and analysis), Technology Evaluations, Deal Negotiations and Team Leadership. Proven track record of enabling commercialization of high impact technologies, from discovery to market. Skill set shaped by training in science and business disciplines. Practical application strengths evolving from workplace influences including research, clinical, teaching, strategy, industry, academic, non-profit and international roles. Experience leading small to large cross-functional groups. Interests span corporate strategy & BD-Licensing or academic technology transfer office topics across a broad Life Science portfolio range.
Norio Hashimoto is Business Development Manager at Nissan Chemical America Corporation. Norio specialized in business development in the healthcare field and is responsible for promoting new business development in the US and Europe. He graduated from Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Science and had worked as a pharmacological researcher for over 15 years.
Tad is Managing Director of Agilent’s Early Stage Partnership team that manages the partnership/investment relationships of over 30 early stage life science tools companies. He has been in the life science tools industry for 20 years, serving in a variety of research, business development, financial and management roles. Prior to joining Agilent, Tad co-founded and successfully exited two companies. Additionally, he has worked in both the venture capital and petrochemical industries, serves on multiple Boards, holds several patents, is a Wharton MBA and has chemical engineering degrees from UT Austin and UC Berkeley
Go-to-Market or Go Home: Winning Strategies for Biotools Startups
This webinar explores how biotools startups can craft and adapt effective go-to-market strategies, grounded in real customer insights and smart segmentation. Experts will share actionable tactics for market research, sales and distribution, marketing alignment, and measuring product-market fit, all while navigating the resource constraints of early-stage growth.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Strategic commercial leader with extensive experience driving global commercialization strategies in biotechnology, with a focus on clinical diagnostics and molecular technologies.
Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful go-to-market execution, differentiated product positioning, and sustained revenue growth. Known for translating complex science into compelling value propositions, accelerating adoption of innovative platforms, and shaping market landscapes. Trusted advisor to executive leadership, with a track record of delivering in dynamic, high-growth environments.
Jeff is Founding Partner at i5 BioPartners.
As the founder and CEO of ReelReactor, I’m focused on bringing to market one of the most disruptive technologies I’ve ever worked on. ReelReactor is the first scalable continuous micro-batch reactor designed specifically for biological applications.
Outside of ReelReactor, I’ve spent my career inventing technologies that automate the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies for cancer. When I see a technological gap, I develop a concept, design and build it, then test it with real blood to ensure it solves the problem. For the past six years, I’ve consulted for multiple life science companies, with a focus on Thermo Fisher Scientific.
The Price Is Right: Strategies for Biotools That Sell
We will unpack the key principles behind effective pricing strategies for life science startups, from value-based and competitive pricing to early access programs and enterprise negotiations. Panelists will share practical approaches to segment-based pricing, pricing transparency, and how to shift your pricing strategy as you scale.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Accomplished business leader in life science industry with a track record of steady career progression and increasing general management responsibility. Six Sigma Black Belt with analytical problem-solving and a broad commercial perspective. Skilled in leading teams, managing change, and driving innovation.
Edward is a highly experienced life sciences and medical technology leader with core expertise in strategy, marketing, and business development. He has domain expertise in biomanufacturing across multiple therapeutic modalities, bio-tools for pharmaceutical R&D and medical devices for IVF/OBGYN applications, with more than 25 years of management and executive level experience in these markets.
He was Head of Business Development and Strategy for nearly 9 years at FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific until December 2023, where he was responsible for driving growth through business development and strategy execution for the bioproduction, cell and gene therapy, and medical businesses.
Prior to that he was VP of Strategic Marketing for 7 years at Millipore Corporation where he led the strategy and marketing of integrated life sciences tools, including product and applications roadmap development, product life-cycle management, business intelligence, marketing research and marketing communications. He was also VP Filtration, Purification and Chromatography with P&L responsibility for a $400m biopharma life science business unit within Millipore Corporation.
He earned his BPharm degree from Kings College London, MRPharmS certification from St Mary’s Hospital London and an MBA from McGill University in Montreal. He currently resides in the Boston area.
A serial entrepreneur, Sridhar Iyengar has significantly impacted the connected medical devices and wearables industry. Prior to his role at Elemental Machines, he co-founded Misfit, which was acquired by Fossil in 2015, and AgaMatrix, a pioneer in developing medical devices integrating with smartphones. Sridhar’s strategic focus is underscored by his rich patent portfolio and his academic pedigree from Cambridge University, where he was a Marshall Scholar. His vision for Elemental Machines reflects his passion for innovative, data-driven solutions.
Highly accomplished, customer-centric, results-oriented professional with extensive experience defining strategies, developing implementation plans, monitoring KPIs, and delivering comprehensive executive reports. Mastered translating customer insights and feedback into action, while managing strategic customer advocacy marketing, retention, and cross-sell programs to drive adoption, loyalty, advocacy, and growth. A scientific outlook and belief in the power of understanding user needs through quantitative and qualitative data and experimentation. Superior verbal and written communication skills facilitate strong consultative relationships at all levels and engender a leadership environment that is conducive to motivation, goal attainment, and continuous improvement.
Angels, Sharks & Strategics: Inside the Minds of Life Science Investors
This investor panel brings together angels, VCs, and corporate strategics to share how they evaluate, fund, and support life science tools companies. Topics include evolving investment trends, SAFE and valuation strategies, exit expectations, and how to stand out in a tough fundraising environment.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Charles joined the team from Putnam Associates, where he advised biotech and pharmaceutical companies on strategic decisions, including competitive positioning, market research, demand forecasting, and acquisitions. While pursuing his Ph.D. degree, Charles also worked with Biotech Connection Bay Area, where he coordinated networking and professional development events for graduate students and postdocs in the Bay area.
Charles earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, San Francisco where he studied the biochemical mechanisms underlying age-related regenerative decline in the mammalian brain in the lab of Dr. Saul Villeda. He completed a dual Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Biochemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.
Hoerbelt investigates and analyzes new investment and business growth opportunities in life science tools and therapeutics. Before joining RCT, Hoerbelt was a management consultant at L.E.K. and an associate at Illumina Ventures. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience from Albany Medical College, a B.S. in Biology and Philosophy from SUNY at Albany, and completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Ignite Certificate Program in Innovation.
Sammy Datwani is an innovative, strategic leader with a proven track record in developing emerging technologies and commercializing disruptive life science and medical device products. With over 20 years of executive experience, he delivers solutions that help customers achieve their research and business goals. He is an accomplished team builder and leader, guiding cross-functional teams across R&D, innovation, business development, corporate strategy, product development, intellectual property, program management, startups, fundraising, and advocacy.
The Strings Attached: Navigating Grants & Non-Dilutive Dollars
In this webinar, we will untie the string to unpack the strategies and pitfalls of securing non-dilutive funding for MedTech and BioTools startups. Panelists will share practical advice on how early-stage CEOs can get in the door with NIH, NSF, and DOD program officers, and the role of warm networking versus cold outreach. The discussion will cover key differences across funding agencies, hidden terms and conditions that can affect valuation and IP rights, and how to balance grants with equity financing as companies grow. Attendees will also gain insight into the evolving SBIR/STTR landscape, including political and budget cycle impacts, review standards, and application best practices. Finally, the panel will explore creative approaches to building a sustainable non-dilutive funding pipeline, from federal programs to foundations, corporate partnerships, and beyond. With the right strategy, the strings attached can become the ties that bind you to success.
Nicole is the Program Director for MedTech Innovator. Nicole grew up in Michigan before attending Boston University to study Biomedical Engineering as Trustee Scholar. In 2020, Nicole completed her PhD at Harvard University, working on interdisciplinary medtech projects between the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and Mass Eye and Ear hospital. After graduating, Nicole launched a startup company, Beacon Bio, based on her PhD work as a Gliklich Healthcare Innovation Scholar. Following Beacon Bio’s acquisition by Desktop Metal, Nicole served as the Vice President of Biofabrication in their Desktop Health division. Nicole’s accolades include the Collegiate Inventors Competition Graduate Winner (2018), the Baxter Young Investigator Award (2020), the Lemelson-MIT Student Prize (2021), and the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 (2023).
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Kirk Macolini is the Founder, President, & Principal Consultant of InteliSpark. Kirk has over 25 years of experience with the SBIR and STTR programs and been a key contributor to proposals that have resulted in >750 funded projects worth ~$500 million from all SBIR granting federal agencies. His work assisting start-ups in competing for SBIR/STTR funding has been featured in the journal Nature. Many of his clients’ projects are based on University generated technologies – including technologies from well-respected research institutions such as Cornell University, Princeton University, University of North Carolina, Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of California Berkeley. Mr. Macolini earned a Masters of Science and Bachelors of Science in the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has eight-years of military experience in military intelligence and combat engineering roles.
Ricky Spero is co-founder and CEO of Redbud Labs. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2015, Redbud Labs launched its category-defining microfluidic components, MXR and STR. Under Dr. Spero’s leadership, Redbud established its RTP manufacturing operations and attracted more than $9 million in funding. Previously, Dr. Spero served as Redbud’s Vice President of Product Development. He received his PhD and MS in Physics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his BS in Physics at Middlebury College.
Stacy Chin is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Scout Climate, a company dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs working on the world’s most impactful problems by unlocking non-dilutive capital. An expert in federal grants and contracts, Stacy has successfully secured over $40 million in non-dilutive funding and serves as a SBIR/STTR advisor and reviewer. Stacy holds a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry, and she brings both scientific depth and entrepreneurial acumen to her leadership role at Scout
Vinit Nijhawan is a strategic visionary and seasoned entrepreneur who has conceived and built technology organizations acquired by global leaders including Boeing, Motorola, and Qualcomm. Vinit has made contributions across diverse industries such as computing, aerospace, telecom, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devices, biopharma, synthetic biology, and advanced materials. An admired leader and mentor, he is recognized for building and managing high-performance teams while also serving as an empathetic and collaborative team member. After intentionally pivoting from technology entrepreneur and CEO to supporting the next generation of innovators, Vinit began teaching Entrepreneurship at Boston University and went on to lead the Office of Technology Development from 2010 to 2016, publishing the peer-reviewed paper Maximize Collisions, Minimize Friction on that experience. Building on the success of launching eight VC-backed spinouts from BU, he extended this impact statewide as Managing Director of MassVentures, the Commonwealth’s venture organization, where he continues to help entrepreneurs translate bold ideas into transformative enterprises.
Keeping it Above Board in the Board Room
This webinar offers practical guidance on building and managing effective boards, featuring insights from seasoned entrepreneurs and board members. The discussion will cover expectations, communication strategies, common pitfalls, and how to get the most value from your board at every stage of company growth.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Anne is a founder and COO of RealSeq Biosciences, a company dedicated to advancing RNA fragmentomics to diagnose disease. She is an experienced COO within the biotechnology industry skilled in Marketing, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Consulting. Anne has experience in general management at small start-ups to large diagnostics companies including Becton Dickinson. Anne has Master of Business Administration focused in Marketing/Marketing Management from Santa Clara University.
Dan Calvo is an accomplished life sciences executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, currently serving as President and CEO of seqWell, Inc. since 2021. Dan holds an AB in Biochemistry from Princeton University and an MBA from Bellarmine University, blending a strong scientific foundation with proven business and strategic expertise.
Malcolm Kendall has over three decades of operational management, entrepreneurial, venture capital investment and leadership experience, the majority of which has been focused on company creation and building value in technology and biotechnology companies. Formerly a life science venture capitalist with MDS Capital (now Lumira), Hatteras Venture Partners and Intersouth Partners, he lectures at the Segal Graduate School of Business, Simon Fraser University. His formative years were spend as an Infantry and Special Forces officer in the U.S. Army.
Built to Scale: Turning Prototypes into Products That Deliver
This webinar will explore how life science startups can navigate the complex transition from prototype to scalable, commercial-grade manufacturing. Experts will share lessons learned on process development, quality control, outsourcing, and planning for growth without compromising reliability or compliance.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Geoffrey Uhl is Head of Partnerships, Cell and Gene Therapy at PA Consulting, where he leads collaborations to accelerate innovation in advanced therapies. With prior leadership roles including Director of Global Business Technology for Cell Therapy Technologies at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Principal at Oak Creek Biotech, and Program Advisor to BioTools Innovator, he brings deep expertise in product management, technology strategy, and lifecycle management. Geoffrey is recognized as a creative technology leader with international experience across Europe, Japan, and India, and has specialized in cell therapy automation platforms, apheresis, single-use consumables, and process analytical technologies. Passionate about leveraging technology to improve human health, he is known for his forward-looking approach, engineering and product leadership, and ability to foster partnerships across global organizations. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, where he was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society.
Dr. Peter Li is a seasoned business and technology leader, currently serving as CEO of Conifer Life Sciences Group. With extensive experience in both large corporations and startups, he has repeatedly taken technology-driven products from invention through design, testing, manufacturing, and commercialization. A prolific innovator with 33 issued U.S. patents, Dr. Li is recognized for his expertise in scientific instruments, systems design, and technology platform development, as well as his ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver transformative solutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Purdue University, where he studied under Professor Ron Reifenberger, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Materials Science at the University of Minnesota with Professor John H. Weaver.
Scot has over thirty years of industrial experience in pioneering and commercializing cutting-edge tools for life science research. Scot is a prolific inventor and holds 22 United States Patents for solutions in liquid chromatography, ultraviolet – visible spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, protein biochip technology, tandem mass spectrometry, and surface-tethered and free-solution label-free biosensors. He has authored over thirty scientific publications, 6 book chapters, and has over 2,000 citations in the areas of translational medicine, life science research, and technology development. As an entrepreneur, Scot has been in the founding teams of Linear Instruments, Linear Scientific, Biomolecular Separations, and Ciphergen Biosystems. More recently, he founded and launched Molecular Sensing and GenNext Technologies.
The Last Mile: Cracking the Code on Sales and Distribution
This webinar will explore how life science startups can effectively reach their customers through the right mix of sales and distribution channels. Panelists will share strategies for building a scalable sales approach, navigating direct vs. distributor models, and getting products into the hands of users who need them most.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
David Soper, PhD, is an accomplished immunologist specializing in oncology, flow cytometry, and high-throughput assay development, with extensive expertise in hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and clinical therapeutics. Currently serving as Director of Emerging Technology at Revvity (formerly BioLegend), he brings more than a decade of experience advancing scientific innovation, intellectual property strategy, and early-stage technology development. David has established and managed CLIA and GxP laboratories, led cross-functional research, clinical, and informatics teams, and trained and supervised scientists across all career stages. His technical expertise spans multiparametric phospho-flow cytometry, single-cell network profiling, protein expression and purification, and advanced analytical instrumentation. Innovative and detail-oriented, David is recognized for his strong leadership in guiding complex scientific programs from discovery through clinical application. He holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Washington School of Medicine and a BA in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Immunology from the University of California, Berkeley
Eric Mayton is a seasoned executive and strategic leader with over a decade of experience spanning life sciences, biotechnology, financial services, and management consulting. Currently serving as CEO of Cerillo, a life sciences instrumentation company, he has been instrumental in driving innovation in microbial research through cutting-edge laboratory technologies such as the Stratus and Alto portable microplate readers, Duet Co-Culture System, and the newly launched Rayo platform, which enhances throughput and automation for biological product development.
Under Mayton’s leadership, Cerillo has expanded its global presence, forged international partnerships, and positioned itself as a disruptor in laboratory tools designed to simplify workflows and accelerate discovery. His approach has been centered on empowering scientists by reducing friction in research processes, enabling data collection that is faster, more accurate, and more scalable.
Prior to Cerillo, Mayton built a diverse career foundation that included biotechnology operations, private equity, and management consulting. He earned his MBA from the University of Richmond, complementing his deep scientific and commercial expertise with a strong financial and strategic toolkit.
Eric is widely recognized for his entrepreneurial mindset, team-focused leadership, and global expansion strategy. Through Cerillo, he is committed to advancing the efficiency of research teams worldwide, strengthening partnerships, and delivering transformative tools that shape the future of life sciences.
Monica Errico is a seasoned board member, advisor, and investor with deep expertise in the Biotools, Medtech, and life sciences markets. She serves as a Scientific Advisor at TimeX Capital, helping scale healthcare and technology ventures through commercialization strategies, capital structuring, and strategic partnerships. As Founder & Managing Partner of United BioChannels and Apollo Biomedical Solutions, Monica has guided early-stage companies to market traction with proven execution strategies in due diligence, technical assessment, and sales. She also contributes as a Subject Matter Expert with BioTools Innovator VANGUARD and as a judge, faculty member, and mentor at BioTools Innovator, supporting the global advancement of breakthrough life science and diagnostic innovations. Monica holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Bioscience from Seton Hall University and an Executive MBA in Mindfulness in Leadership and Business Management from Sounds True.
Nathan Caplinger is a sales executive with over 20 years of proven success in the research laboratory industry. As Vice President of Sales at VWR, Avantor, he has driven growth across competitive markets while earning multiple awards, including Sales Vice President of the Year (2016, 2017, 2023). His expertise spans sales team development and leadership, business development, customer needs analysis, negotiation, and program implementation, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and delivering measurable results. In addition to his corporate leadership, Nathan serves as Board Member and Business Strategy Chair for Georgia Life Sciences, contributing to the strategic growth of the region’s life sciences ecosystem. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix and also studied Business Administration and Management at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: Quality That Scales
This webinar will dive into quality and regulatory strategies tailored for life science tools companies, helping startups understand how to build compliance into their products from the start. Experts will share practical insights on navigating evolving regulations, avoiding common pitfalls, and using quality systems as a foundation for scalable growth.
Jim is an engineer turned entrepreneur. With a master’s in both Biomedical Engineering Product Development and Entrepreneurship, he blends the business with the technical. Jim previously worked in life sciences and medical devices helping to bring new products to market. He served as Co-Founder and CEO of his most recent company, Clara Biotech, which was founded in 2018 and was acquired by Innovaprep in the summer of 2023.
Axel Strombergsson is an enthusiastic and driven health innovation executive at Veeva Systems, where he serves as Vice President of QuickVault, leading commercialization strategy and business development for Veeva’s disruptive eQMS collaboration platform supporting MedTech companies from early R&D through commercialization and beyond. Since joining Veeva in 2022, Axel has held leadership roles including Director of Strategy for Emerging MedTech and Director of Strategy for MedTech Mid-Market, shaping growth strategies and driving adoption of transformative cloud solutions across the Life Sciences sector. With a career spanning R&D, start-up strategy, manufacturing, supply chain management, commercialization, and venture capital, Axel has contributed to the successful market introduction of a wide range of regulated technologies, including software, surgical devices, imaging technologies, biomaterials, small molecules, drug delivery systems, diagnostics, surgical guidance systems, orthopedic hardware, prosthetics, and exoskeletons, while consistently scaling teams and revenues exponentially. He holds an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, completed the Emerging Venture Manager Program at VC Lab, and studied Marketing, Economics, and Psychology at Hawaii Pacific University, combining technical depth with global business and investment expertise to drive transformative healthcare innovation.
Michel Moravia is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Quality Means Business, where he leads the development of QualiVerse, the first AI-native regulatory platform built by regulatory professionals for regulatory professionals. Since founding QMB in 2021, Michel has guided the company’s evolution from a boutique advisory firm into a cloud-native, AI-first SaaS platform that helps MedTech innovators and biopharma leaders de-risk development, accelerate FDA submissions, strengthen compliance, and maximize ROI. His conviction that regulatory strategy should never be the barrier preventing life-saving technologies from reaching patients has fueled years of hands-on experience navigating the complexities of submissions, denials, and compliance risks, culminating in the launch of QualiVerse, a platform leveraging a proprietary regulatory knowledge graph, AI agents, and a patent-pending algorithm to transform regulatory from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. Michel holds an MBA in Health Sector Management, Strategy & Innovation from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, an M.S. in Product Design & Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University, and a B.S. in Biochemistry & Mathematics from Framingham State University, combining technical depth, regulatory expertise, and business acumen to accelerate the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs.
Nicolle Cannon is the Founder and CEO of Cannon Quality Group (CQG), the country’s leading solution for Quality support and innovation in the medical device, MedTech, and digital health space. Since 2009, Nicolle and her team have helped hundreds of companies streamline Quality Management Systems, freeing innovators from burdensome processes so they can focus on developing transformative healthcare solutions. Dedicated to pushing Quality professionals out of their comfort zones and into more strategic, versatile roles, she has built CQG into a trusted partner across all device classes, technologies, and global markets. In addition to leading CQG, Nicolle serves as an Advisory Board Member for Cal Poly Biomedical Engineering, contributing to the development of future leaders in health innovation. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is passionate about reshaping the role of Quality from a regulatory necessity into a true driver of innovation and business success.
With extensive experience in business development, operations, and manufacturing, Ross has commercialized innovative healthcare technologies. Previously a cofounder of Cardea Bio, he brings a decade of entrepreneurial experience in biotechnology. Ross is a key figure in the San Diego startup ecosystem, driving advancements in medical technology.